Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking a full-time Community Education Manager. The Manager, reporting to the Farm and Sea to School Director, is responsible for supervising all Farm Fresh RI’s Community Education program activities by managing relationships with community partners, managing program staff and schedules, and participating in Farm Fresh RI Farm to School and Community Education program strategy. They will work closely under the management of the Farm and Sea to School Director on a small, energetic, and organized team made up of two full-time AmeriCorps members and one part-time program staff member.
An ideal candidate is committed to supporting local food systems and communities and has experience with formal or informal education, network building skills, and strong program management skills.
About Community Education Programs at Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Farm Fresh RI manages a diverse variety of programs, many of which increase the availability and affordability of locally sourced foods for all New Englanders. A robust local food system relies on local communities understanding how to access and prepare locally grown, harvested, and produced goods. The food that is harvested regionally consists of high-quality fruits, vegetables, and proteins—ingredients for a diet high in nutrition. Providing consumers with the tools to access and enjoy these healthy foods is the task of the Community Education department.
Since 2009, we have provided Community Education series at farmers markets, senior centers, libraries, and in-school and after school programs, and supported statewide Farm to School efforts. Our Farm to School and Community Education programs emphasize hands-on, age-appropriate sessions on food systems, food literacy, agriculture, nutrition, gardening, and cooking.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Ensure all Community Education programs and grant outcomes are managed effectively including scheduling, coordinating logistics, purchasing for inventory, and staff development and data collection.
- Manage Community Education part-time program staff, VISTA Members, and other AmeriCorps positions.
- Supervise Community Education program grants, program outcomes, and activities. Submit grant invoices and draft grant reports.
- Identify new and existing opportunities within the community to support education around food and food systems work.
- Participate in strategic planning and goal setting for the program on a yearly basis.
- Build and maintain stakeholder relationships with Farm Fresh RI’s non-profit partners, state agencies, farmers, schools, and food-service management companies.
- Program costs are tracked and monitored in comparison to budget numbers, in collaboration with the team and Program Director.
- Execute scheduled education program activities when necessary.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform this Role
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Passion for local food, food systems, social justice, and education
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to juggle and track multiple tasks and responsibilities
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Must be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds
- Must be able to collaborate and work on cross program and departmental teams and efforts
- Must have strong and evolving commitment to participating in Farm Fresh RI’s equity goals
- Must hold valid driver’s license and have access to reliable personal transportation in order to transport program and outreach materials to and from the office (business miles will be reimbursed)
- Must pass a background check in order to execute programs in school and senior care settings.
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Formal or informal education experience, especially in nutrition, schools, or food systems
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental & Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car, train, and bus.
Pay & Benefits
- This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $41,000 to $55,000 dependent on experience
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holiday benefits
- Monthly contributions to flexible health, dental, and life insurance plans
- Annual professional development credit and opportunities
- IRA Matching contribution after 2 years of employment
To Apply
- Please send your resume and cover letter Attn: Stephanie Bush to [email protected] with subject line “Community Education Manager”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final application deadline is April 30, 2023
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Organizational Info
Farm Fresh has grown briskly since achieving 501c3 status in 2007, to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for local and regional farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh RI hosts a variety of programs to enhance the local food system, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh also operates a range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of eaters with thousands of farmers and food producers across the Northeast region.
Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and eaters in our region.
Vision: A Northeast region abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinner table.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast-paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.