POSITION SUMMARY
The Education Programs Manager reports to the Director of Agroecology and Land Stewardship and the Director of the Landback Program. They are responsible for continued development of DMC’s Agroecology and Land Stewardship curriculum with these directors, and oversee the implementation of the Agroecology Apprenticeship Job Training Program and all other educational programs at DMC in partnership with local learning institutions, such as Oakland Technical High School. This position will advance our work to grow the next generation of agroecological farmers and land stewards to rewild urban landscapes, restore rural ecologies and advance our agenda for Universal Basic Nutrition for all people.
This is an opportunity to join a community working towards transforming the local food system through policy, education and job training. The Educational Program Manager facilitates individuals learning how to grow food in an intensive ecological production model, land stewardship and cultural building work while integrating sensitive Indigenous cultural practices, which are important to building right relations with all living beings. This role requires someone who is able to listen carefully to the dynamic needs of a wide range of learners, from children to elders from diverse backgrounds, and assist them on their learning path. This position also requires a high level of demonstrated professionalism and emotional maturity to navigate the complex issues of partners and participants coming from communities of struggle. The Education Program Manager will need to to support collaborative relationships with local and Indigenous communities, academia, government, industry, and other relevant parties to advance program goals and the Deep Medicine Circle’s purpose and vision.
Essential Functions
With guidance and collaboration from the leadership of DMC (Executive Director, Director of the Landback Program, and the Director of Agroecology /Land Stewardship) this position will be responsible for the following specific duties:
Continued design of Agroecology training program including: course outline, learning modules, core competencies, hands-on activities appropriate for each season, an Indigenous cultural practice learning component and career exploration opportunities
Oversee recruitment of Education Program participants
Coordinate daily schedules and tasks of all participants in DMC’s Educational Programs
When DMC’s Education Programs are not in session, deepen learning in DMC’s agroecological approaches by working alongside farm teams at all sites
Keep Outdoor Classroom in working order, stocked with learning supplies as needed
Serve as the point of contact for Apprentices and other educational participants, accompanying them at all times in all learning experiences with DMC
Coordinate orientation meetings and weekly check-ins with each cohort as well as personal meetings with participants to review progress towards their specific learning plan
Conduct pre-program and end evaluations for all learning participants
Support and inform the DMC team in relationship to culturally sensitive and knowledge-based decision-making as it relates to the participants and course outline
Overseeing all educational activities and sessions that happen at different farm sites, field trips, partner sites.
Attend conferences and visit projects stewarded by similar organizations to ascertain best practices.
Communicate project results and progress to DMC team through case notes, progress reports and data tracking
Log hours spent by each participant and collect data in relationship to grant reporting and the on-going Farm Is Medicine Program
Work with Development team on fund-raising efforts, including providing content for reporting and facilitating field site visits for donors and staff.
Lead modification and development of policies, procedures, and action plans to improve the organization’s Job Training Program
Ability to travel to each of the DMC sites in Oakland and in San Gregorio weekly
Ability to drive a 15 passenger van to bring Apprentices between farms in Oakland and San Gregorio
Participate and be available for community events and programming including some evenings/weekends.
QUALIFICATIONS
At least 5 years experience in management of internship or apprenticeship programming work
Minimum 3 years of organic vegetable production farming
Confident in leading groups in educational programs and job skill development
Drivers License with clean driving record and vehicle
Attention to detail in project management
Demonstrates clear communication skills and solid work ethic
3 years of teaching or mentoring experience
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including effective public speaking
College coursework in people management or teaching
A positive attitude that will motivate learners to consider a career in one of the DMC core areas
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with a wide range of community movement partners
Commitment to DMC’s core values and practices to advance these in our organizational culture
Strong organizational skills
Strong leadership skills that greatly values collaboration, as well as independent and innovative thinking
Proficient in google docs, sheets, word, excel and powerpoint.
Ability to learn and work with computer applications and Apple/Mac interface
Knowledge and experience in the histories and cultures of Tribal and Indigenous land challenges
Passionate about pre-colonial land restoration and the ability to articulate the importance of this work along with personal experience with land restoration
Collaborating and working with people from historically marginalized groups in settings that feature diverse groups and interests
Confident and works well under pressure
Able to work independently and record progress of learners
Demonstrate success working with Indigenous communities and other common historically marginalized groups on land based projects