Job description

Director of Gardens and Culture

Norris Square Neighborhood Project seeks a dynamic and energetic bilingual educator / community organizer to fill the newly created Director of Gardens and Culture (DGC) position. Formerly the Urban Garden Director, the DGC will play a more active role in program development and education, and less of a role in the physical maintenance of the garden spaces. The DGC will work closely with the Executive Director to further restructure the current Garden program to encompass more cultural and environmental pieces.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Latino culture, especially Puerto Rican; familiarity with organic and sustainable gardening and the environment; experience in education, community organizing, empowerment and outreach; and enjoy sharing their knowledge with community members, students, youth, volunteers, and visitors. The DGC will supervise garden staff and assist in attaining organizational and programmatic goals; collaborate with community and program partners; and evaluate the overall effectiveness of NSNP’s garden programs. This position will have a key role in strengthening our cultural and environmental programs and food production activities in the Norris Square community. Responsibilities include the following:

Community Engagement

• Provides support and advice to the Campesinos community garden members with the goal that the group becomes more self-led.
• Supports trainings and workshops to garden members and community members on issues associated with food justice, nutrition, empowerment, culture, gardening, and more.
• Serves as a support and liaison to the garden membership and NSNP.
• Investigates and cultivates partnerships with other community based organizations, businesses, and more.

Cultural Preservation & Programs:

• Promotes the garden spaces as outdoor cultural spaces to actively share the Latino and Afro-Caribbean history and culture.
• Preserves and shares Puerto Rican and Latino culture, while creating a space to explore other cultures.
• Plans, coordinates and promotes community arts and culture programs and events.
• Engages youth, community members, and visitors by sharing the history and story of the gardens.
• Works with Youth programs to support the production of multimedia clips for the Sound Gardens collection that is hosted on our website and displayed at our gardens through QR codes.
• Engages youth from after school programs in food production, environmental and cultural activities.

Educational Programming:

• Collaborates with NSNP’s Executive Director to design youth programming and educational opportunities in the gardens that incorporate elements of STEAM, Latino culture, and organic gardening techniques.
• Develop a curriculum to teach workshops to the community that focus in organic gardening and healthy cooking and nutrition.
• Maintain existing and build new partnerships with organizations to foster a program that offers education around food justice issues to the Norris Square community.

Garden production & sustainability

• In conjunction with the Food and Landscape Coordinator, engages individuals, interns and volunteers in garden related activities.
• Supervises the Food and Landscape Coordinator in their work of crop production, ornamental care, soil management, of the gardens.
• Assists in marketing culturally relevant produce (e.g. culantro, tomatoes, yams, etc.) through farm stands, farmer’s markets or other opportunities.

Administrative / Other

• Maintains financial and operational records as appropriate.
• Assists the Development staff in coordinating and organizing events in the garden spaces.
• Represents NSNP at public events, conferences, and workshops.
• Be prepared to lend a hand throughout the organization as needed.

Minimum Requirements/Preferred Experience:

• Fluent or superior proficiency in Spanish
• Experience in the Latino community
• Knowledge of the Puerto Rican culture, as well as general Latino culture
• 2 years experience in cultural and environmental education
• Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a farm or garden setting
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers
• Ability to balance multiple projects
• Experience managing and building programs
• Energetic communication as well as confidence in speaking in public
• Interest and familiarity with issues relating to youth leadership development, social justice, food access, and cultural preservation

Our BenefitsNSNP is committed to staff learning, growth, and development. Our investment in staff includes

• A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
• Ample opportunities to connect with program staff members and clients.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical, and dental insurance.
• Generous paid vacation days, sick days, and holidays.

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline