Background
The Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association (RINLA) is a 501©(6) trade association representing a diverse set of professionals in plant-based industries, committed to stewardship, equity and education, to innovating and advancing the industry. RINLA’s members include nurseries, landscape contractors, arborists, green engineers, stone masons, tree care experts, garden centers, landscape architects and designers, fruit and vegetable growers, compost and mulch producers, fine gardeners, and others. Among the members are small and medium size businesses, regional outposts of large multinational companies, multi-generational businesses, and start-ups.
In February 2018, RINLA established a multi-employer Registered Apprenticeship program to train and retain the next generation of workers and leaders in these diverse industries. The Registered Apprenticeship model is very familiar in the construction trades, but new to plant-based industries. As RINLA grows this program, we are also working to strengthen the ecosystem within which it exists, by advocating for supportive policies and building pipelines of new people into the industry. The program is the first of its kind in the country.
Job Summary
The Education and Training Coordinator orchestrates and executes RINLA’s educational offerings over the course of the year, including aligning educational offerings with the Registered Apprenticeship program’s training requirements. With passion for and familiarity with plant-based industry, the person in this role is charged with ensuring that RINLA provides accessible, relevant, and in-demand trainings and resources to members. This includes designing, planning, delivering and evaluating RINLA’s proprietary education and training programs while also managing, updating and leveraging a portfolio of high quality educational resources available locally, regionally, and nationally. The ideal candidate is comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment, thrives when wearing many hats, and enjoys the work of creative planning and nitty gritty execution.
This is an independent contractor position with a one-year project-based contract. Pending available funding, strong performance and demonstration of ongoing need for this role, opportunities for renewal of this contract may exist. Remote work as well as travel for program events and meetings, as necessary, are required.
The Education and Training Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
Successfully orchestrate, integrate and execute RINLA’s education offerings over the course of the year for a broad range of experience levels (entry-level, crew leaders, business owners) and across a broad range of formats (e.g. classroom-based, experiential/hands-on, online or distance learning)
Serve as facilitator and host at all organizational trainings/events
Oversee planning and delivery of Registered Apprenticeship program trainings, such as the multi-week Winter Intensive, including managing budgets, coordinating curriculum development contractors and instructors, and organizing site visits—virtually and in-person, as required
Oversee the RI Certified Horticulturalist program (currently being enhanced), including program promotion, communications, registrations, budget, and maintaining the database to track recertifications and professional development credits
With the Executive Director and the board committee, develop annual schedule for Twilight Meetings (monthly educational and networking events), attend all, and oversee event administration, promotion, execution and documentation
With Executive Director and the Board committee, lead development of annual winter meeting educational offerings
With Executive Director, develop strategy for new education and training offerings
Develop and maintain a portfolio of local, regional and national educational opportunities, identifying and pursuing opportunities for partnership with other relevant education providers
Design and implement evaluations for all trainings and educational offerings, analyze evaluation results, and adapt future programs accordingly
Liaise with RINLA staff, board, advisors, and member businesses—in close coordination with the Executive Director— to ensure that all offerings are timely, seasonally appropriate, accessible, targeted and relevant
With the Executive Director, coordinate with institutions of higher education to leverage existing educational assets and strengthen pathways between industry and these institutions
Requirements
Bachelors’ Degree
Five or more years of work experience in one or more sectors of plant-based industry (landscape, nursery, or horticulture) or in adult education, or workforce training
Excellent project management skills
A self-starter who is able to work independently
Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills
Ability to pivot and solve problems creatively
Proven ability to overcome obstacles in a collaborative manner
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience engaging and communicating with diverse stakeholders
Computer literacy, and ability to creatively leverage technology tools for education and training
If you want to play a key role in developing innovative workforce training opportunities and career pathways in plant-based industries, have the experience and qualifications for this position, and want to join an ambitious organization, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please include “RINLA Education and Training Coordinator” in the subject line.
Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and email. Background checks and a computer literacy test may be required of final candidates.