Educational Program Manager, Growing Places

Educational Program Manager
Growing Places, a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Leominster,
MA,
seeks self-motivated individual who loves being outside, is knowledgeable
about food gardening, is committed to social justice, and enjoys working
with
people of all backgrounds and ages to join our team.

Organization Description
At Growing Places (GP), we believe in the power of gardening to changes
lives
and use gardening as a platform for social change. We help low-to-moderate-
income communities in North Central Massachusetts realize the many health,
economic, and social benefits of growing and consuming healthy fruits and
vegetables by building food gardens and teaching the skills to grow,
harvest
and use fresh produce.

Position Description
The EPM will implement all of Growing Places¹ community-based education
programs, including coordinating all gardening and healthy eating education
programs for backyard gardeners, community gardeners and the public. This
position plays a crucial role in the organization: delivering high-quality
programming, building relationships with residents and community partners,
and
ensuring program improvement through data-driven evaluation.

Primary Position Responsibilities
€       Design, implement and evaluate hands-on, high-quality education about
growing, harvesting and using fresh produce, including our Community
Teaching
Gardens, Learn & Grow Workshop Series, Food Gardeners¹ Gathering, Backyard
Gardener Track and Digital Education (Growing Times, social media accounts,
videos)
€       Support 85+ community gardeners, including communication, leadership
development and community building activities
€       Provide materials support to include ordering, pick up, and
distribution of materials, seeds and seedlings to participants, including
assisting in garden installations/renovations/expansions
€       Perform outreach, intake and assessment of applicants for all
education programs and volunteer positions
€       Assist with written and oral Spanish translation of education outreach
and program materials
€       Supervise seasonal, part-time Education Assistant

Position Qualifications
€       Demonstrated experience with and intermediate knowledge of food
gardening
€       Demonstrated experience in coordination/management of community-based
education programs
€       Experience with leadership development and outreach
€       Passion for food, nutrition, gardening and its impact on community
health
€       Excellent customer service/people management skills
€       Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
€       Spanish language proficiency
€       Ability to work independently and as part of a team
€       Computer skills required ­ general Internet, Outlook, Microsoft Word
and Excel proficiency
€       Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
and tasks
€       An undergraduate degree in agriculture, community development or
related field, or equivalent experience
€       Knowledge of North Central MA communities a plus!
€       This position is year-round and full time. Must be available to work
weekends and evenings and have independent and reliable transportation.

Application Process:  Please email a resume, cover letter and three work-
related references by October 20th to: employment@growingplaces.org and
place
EPM in the subject line.