Garden Programs Manager

at  Catholic Charities of Louisville

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Garden Programs Manager is a full-time position with Common Earth Gardens (CEG), a program of Catholic Charities of Louisville, Inc. The position reports directly to the CEG Program Director (PD). The Gardens Manager is responsible for helping to increase food security within the international community in Louisville by assisting the CEG PD with overseeing the management of community garden sites. This position is also responsible for management of programming that aims to increase sustainable and climate-smart practices at all CEG agricultural sites. This position supervises the CEG staff that manage those sites to ensure proper management and gardener communication: the Community Garden Coordinator and a potential part-time contractor position. The Gardens Manager is responsible for increasing CEG outreach to the growers. The Gardens Manager assists the Program Director with day-to-day operations of Common Earth Gardens, as well as strategic planning for future growth.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of experience in land/natural resource management, farming, urban agriculture, and/or horticulture. Supervision experience a plus.
• Experience working in a multicultural setting or with diverse populations. Bilingual abilities are a plus.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in an effective manner
• Must be people oriented and relate to varied ethnic populations
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently
• Must be able to facilitate interagency collaboration to achieve project objectives
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented
• Must have proficient PC skills including Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of any information she/he encounters.
  Catholic Charities of Louisville is the social-service arm of the Archdiocese of Louisville. We provide help and create hope for the poor and vulnerable through a wide range of programs, assisting clients of all races, backgrounds and beliefs

• Oversee daily management of CEG community gardens, to include monthly garden meetings, 1:1 with growers, development of garden leaders, and coordinating with staff to plan workshops and other educational opportunities.
• Work closely with community partners to develop and implement conservation and land management trainings for New American farmers and interested community groups in the Louisville area.
• Promote sustainable agricultural practices by partnering with local conservation programs to build and maintain pollinator habitats and tree plantings at community agriculture sites.
• Support community groups planning new agricultural sites to develop sustainable systems as the spaces expand to include more land. Build relationships with gardeners, landowners, and neighbors.
• Conduct outreach to various cultural groups in Louisville to assess interest in agriculture and conservation engagement. Schedule meetings with interested parties to share information to support groups who are interested in developing agriculture sites.
• Supervise and manage Community Garden Coordinator and designated contract positions.
• Build sustainable partnerships and collaborate with partners to enhance CEG programming.
• Implement community organizing techniques, coordinate classes with external partners, and introduce community members to professionals and agencies in the area.
• Ensure all documentation is complete for community gardeners, including garden agreements, photo releases, and Client Track is updated.
• Work with community agriculture sites to develop vision statements, governing structure, democratic decision-making processes, financial management systems, etc. Develop garden and conservation leaders.
• Assist PD in the development and growth of CEG garden programs that align with mission and program strategic goals; with managing social media and program promotion; and with budget oversight and spending.
• Other duties as assigned.