Director of Community Agriculture & Nature Stewardship

This position is responsible for community engagement, coordination, and property management at Gather New Haven’s 3 urban farms, 45+ community gardens, and 7 nature preserves. The Director will develop and execute a comprehensive maintenance and stewardship plan and manage relationships with volunteers, staff, contracted vendors, interns, partner organizations, and governmental entities to ensure that all sites are well-maintained, safe, and accessible. This Director will ensure that all community farmers and gardeners have the resources needed to grow food and flowers using safe, organic growing methods.

This position will coordinate with the Director of Nature Based Learning on the development and delivery of nature-based learning activities and with the Manager of Environmental Entrepreneurship on the placement, engagement, and supervision of participants in the Growing Entrepreneurs and Eco-Lab programs. The Director will coordinate and support Gather New Haven’s pilot BIPOC Farm Incubator program, which will seek to provide training, support, and access to land for new BIPOC farmers on
Gather’s farms.

The Director of Community Agriculture and Nature Stewardship will participate in annual planning related to the needs of the farms, gardens, and preserves; will manage related budgets and grants; will collaborate with the Executive Director to update Gather’s strategic vision for land stewardship and property management; and will represent Gather New Haven as needed in public and community settings. Key focal points for this position include professional and sustainable operation of all sites; advocacy for urban agriculture, natural resource stewardship and nature-based learning, equitable food system development, public health, and environmental sustainability.
This position is part of Gather New Haven’s leadership team and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Employment Details:
Start Date: Available immediately. Open until filled.
Employment Type: Full-time (40 hour/week equivalent). FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $60-70k

Essential Job Functions:

Financial and Budgetary Responsibilities

• Develop an annual budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and Leadership Team for all program areas.
• Document all expenses and work within the agreed upon annual program budgets.
• Assist Grants Management Team in seeking and applying for grant opportunities.
• Understand and implement grant requirements within programs adhering to grant management processes and grant reporting timelines.

Supervisory and Volunteer Management Responsibilities

• Hire, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate paid employees: Community Agriculture and Nature Stewardship employees, Growing Entrepreneurs, and Garden Captains. Training includes on the ground practical training for seasonal staff.
• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate 3-5 weekly seasonal volunteer shifts March – November.
• Track and document all Community Agriculture and Nature Stewardship operations, including staff and volunteer hours.
• Work to build a welcoming and positive atmosphere at all sites.
• Report to and collaborate with all designated Gather New Haven Committees.
• Participate in activities and events to engage community volunteers in agriculture and stewardship activities.
• Coordinate events and educational workshops facilitated by a part-time staff member orvolunteers.
• Maintain positive relationships with all community members.
• Partnerships and Community Engagement Activities
• Serve as a community resource for urban agriculture and natural resources stewardship.
• Build/maintain community support and trust with community members at all Gather sites.
• Inform and co-lead the design, scheduling, and facilitation of agricultural workshops throughout the year.
• Develop relationships and partnerships as relevant to our mission.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attend Gather New Haven staff meetings.
• Work collaboratively and contribute to Gather New Haven’s strategic focus and planning.
• Contribute directly to the effort to address racial equity at every level of the organization.
• Participate annually in the professional development and evaluation process with the Executive Director in the context of organizational and personal goals.
• Oversee safe use and maintenance of all vehicles.
  Property Management Responsibilities.
• Routinely visit all farms, gardens, and preserves to assess maintenance and property management needs.
• Identify, secure, and supervise contracted services for tree work, landscaping, construction projects, and other services as needed.
• Assure all sites are well-maintained and accessible including:
  ○ mowing
  ○ garden bed repair and maintenance
  ○ greenhouse, shed, and equipment repair and maintenance
  ○ regular and seasonal plumbing
  ○ path/trail maintenance
  ○ bulk and other trash removal
  ○ and snow removal.
• Mediate conflict among community stakeholders related to the farms, gardens, and preserves.

Position Requirements:

• 3-5 years of management experience
• Agricultural/conservation experience
• Preferably bilingual/Spanish proficiency

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use arms/hands/fingers, talk, hear, and walk. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Benefits:

• Participation in a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Sick Days, Personal Days, Comp Time, and Flex Time Arrangements
• Fifteen paid holidays
• Childcare Leave and Bereavement Leave public health, and environmental sustainability.