About Urban Growers Collective

Urban Growers Collective (UGC) uses urban agriculture and community food system development to dismantle inequities and structural racism, which prevent communities of color from living healthy, vibrant lives. UGC cultivates nourishing environments in Chicago’s historically disinvested communities, seeding pathways to freedom while supporting residents’ health, economic development, healing and creativity through urban agriculture.

As a Black- and woman-led 501(c)(3) organization, we believe that achieving food justice is a necessary first step in healing the historical trauma experienced by communities of color, building their resilience, and, ultimately, achieving liberation. While our work is rooted in farming, UGC’s approach is holistic. Our eight farms over 11 acres primarily on the Southside of Chicago, IL growing over 25,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, enabling food access to tens of thousands of food-insecure Chicagoans and providing safe and healing spaces for educational and life-enriching opportunities to hundreds of individuals each year through public workshops, workforce development, and land stewardship.

Now, UGC is preparing to open a new renewable energy facility and hub for urban agriculture and green jobs on Chicago’s South Side, the Green Era Campus. Through this work, we are breathing new life into long-neglected communities, building a sustainable model for a just food sector, and redefining what’s possible for Chicago’s local food systems.

Position Summary

The Green Era Youth Coordinator Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and STEM education within the Green Era Campus (GEC) and community. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external partners, to raise awareness and engage students, the community, and organizations in environmental and STEM-related activities. The Green Era Youth Program Coordinator will work closely with program staff and partners to develop and implement a curriculum that involves participants in hands-on learning in sustainable food production and renewable energy. The position will require a high level of public engagement that demands aptitude for teaching, working with youth, volunteers and community members, networking and inspiring new audiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

*These projected time allocations represent an estimated average time only - actual time will be tracked weekly and adjusted seasonally based on seasonal needs.

Community Outreach & Engagement:

Develop and execute outreach strategies to engage students, faculty, community members, and organizations in organics recycling, renewable energy, environmental and STEM initiatives.

Organize workshops, seminars, tours and awareness campaigns to promote organics recycling, renewable energy, environmental sustainability and STEM disciplines.

Foster a sense of community involvement and responsibility for the environment among campus stakeholders and partners.

Work with schools and organizations to increase food waste recycling and renewable energy and environmental sustainability through demonstrations and micro - workshops.

Provide outreach and engagement with local schools to educate students about the GEC.

Represent Green Era Campus/UGC in a professional, inclusive and respectful way at meetings and personal social media pages.

Host opportunities for youth and organizations to interact with the GEC;

Engage community in planting, maintaining and harvesting from onsite grow bags and hydroponic growing operations, as needed;

Provide tours & orientations for individuals, community groups and schools, as needed;

STEM Program Development:

Design and implement programs and activities that support youth education and development at the Green Era Campus (GEC)

Support implementation of a youth empowerment infrastructure that connects career and entrepreneurial program exploration with integration into the GEC-built environment

Create and manage STEM-related programs and activities, such as science fairs, school/community events, and STEM mentorship programs.

Collaborate with relevant departments and partners to enhance STEM curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.

Develop sustainability initiatives including recycling/waste reduction, renewable energy/energy conservation, urban agriculture/food production, and eco-friendly practices.

Support implementation of a youth empowerment infrastructure that connects career and entrepreneurial program exploration with integration into the GEC-built environment

Serve as primary onsite liaison for interns;

Develop curriculum modules connected to hydroponic growing technology;

Work with industry leads to understand, prioritize, and prototype written curriculum modules for the Green Era Campus

Ecosystem Collaboration:

Establish partnerships with educational institutions, local organizations, government agencies/policy makers, and industry leaders to support sustainability and STEM initiatives.

Collaborate to integrate environmental and STEM topics into existing courses and curriculum.

Work with student organizations and clubs that focus on environmental and STEM interests.

Develop partnerships with organizations to support food waste recycling and renewable energy utilization.

Data Collection & Reporting:

Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of outreach and educational programs.

Prepare regular reports on the progress and impact of initiatives.

Contribute to monthly program reports;

Complete weekly work plan and daily checkouts;

Resource Management:

Manage budgets and resources allocated to support Green Era initiatives.

Seek and support grants and funding for sustainability and STEM projects.

Submit accurate timesheets & expense reports;

Maintain appropriate supplies for projects;

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

At least 3 years experience working with youth in an educational setting, including coordination and administrative responsibilities;

Demonstrated experience and examples of curriculum development;

Knowledge of K-12 education standards;

Must have a proven track record with establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with teens, parents, community partners and residents, especially underrepresented communities and communities of color;

Knowledge of food systems, renewable energy and organic sustainable farming;

Experience with curriculum development and delivery;

Excellent organizational, communication and follow-through skills;

Maintains appropriate professional boundaries in working with co-workers and teens;

Ability to think critically and creatively;

Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but have the ability to work unsupervised to complete the job;

Basic familiarity with Google Workspace & GSuite, and/or willingness to learn;

Must be able to lift 25 pounds; and most importantly a

Passion for food justice, youth development and urban farming.

Valid Driver’s License and willingness to drive, preferred.

Required: Able to work on holidays / evenings / weekends

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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

Must be willing and able to work in an open-office environment; and

Position may require prolonged use of a computer, to be provided by Urban Growers Collective.

Must be willing and able to work in a farm environment; including all weather conditions (hot, humid, rainy, cold, snowy);

Schedule

This is a full-time salaried position, 40 hours per week;

This is an onsite, in person position;

Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm / 10:30a-7:00p (when evenings are required);

Breaks: 2 - 15 minute breaks (paid) + 30 minute lunch (unpaid); and

Occasional evening hours will be required to participate in farm and community events. Start time will be flexed to accommodate change in schedule.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, Vacation Pay, Personal/Sick Pay, Wellness Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Student Loan Assistance Program, Retirement Plan

UGC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.