Position Title: Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Initiatives

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: CEO

Anticipated Start Date: Mid-February 2024

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: AfriThrive is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of underserved immigrant communities through increased access to culturally appropriate healthy foods, youth skills development, and economic opportunity. Our programs and services are designed to disrupt the cycle of spending trade-offs between food and other critical necessities that perpetuate food insecurity. By taking an integrated and holistic approach to pair food with other critical social determinants of health interventions, AfriThrive seeks to increase family stability. For more information regarding AfriThrive, please visit our website.

SUMMARY: AfriThrive is seeking a Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Initiatives to lead existing and new innovative programs that champion food sovereignty. This role entails supervising farm staff, managing both government and non-government contracts, and ensuring the successful delivery and measurable impact of our programs. The candidate should possess a unique combination of strategic foresight, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to community-focused agricultural practices. The Director of Urban Agriculture and Food Initiatives will design, develop, and manage urban agricultural projects and food-based initiatives that align with our organization's mission and values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Agricultural Production and Healthy Food Access:

· Provide strategic leadership in the planning and implementation of all Urban Agriculture and Food Initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives

· Direct operations of the Cultural Farm and school garden initiatives.

· Supervise a team of three full-time staff members and seasonal assistants.

· Develop and enforce policies and procedures for community gardeners, including the application process and plot assignments.

· Design and execute programs connecting residents with urban agriculture while promoting food sovereignty.

· Provide leadership in training beginner farmers, volunteers, and youths groups on sustainable agricultural practices.

· Oversee and guide the processes for gathering community feedback at farm sites, including conducting focus groups, administering surveys, and facilitating community meetings, with support from the Farm Education team.

· Collaborate with the Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships to implement farm-based and school-based events/festivals.

· Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and scheduling of volunteers, acting as their primary contact.

· Stay informed about current trends and developments in food justice and urban agriculture.

Grants Administration & Financial Management:

· Collaborate with the development team to craft high quality grant proposals and prepare grant reports and build relationships with current and new partners.

· Manage budget, develop reports, and maintain regular communication with USDA grant projects.

· Assist in developing and managing annual organizational and programmatic budgets.

· Oversee procurement and maintenance of farm equipment and supplies.

Relationship Building & Management:

· Build relationships with community food assistance providers, farmers/gardeners, and local organizations.

· Expand the Cultural Farm and community gardening initiatives within our target counties.

· Manage volunteer opportunities and participate in community meetings.

· Work jointly with the Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships to develop engagement opportunities with local schools, organizations, businesses, and food producers on food access.

Team Management:

· Lead, mentor, and develop the program team, ensuring optimal performance and growth.

· Facilitate inter-departmental collaboration to ensure alignment in goals and objectives.

· Handle any conflicts, challenges, or opportunities that arise, ensuring a positive and productive team environment

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field; Master’s preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in urban agriculture, community development, or similar field.

· Familiarity with/ strong interest in urban food systems in the Greater DC region.

· Experience in managing federal/government grants desired.

· Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

· Experience in grant administration and financial management.

· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including immigrants and refugees.

· Passion for environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

· Proficient in budget management, resource allocation, and operational best practices.

· Authorized to work in the U.S.; possess a valid driver's license and have access to a dependable vehicle for transportation during work hours.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

· A passion for AfriThrive's mission and a commitment to our values.

· Collaborative mindset with a focus on team and organizational success.

· Detail-oriented, with a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $ $75,000 to $85,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package offered, encompassing fully covered health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 10 days paid vacation, which increases with tenure, 10 paid sick days, and 3 personal days per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer: AfriThrive is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, bilingual and bicultural individuals. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.