JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking a Food Access Program Director who is responsible for the oversight of all Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market and Food Access programs. Currently Farm Fresh RI manages 9 seasonal farmers markets and supports a network of over 20 partners in facilitating Food Access programs at farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs statewide. The largest Food Access program managed by Farm Fresh RI is the Bonus Bucks program, which matches the value of SNAP spent for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
Farm Fresh Food Access programming includes efforts to increase the affordability and availability of fresh, local foods for all residents of Rhode Island. Farm Fresh credits farms in serving a critical role for solving foods-related crises in Rhode Island, including hunger and diet-related disease. Hosting farmers markets is a crucial strategy in supporting the local food economy while also providing healthy foods directly to communities. The Food Access Program Director will bridge the gap between agriculture and public health by developing and maintaining key partnerships and programs, seeking new connections, and ensuring Food Access programs are meeting community needs.
The Food Access Program Director is a critical member of the Farm Fresh RI management team and will serve as a key external face of Farm Fresh RI in the community. They will work closely with the Senior Management team to ensure the long-term success and viability of Food Access initiatives while also delivering quality programs that carry out the mission of Farm Fresh RI. This is a new position that will start at an exciting point in Farm Fresh RI history as we transition to our new home in the Valley neighborhood of Providence.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Planning, Execution, and Budget Management (40% time)
- Oversee implementation of current Food Access programs including: Farmers Markets, Fresh Bucks, Bonus Bucks, and Fruit and Veggie Rx programs and work with Senior Management Team on new program development
- Ensure Farmers Market and Food Access activities are compliant with funder, state, and local city requirements
- Support the development and collection of internal program feedback and required grant-tracking systems
- In partnership with the Senior Management Team, help with budget development and monitoring for Food Access programs
- Procure necessary farmers market equipment, signage, and supplies as needed
- Work with Senior Management Team on strategic planning for the growth and development of Food Access programs
- Personally staff one weekly farmers market year-round (including Saturdays 7am -2pm November through April)
- Assist with grant reporting as needed
Farm Fresh Market Outreach and Community Engagement (40% time)
- Maintain and deepen relationships with existing farmers market site partners.
- Engage with new community partners around increasing food access via Farm Fresh RI programs in the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket.
- Manage distribution of farmers market program marketing materials, seeking/selecting tabling opportunities for part-time staff to attend.
- Provide support to the network of RI farmers market managers and USDA FINI grant partners by managing listserv membership and providing communications and training as needed.
- Maintain up-to-date information on RI farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs that accept SNAP, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
- Expand communications and implement outreach strategies around how to use SNAP, Fresh Bucks, and WIC/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs at local food outlets.
- Host tours and provide resources that educate about Farm Fresh Food Access programs.
- Schedule community partners to attend weekly farmers markets.
- Monitor websites and work with communications staff to keep public information current and up to date.
Team Management (20% time)
- Direct, plan, and coordinate the work of 1-2 full-time staff, 6 part-time seasonal staff, AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers — including recruitment, supervision and evaluation, training, and team building.
- Instill a sense of accountability among team members by modeling tight oversight of individual and organization performance standards.
Skills Required
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Experience in a team management role with strengths in hiring, managing, and empowering individuals and teams
- Demonstrated success developing and evaluating program models, and selecting and successfully operationalizing innovative programs
- Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Experience having worked with a high-performance, collaborative, constructive peer group
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values
- Passion for local food systems and social justice
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including early evening and weekends as needed
- Proficiency in computer programs including Microsoft Office and G Suite
- Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds, carry items over uneven surfaces, and stand for extended periods of time
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable access to a car
- This position is subject to change over time given needs of the organization
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
To Apply
- Please send your resume and cover letter Attn: Thea Upham to thea@farmfreshri.org with subject line “Food Access Program Director.”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final application deadline is Sept 6, 2020.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Farm Fresh RI is seeking an immediate part-time, seasonal Farmers Market Program Associate for September and October. The Farmers Market Program Associate will support internal operations of farmers markets while also attending markets to enforce COVID-19 safety rules and regulations. Applicants must be able to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment and be willing to work with the public in a socially distant and outdoor setting. The Farmers Market Associate position is subject to change over time given needs of the organization.
They will work closely on a small team made up of two program managers, seasonal part-time program staff, plus year round volunteers and interns. Farmers Markets run rain or shine, we are passionate about making sure we are serving our community and vendors year round. An ideal candidate will be energetic, outgoing, organized, and passionate about community connections and food access.
Immediate Need — Schedule Requirements
Applicants must be available for a least 20 of the following hours to be considered:
- Wednesdays, 1:45pm - 7:00pm
- Saturday, 7:30am - 2:00pm
- Thursday, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
- Friday, 7:30am - 2:00pm
Skills Required
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Applicant must:
- Be outgoing and able to connect with a range of audiences
- Be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds
- Be able to work effectively on a team
- Have excellent verbal communication and customer service skills, with an ability to enforce market rules and regulations
- Have strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Be able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
- Have access to reliable transportation for transporting market equipment to and from program sites across the state
- Have a valid drivers license
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-english language skills
- Candidates from Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
- Excellent computer skills
- Farming or foodservice experience
- Customer service and administration
Hours/Benefits
- Part-time position: 15-25 hours a week
- Some early evening and Saturday hours required
- $13/hr plus mileage reimbursement
To Apply
- Please fill out our online application.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The Farm to Community AmeriCorps member works with our Community Education and Farm to School team to implement local food and nutrition program activities across RI. They will design and implement local food and nutrition education activities alongside staff and volunteers. They will ensure our education department works with community partners to extend greater access to healthy, locally grown food across populations from pre-k to seniors. This includes supporting cooking classes, taste tests, farmers market programming, garden programs, in-school and after-school food and nutrition education program series, among other exciting opportunities to bring local food and agriculture knowledge and access to the community. Being an enthusiastic healthy food advocate is a must, and understanding of growing and garden practices is preferred but not required. This position starts September 21, 2020. Deadline to apply is 9/6/2020.
Primary Responsibilities
- Refine existing food literacy and nutrition curriculum, and develop new programming based on community and organizational needs.
- Implement local food programming at various community sites including schools, after school program sites, farmers markets, camps, and senior centers.
- Establish meaningful relationships with partners and stakeholders including farmers, school professionals, community site leaders, students, and families.
- Support data tracking and program performance measurement systems.
- Provide outreach to new sites and populations, and communications support.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must commit to a full 45-week, approx. 20 hour/week AmeriCorps service term from September 2020 to August 2021
- Must have high school diploma/GED
- College degree or working towards one preferred but not required
- Must be willing to work occasional nights (until 7pm) and weekends; schedules are determined by program needs and will be worked out with supervisor
- Must be able to work well in a diverse environment
- Must be able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
- Be a US Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident and be able to provide documentation of citizenship
- Be willing to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check
- Strong desire to work within communities to provide services
- Experience with youth/youth development preferred
- Experience in group facilitation, classroom and/or training is preferred
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Great attention to detail
- Self starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
- Excellent time-management skills
- Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Must hold a valid drivers license and have access to reliable transportation
- Spanish skills or other language skills are a plus
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, and fighting poverty. Members commit to a fixed term of service and receive a living allowance and end of service education award.
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
- $7000 living stipend, divided and paid weekly (est. $156.00 per week)
- $3097.50 Segal Education Award (upon completion of 900 hours of service)
- Student loan forbearance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
Apply
- Please fill out this online application.
- Applications are due by September 6, 2020
Farm Fresh RI Foundational & Organizational Outcomes
As an organization, we feel it is important that all employees in all programs of Farm Fresh Rhode Island are expected to uphold the following outcomes in addition to their specific job responsibilities:
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
- Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed to ensure safe food handling at all times.
- Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in our office, café, and at all program sites. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
- Food Systems Knowledge: All workers can speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development and understand how Farm Fresh RI programs address different aspects of these topics.
- Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and with all constituents of all Farm Fresh RI programs.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
