Executive Director, Philadelphia Orchard Project – Oct 10

Posted by Philadelphia Orchard Project on September 16, 2025

Founded in 2007, the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) began with a bold vision: to transform vacant and underutilized urban spaces into thriving community orchards that provide fresh fruit, green gathering spaces, and opportunities for education and empowerment. Over the past 15+ years,
POP has grown from a grassroots initiative into a citywide movement, partnering with community groups, schools, and local organizations to plant and maintain dozens of orchards across Philadelphia’s most underserved neighborhoods.

POP’s work is deeply rooted in principles of food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and social justice. By creating accessible, community-managed green spaces, POP addresses systemic inequities in food access while fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. These community-owned orchards serve as living classrooms, sources of healthy food, and catalysts for neighborhood revitalization.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organization that is not only impacting urban agriculture and food justice but is poised for significant growth and innovation. POP is at a pivotal juncture, transitioning from a co-leadership model to a new chapter led by a single Executive Director
with a bold strategic vision.

The next Executive Director will inherit a financially stable organization with strong grantmaker relationships, a passionate staff, and a stellar reputation in the community and beyond. The role also calls for a leader who can foster collaboration, navigate varied perspectives, and bring
together a team of staff and partners across different generations and cultures.

Applications will be accepted until October 10, 2025.

Learn more and apply.