Farm and Youth Assistant Program Director

Gardening the Community (GTC) (gardeningthecommunity.org) is a youth-based food justice organization engaged in urban agriculture, sustainable living, and organizing for healthy and equitable communities. We believe in the power of our communities to make change through developing and supporting home grown leaders.  

GTC is a fiscally-sponsored organization of TSNE (tsne.org).

Farm and Youth Program Asst. Director is responsible under the supervision of the ED/BC for managing and developing Gardening the Community agricultural activities, ensuring that they are in alignment with youth program educational goals at GTC Walnut and Hancock St. sites. This position works closely with the ED/Bd Chair on overall organizational management, including human resources, strategic program development, partnerships, and community outreach.

Essential Functions

• Develop, manage and oversee implementation of all farm production plans and systems, including growing, harvesting, composting, watering, sustainability, site maintenance and infrastructure, and coordinating with Farm Advisor;
• Create budgets and monitor all farm-related expenses;
• Manage marketing, sales and distribution of crops through wholesale accounts, farmer’s markets, or other points of distribution;
• Direct supervision of work of the Youth Program and Food Access Managers ensuring the fidelity of each program including curriculum development, youth participant enrollment, volunteers, and residents on GTC land; ensure safety and security at all times;
• Review all aspects of GTC external communications including web presence, social media, and graphic design; ensuring a strong brand and clear and consistent messaging regarding GTC’s mission, programs and goals;
• Lead annual evaluation of programs as well as development and measurement of key metrics and benchmarks for success;
• Participate in and contribute to all fundraising, media, and event activities as appropriate;
• Ensure integration of GTC’s commitment to racial justice, undoing racism, and food justice;
• Lead farm site work planning, goal setting, and strategy;
• Ensure proper human resources management, support, and training for Farm and youth staff and youth participants;
• Represent GTC at public forums, community initiatives, and partner coalitions;
• Develop and steward strong community partnerships.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• Prior supervisory experience;
• Prior curriculum development and lesson planning experience;
• A minimum of 2 years of full-season agricultural experience, preferably in an urban environment;
• A minimum of 1 year of full-season farm management, including creating business, production, post-harvest handling, and marketing plans;
• Demonstrated experience in project, program, and/or organizational management;
• Commitment to creating and managing budgets;
• Supervisory experience on an urban farm/traditional farm a plus;
• Experience working with youth and commitment to youth leadership and youth development;
• Experience in BIPOC entered multi-cultural environments;
• At ease working outside in an urban environment;
• Able to perform hard and repetitive physical work outside in all weather;
• Communication and design skills or experience.

Physical Demands/Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
• Stand for longer periods of time
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;

TSNE/Gardening the Community envisions a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all our employment-related decisions, including hiring practices. Accordingly, TSNE actively seeks people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.

As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE/Gardening the Community will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.