Company description

Edible Schoolyard Kern County encourages children in their discovery and development of a healthy relationship with the food they eat. Our hands-on garden and kitchen lessons teach students the value of: seasonality, nutrition, seed-to-table, community, and environmental stewardship.

Job description

Program Manager, ESYKC
Reports to: Executive Director of Programs, Grimm Family Education Foundation

Position Summary
The Program Manager is the instructional engine of Edible Schoolyard Kern County (ESYKC), overseeing the development, coordination, and delivery of kitchen and garden programs across all partner sites, including Arvin, Shafter, Buena Vista, and Laurel Dell. Reporting to the Executive Director, this hands-on role ensures curriculum fidelity, educator support, family engagement, and alignment with ESYKC’s core principles and wellness policies.

The Program Manager provides guidance and coaching to staff, fosters collaboration with classroom teachers, and builds strong relationships with partner schools and community organizations. Occasional multi-day travel, including overnight trips, is required to provide direct support, launch new initiatives, and represent ESYKC at regional and statewide events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

(Include but are not limited to)

Program Management & Leadership

• Oversee daily kitchen and garden programming, workshops, and family engagement activities across all sites.
• Manage curriculum distribution, maintain instructional resources, and ensure alignment with best practices.
• Coach and mentor educators, interns, and volunteers to support consistent instructional quality and professional growth.
• Serve as liaison between classroom teachers, school administrators, and community partners.
• Act as Admin Designee in the Executive Director’s absence and support emergency protocols when needed.

Professional Development & Training

• Design and implement professional development programs for staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Lead training sessions, coaching opportunities, and staff growth initiatives.
• Represent ESYKC at regional and statewide workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning events.

Assessment & Program Evaluation

• Collect and analyze program data to evaluate performance and inform continuous improvement.
• Refine curriculum and instructional methods based on assessment outcomes.

Community Engagement & Representation

• Represent ESYKC at school and community events, public presentations, and tours.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner schools, staff, and community organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of kitchen- and garden-based education and program management.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience coaching educators and leading professional development.
• Ability to work in varied environments, including outdoor gardens and kitchens.
• Commitment to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, curriculum development, or a related field.
• Experience in curriculum development, program management, or educator training.
• Experience working with children, educators, and community organizations.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including kitchens, gardens, and community settings.
• Capable of standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods and lifting light objects.
• Willingness to work in varying weather conditions, especially in outdoor gardens during summer months in 100+ degree heat.
• Must be able to manage tasks with frequent interruptions and collaborate in a team-based setting.
• Role includes planning, resource development, and administrative tasks.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline