Company description

Oko Farms is an Aquaponics Production and Educational Organization. We operate NYC's largest outdoor and only publicly accessible outdoor aquaponics farm, which cultivates a variety of freshwater fish and vegetables in a recirculating aquatic ecosystem.

Oko Farms’ mission is to practice and promote aquaponics as a sustainable farming method that mitigates the impact of climate change, and increases food security. We demystify aquaponics by spreading the knowledge and skills required to practice aquaponics farming by educating children and adults of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Job description

Oko Farms is seeking a General Manager to promote its mission through effective partnerships & programming, accountability to its values, and towards the organization's longevity. The General Manager will ensure that the organization is operating both internally and programmatically in the advancement of Oko Farms’ mission. The General Manager will develop, implement and train on the systems that uplift the efficiency of the Oko Farms team, strategy and programming. The General Manager will be available and present to support all elements of farm operations as a means to the complete understanding of seasonal rhythm and towards the development of realistic systems and strategies. The General Manager will be the point-person for relationship development, management and cultivation for all relevant internal and collaborative programming needs.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Core Responsibilities):

Operations:

• Ensure that Oko Farms’ operations are aligned with its guiding values.
• Develop a knowledge management strategy that leverages technology platforms and meets the needs of the organization, while lending itself to operational efficiency (as it pertains to responding to the rhythm of the farm season).
• Translate existing history and new initiatives into knowledge management platform(s) - most critically through an organized Google Drive.
• Track and ensure accountability to budget; work towards meeting projected revenue and fundraising outcomes through programming, rentals, grant-writing support and donor engagement.
• Coordinate all team meetings, retreats, check-ins etc.
• Develop and maintain organizational calendar for internal meetings, programming, external programs, events, etc. and ensure all team members have access to relevant information.
• Design people’s management tools to support Founder & Director in consistent implementation of programs.
• Effectively manage the implementation of social media and marketing strategy.
• Review and execute on relevant contracts with all independent contractors, with support from administrative assistants, ensuring terms and conditions that are advantageous to all.
• Work closely with the Director on all hiring processes.

Programming:

• Collaborate closely with farm team to ensure programming alignment with relevant assets prepared and in place
• Develop a detailed programming calendar and ensure accountability across platforms; Google Workspace, Squarespace, etc.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications team members to ensure all assets and materials are prepared well in advance of relevant programming
• Field all incoming requests and inquiries for programs, events , collaborations and rentals in a timely manner and with consistent follow-up
• Serve as point person for program facilitators, practitioners and rental teams

General:

• Collaborate closely with Founder & Director to embody and execute Oko Farms’ mission & vision towards the organization’s longevity and growth
• Proactively identify, develop, and maintain relationships with organizational partners and contacts in all relevant areas; including collaborations, rentals, sponsorships, community-based organizations, potential donors & beyond
• Maintain records and collect data from all visiting groups; including farm tours, workshop participants, rentals and events
• Maintain and coordinate inventory needs for all farm operations
• Stay abreast of events and activities happening across the urban agriculture and food justice landscape; attend events when possible and share insights with team to foster continued learning and connection

WHO YOU ARE: Our General Manager should embody our values in their work with the farm, the staff, community partners, and all other elements of the Oko Farms ecosystem.

• You are curious, open-minded. You are a leader who understands the inherent significance of Oko Farms’ mission
• You seek and value diversity. Your process-driven and organizational skills uplift opportunities to bring people together, and hold a multitude of possibilities with compassion
• You are committed to community empowerment and self-determination through the lens of justice. You leverage your analytic and detail oriented strengths towards the greater power of providing care to all individuals and communities
• You are self-aware and aware of your surroundings. You are a strong manager who encourages community engagement

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Skilled at building and sustaining excellent relationships across and organization, and across differences
• You are willing to engage in all activities including supporting with farm tasks as necessary
• Collaborative approach to work, effective communication and ability to motivate
• Serve as an inspiration for other team members and community stakeholders
• Ability to work with a spirit of inclusivity, transparency, humility, compassion and care
• Available to work a flexible schedule per the needs of the organization and its programming
• Confidence in working under pressure and maintaining composure when things don’t go according to plan
• Skilled at communicating effectively and efficiently with all individuals and communities, across difference and identity
• Ability to walk, stand, and/or bend continuously and for extended periods as required to perform essential job functions

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• A progressive work environment as part of a small team
• Access to our farm vegetables, herbs and flowers
• Opportunity to grow within the organization

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

April 19, 2024