Education Program Manager

Position Description

Background

The Hudson Valley Farm Hub (Farm Hub), a 1,255-acre working farm in Hurley, NY that
provides training for new and existing farmers, supports research and demonstration of new
practices, and serves as a resource to advance local food and farming. The Farm Hub is an
initiative of the Local Economies Project (LEP). LEP aims to foster a more equitable and
resilient food system in the Hudson Valley—one in which economic, social, and ecological needs
are in balance. To achieve this vision, LEP provides grant funding, creates programming, and
acts as a collaborator with others working to promote stewardship of natural resources and greater
equity in the food system.

The Farm Hub’s educational programming includes: a multi-year, residential ProFarmer Training
Program (ProFarmer Program); field days and other meetings for area farmers; and collaborative
trainings and events with other educators in the region. Educational programming will be made
accessible to those who are traditionally excluded from farm education, farm management, or
ownership, including people of color, farm workers, women, immigrants, and veterans.

Position Summary

The Farm Hub is seeking an Education Program Manager. S/He will be responsible for
developing and managing educational programming as well as assisting with some teaching and
serving as a representative of the Farm Hub. S/He will ensure that the program is grounded in the
needs of the Hudson Valley’s food system and embodies the mission and vision of LEP and the
Farm Hub.

In coordination with the Farm Hub management team, the Education Program Manager will
promote and implement an exemplary learning, working, and living environment. The Farm Hub
is approaching its third year as a nonprofit education, research and demonstration farm on land
used by previous owners as a for-profit sweet corn operation. This land use transition extends
beyond soil and cropping methods to every part of the farm’s operations. As part of the Farm Hub
management team, the Education Program Manager will be instrumental in shaping the farm and
learning environment by supporting the creation and implementation of clear and transparent
policies and procedures, supporting the development of the farm’s equitable and ecologically
regenerative practices, and promoting a compassionate, inclusive, and safe work environment for
all staff, trainees, educators and guests.
  

The Education Program Manager will develop curriculum, including syllabi and lesson plans,
with external faculty and advisors and Farm Hub staff with the goal of delivering education using
a participatory, collaborative, and co-creative approach where all participants share knowledge,
learn, and build consensus in an environment of trust and respect.

The Education Program Manager will report to the Associate Director of Farmer Training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Education Program Development and Implementation

• Develop the ProFarmer Program curriculum, including annual syllabi and lesson plans
• Plan for educational activities beyond the ProFarmer Program, including field days and
regional farmer meetings
• Schedule off-farm educational activities for staff and trainees
• Assist with some teaching, including workshop or lesson delivery
• Develop and implement a ProFarmer trainee recruitment plan

Leadership and Management

• Convene advisors, consultants and stakeholders to advise on curriculum content, program
design, and teaching methodology
• Recruit and supervise visiting faculty
• Supervise education program support staff
• Work effectively with Farm Hub and LEP management team, Program and Community
Relations staff

Operations & Administration

• Develop and manage the education program budget and work plan
• Work with LEP and Farm Hub staff to support employee training throughout the
organization
• Arrange for needed language translation/interpretation support services for educational
materials and events
• Develop and oversee calendaring and scheduling for trainings, visits, and other events
• Develop and implement onboarding and orientation plan for trainees, instructors, and
others
• Acquire needed technology and learning materials
• Assist with writing grant applications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements and Qualifications

Qualifications
• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent experience
• Written and verbal proficiency in English and Spanish
• Commitment to mission and vision of LEP and the Farm Hub
• Excellent collaborator and communicator
• A self-starter who is able to learn on the job and multi-task
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and dispute resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills
  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct
outreach, group facilitation, and presentation
• Willingness to travel and have a flexible schedule with some evening and weekend hours
as required

Required Experience
• 5-10 years experience in the educational field
• Experience using alternative education methods (e.g. popular/participatory education;
peer-to-peer learning, inquiry learning; project-based learning)
• Experience in developing a program curriculum, including annual syllabi and lesson
plans
• Experience in program design and management, agricultural education, and/or workforce
development
• Instructional experience within a secondary, community-based organization, or college
setting
• Demonstrated success in effective management and supervision of staff
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and Google Apps
• Financial management and budgeting for a nonprofit organization
• Grants writing, non-profit experience a plus
• Public speaking

The Education Program Manager is a full-time, salaried position. We offer a competitive salary
and benefits package and are an equal opportunity employer. All candidates, regardless of race,
gender, age, or sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to
profarmer@hvfarmhub.org. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

To find out more, visit LEP at http://www.localeconomiesproject.organd the Hudson Valley Farm
Hub at http://www.hvfarmhub.org. For more information about the ProFarmer Program, see
http://hvfarmhub.org/programs/farmer-training/.