Manager of Education, Food Moxie

Posted by Food Moxie on November 27, 2017

Revised 11.21.2017 (posting)

Are you ready to apply your talents as an educator to the growth of an innovative nonprofit that builds healthier communities by connecting people to the earth, their food, and each other? Do you want to be challenged by your work, learn a ton of stuff, contribute to creating a new way of interacting with the earth and the food it produces, have a lot of fun, be inspired, and make a significant impact?

Job Overview & Requirements
Food Moxie seeks a Manager of Education (MoE) who will develop curriculum for – and lead – our farm/garden education programs. The MoE will work collaboratively with other program staff and volunteers to deliver innovative farm, nutrition, and culinary education programs using a team-based approached. They will maintain, create, and strengthen relationships with site partners and the community organizations with whom Food Moxie partners. The successful candidate will have high emotional intelligence and be able to easily develop trusting relationships with diverse individuals from many different backgrounds. The MoE will have a strong work ethic, the ability to lead and adapt, and a commitment to Food Moxie’s mission and values.

Our story: Food Moxie was founded in 2007 as Weavers Way Community Programs, the nonprofit affiliate of Weavers Way Cooperative. From seed to supper, Food Moxie educates and inspires people to grow, prepare, and eat healthy food. We accomplish this through our work with underserved students, children, and families in one of the poorest and most food insecure communities in the country. We use garden and culinary education programs – both growing food and cooking food – to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits. We share knowledge, tools, and inspiration, to connect individuals to the power they have to transform their own health and the health of their communities.

Reports to: Program Director

Supervises: PT Education Specialist(s), Seasonal Staff, Volunteers/Interns

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Education Management & Support
• Create, deliver, and/or support learning events that inspire people to farm, garden, and cook
• Develop and implement curricula for after-school, in-school, and summer programs
• Take the lead to ensure that education spaces are safe, clean, and organized
• Design workforce development, vocational training, and life skills learning opportunities
• Provide day-to-day management and support of learning spaces across sites
• Create and maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for all education events

Volunteer/Seasonal & PT Staff Management
• Orient seasonal staff, student interns, and volunteers to sites and provide on-boarding
• Oversee day-to-day activities of PT and seasonal staff, as well as interns and volunteers
• Complete performance evaluations and performance improvement plans as needed
• Coordinate schedules and assign tasks
• Provide materials, supplies, and tasks to staff and volunteers

Project Management
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget
• Plan, budget, oversee, and document all aspects of projects as needed
• Coordinate internal and external resources and materials to execute projects and lessons

Partnership Building
• Keep staff and community members at partner sites informed about Food Moxie happenings, offerings, events, and opportunities
• Collaborate with liaisons at partner sites to increase fresh food usage and program participation
• Work with stakeholders at program sites to develop strategies to increase visitation and engagement with growing and other learning spaces

Record Keeping, Documentation & Meetings
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records
• Submit weekly/monthly/quarterly reports as requested
• Participate in meetings and retreats

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES
• At least two years of relevant professional experience including curriculum development and program delivery ideally related to environmental education, gardening, nutrition, and/or cooking
• Bachelor’s degree in education or relevant field; will consider equivalent work experience
• Ability to lift 50 pounds; to drive, walk, stand, kneel, bend for long periods of time
• Valid driver’s license (or willing and able to acquire one prior to starting employment) and regular & reliable access to a vehicle
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers
• Experience working with communities of color, with a nuanced understanding of systemic oppressions
• Ability to work with people at all ages and stages from diverse backgrounds, including children/youth, those experiencing homelessness, and those with differing intellectual and/or physical abilities
• Flexible, resourceful, and adaptable to unexpected situations
• Ability to work independently and solve problems collaboratively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products

JOB PARTICULARS, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
Type: Full Time, Exempt (occasional evenings/weekends)
Sites: All Sites, Community Events
Compensation: $34,000-37,000 (commensurate with experience)
Competitive benefits packaging, including medical/dental/life/disability insurance; 401k plan plus match; 15% discount at Weavers Way Co-op; generous paid time off

HIRING PROCESS & TIMELINE
To apply: Send a resume and thoughtful cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, and explaining how you heard about this opportunity, to andrea@foodmoxie.org using the subject line: Manager of Education.

Deadline: 12/11/17
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will contact only those candidates whose professional experience meets our requirements. No phone calls please.

Process: We will conduct short phone interviews to screen qualified applicants on a rolling basis.
▪ In-person interviews will begin in mid-December.
▪ Finalists will be invited to a 2nd-round interview; offer will be made shortly thereafter
▪ We would like the selected candidate to start in early January

Note: Before the start of employment, any potential employee must pass:
▪ PA Child Abuse History Clearance;
▪ PA Criminal Record Check; and
▪ FBI Criminal Background Check. Staff working directly with children must complete the free online course mandated by PA on Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse.

FOOD MOXIE values and promotes a culture of inclusion, seeking staff from diverse backgrounds. FOOD MOXIE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected factor. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.