Director of Urban Agriculture

Company Overview

Our client is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Newark's communities through nutrition-focused education and inclusive wellness programs. Their approach integrates hands-on community programs and food service educational seminars to promote sustainable health and wellness practices. They empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives by providing access to gardens, nutritious food, and wellness resources.

Position Overview

The Director of Urban Agriculture is a key member of the leadership team, providing strategic and operational leadership for the Urban Agriculture Department. The goal of the department is to address food insecurity, provide access to growing spaces and mitigate environmental impacts across Newark by developing, implementing and managing strong programs alongside community members and partners.

Location: Newark, NJ

Schedule: Onsite

• Monday-Friday
• Some evening and weekend hours required.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $68,000.00 - $72,000.00 USD/Annually

Key Responsibilities

• Food Production: Manage all food production activities, primarily the hydroponic greenhouse at Branch Brook Park, ensuing efficient, year-round production of fresh produce. Lead the development of educational and technical assistance programs to support other growers, youth development, and community members.

• Food Initiatives: Oversee the distribution of produce through the development of food retail operations, including regular farmers markets, farmstands, the year-round CSA program and partnerships with local organizations, with a focus on developing sustainable market infrastructure in the city.

• Plot-It-Fresh Community Garden Program: Support Newark residents in accessing space to grow food by partnering with local community gardens and urban farms, developing programming and workshops for gardeners and providing resources to local growers.

• Newark Tree Canopy Initiative: Led by the Nature Conservancy, our client is a community partner on a large tree planting initiative, overseeing the planting of trees and community engagement in the central ward.

• Provide strategic oversight and operational management for all urban agriculture

programs, working with program managers to ensure successful program development, implementation and execution

• Oversee greenhouse operations, including crop planning, food safety compliance, data management and reporting

• Lead the expansion of the Conservancy’s food access initiatives, affordability, community engagement and sustainability

• Support the continued development of the community gardening program maintaining relationships with partner sites and gardeners, supporting year-round programming and providing direct resources to garden sites year-over-year

• Support the tree planting and community engagement efforts for the Newark Tree Canopy Initiative, working with The Nature Conservancy and partner organizations to ensure successful outcomes

• Continue the development and implementation of systems for tracking data and outcomes, evaluating programs and reporting impact

• Continue the development of process documentation for all programs, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols

• Identify and lead the development and implementation of sustainability best practices throughout all program areas (i.e. resource usage, composting, waste mitigation, etc.)

• Support fundraising activities, leading and collaborating on grants to support new or existing programs

• Manage program budgets and department finances

• Along with the Director of Development, support grant and reporting deliverables

• Along with the Executive Director and other leadership staff, support the ongoing success of the organization, its staff and programs

• Supervise and mentor program managers and department staff, ensuring proper communication channels are established and the team feels supported

• Maintain a collaborative, mission-driven team culture

• Oversee recruitment, training and professional development opportunities for staff

• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with community members, urban growers, local organizations and food system stakeholders, seeking feedback and fostering opportunities to collaborate

• Develop programs alongside key community stakeholders, leveraging steering committees and advisory boards and/or developing needs assessments tools to ensure program development is in line with community needs

• Represent the Conservancy in community coalitions, conferences and events

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand the Urban Agriculture Programs, incorporating feedback from community members and partners

• Stay informed about trends and best practices in urban agriculture, food access and community-based food systems

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for the Urban Agriculture Department and the organization as a whole

• Collaborate with internal teams to share impact stories from Urban Agriculture programming

Qualifications

• BA/BS, preferably in Food Systems, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Nutrition, Community Development, or work equivalent

• 3-5 years of experience in program management, food systems, farmers markets, community food access, or related community programs

• 2-3 years of supervisory experience

• Excellent communication and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)

• Intermediate knowledge of food safety regulations and protocols. ServSafe certification preferred

• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records, operate a Point-of-Sale system and manage relevant data and information

• Strong people management, interpersonal, and supervisory skills

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required Success Factors

• Commitment to racial, environmental, and food justice

• Able to work outdoors to operate markets and run events in variable conditions

• Passion for food justice, community health and supporting local food systems

• Commitment to equity and inclusion in food access programming

Physical Demands

*The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Regular work schedule for this position is approximately 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday) and may require additional hours, including on weekends, as necessary

• Unless otherwise noted, this role will take place in person, either in the office of Greater Newark Conservancy, or out in the field

• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception, Ability to adjust focus and Ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear

• The employee is frequently required to stand, bend, and walk

Compensation

The published salary range is used as a guide to provide prospective candidates with a level of compensation that is competitive with today’s market. The salary range for this position is a good faith estimate that allows for flexibility to align with various levels of experience, education, and performance.

EEO Statement

Topaz HR is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We value and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please Note: Topaz HR is conducting this search on behalf of one of our clients. The employer's name will be disclosed during the interview process, and all hiring decisions will be made directly by the client.