Community Garden and Programs Coordinator

Position Details

Title: Community Garden and Programs Coordinator

Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.

Reports to: Director of Community Engagement, Programs and Partnerships

Status: Full time, non-exempt

How to Apply: Click here to apply and submit a résumé and cover letter. The priority application deadline for this position is February 1. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.

As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over

$2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)

POSITION

The Community Garden and Programs Coordinator advances local and regional community engagement efforts at Duke Farms by leading the Community Garden, delivering impactful public programming and supporting visitor engagement. This role provides leadership for the Community Garden while supporting programs, visitor engagement, membership experiences, events and partnerships that advance the mission of DDF and contribute to Duke Farms’ role as a leading convening space.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Community Garden and Programs Coordinator at Duke Farms, you will:

Cultivate a thriving and efficient community garden operation

• Manage day-to-day operations and infrastructure to ensure a safe, sustainable and functional garden operation.

Activate gardeners, volunteers and the community in meaningful, mission-aligned work

• Foster a connected and collaborative gardener community where all participants feel welcomed, informed and supported to contribute to a thriving ecosystem.

Champion conservation and climate resilience education initiatives

• Design and deliver workshops, programs and seasonal events that empower community members to practice ecological stewardship and sustainable land management.

Advance community science and volunteer engagement

• Collaborate cross-functionally to design and implement educational programs and service opportunities that foster learning and community participation.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in horticulture, education, ecology or other related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group learning experiences, workshops or orientations for diverse adult audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with a diversity of audiences and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in visitor-facing environments, balancing service quality, safety and organizational guidelines.
• Proficient in using technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms and generative AI tools to drive efficiency and operational excellence.
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms campus and travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds to a height of 12 inches.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including, but not limited to, heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• A valid driver’s license.

We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Anticipated starting hourly rate is $21.00 to $26.00, and the final offer will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.