Primary Purpose of Position: 

Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the Education Programs with UFI to include creating programs, developing curriculum, engaging with schools and community members to facilitate programming, and increasing community awareness.  Advance programming for in school programs/exposure/recruiting for summer programs.   

 

Essential Functions: 

  • Work with local schools, community organizations and other stakeholders to develop relationships to enhance connection and create programming opportunities between schools and UFI, including on-farm/at-school hands on learning opportunities and programming for youth and teens, with a special focus on empowering youth through agriculture education, leadership development and community involvement and at school programming. 

  • Lead workshops, programs, hands-on farm activities, and seasonal events designed to engage youth and teach them about agriculture and sustainability. 

  • Design growing curriculums for schools; work with parent associations and school officials to create learning opportunities. 

  • Work with community members and local schools to facilitate teen and young adult programs, increasing awareness and participation.  

  • Facilitate all aspects of programming, including but not limited to materials, set up, staffing and supervision of students. 

  • Develop and document clear safety guidelines; conduct regular training for all relevant individuals; evaluate protocols regularly and update as needed.  

  • Guide and supervise education program participants and outside groups. 

  • Create a comprehensive database of contact information for schools, include Principals and key contacts. 

  • Provide written weekly updates on status of work; monitor and document the progress of youth participants, gathering feedback to assess the effectiveness of programs; adjust programs as needed based on feedback and outcomes. 

  • Assist with managing the budget for youth programs, including procuring necessary materials and supplies for activities. 

  • Travel to schools and community establishments as needed to present education opportunities with UFI.  

  • Increase participation in all programs; organize recruitment activities and outreach efforts to attract diverse youth populations to the farm. 

  • Attend and serve as a representative of UFI at local events. 

  • Evaluate, modify and add programs as needed. 

  • Other duties as assigned.  

 

Requirements and Qualifications: 

  • 4+ years of experience working with youth and developing youth programming preferred. 

  • 3+ years of curriculum building experience. 

  • 2+ years of experience working on an urban farm preferred. 

  • Resides in or is familiar with locations of our farms – Dorchester, Mattapan or Roxbury - preferred. 

  • Completion of UFI Urban Farmer Training course or similar urban farmer training program preferred. 

  • Must be comfortable interacting with diverse populations, including youth and teens, program and farm partners, volunteers of all ages, neighbors and community members. 

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

  • Valid driver’s license required. 

  • Must be able to work independently and as the member of a team. 

  • Must be willing to learn on the job and work closely with the Farm Team. 

 

Physical Requirements: 

  • This position will require both sitting for periods of time and walking/standing for periods of time.   

  • Requires possible outside work in various weather conditions.  

  • Ability to lift 30 lbs. 

  • Requires being able to travel to off-site locations as needed. 

 

Reporting Structure: 

Reports to Deputy Executive Director. 

 

Qualification Requirements: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function in a satisfactory manner.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

UFI offers health and dental insurance as well as generous vacation time!  To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Amber Dickerson at adickerson@urbanfarminginstitute.org    

You may also mail a resume to:  

UFI  

Attention: Deputy Executive Director  

487 Norfolk Street, Mattapan, MA 02126