Company description

Since 2005, Newton Community Farm has operated on City-owned land as a cherished community resource. NCF grows produce on 1.25 acres, partners with local farms to supplement supply, and distributes food through CSA programs, seasonal farm stands, farmers’ markets, and weekly food donations—contributing roughly 10% of yield to local hunger-relief organizations.

The farm also serves as a hub for agricultural and environmental education, offering youth and adult programs, volunteer opportunities, internships, community partnerships, and public events.

NCF is supported by a full-time Farm Manager, seasonal farm team, and numerous volunteers.

Job description

Newton Community Farm (NCF) is seeking a visionary and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization in advancing our three-fold mission:

(1) Making locally-grown produce available to Newton residents and the surrounding community;

(2) Educating the public about sustainable and ecologically-sound agriculture and environmental practices, including serving as an outdoor classroom for Newton students to learn about locally-grown produce and ecologically-sound agriculture practices; and

(3) Preserving the historic character and culture of the last working farm in Newton.

Since 2005, NCF has operated on City-owned land as a cherished community resource. NCF grows produce on 1.25 acres, partners with local farms to supplement supply, and distributes food through CSA programs, seasonal farm stands, farmers’ markets, and weekly food donations—contributing roughly 10% of yield to local hunger-relief organizations.

The farm also serves as a hub for agricultural and environmental education, offering youth and adult programs, volunteer opportunities, internships, community partnerships, and public events.

NCF is supported by a full-time Farm Manager, seasonal farm team, and numerous volunteers.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and organizational leader of Newton Community Farm. The ED is responsible for strategic and operational leadership, fundraising and financial management, development of programming, small staff and volunteers, community relations, and Board partnership, ensuring organizational excellence and long-term sustainability.

This role reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the Farm Manager to fulfill the mission and strategic priorities of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction

● Serve as the public face and primary ambassador for NCF

● Lead strategic planning and organizational development in partnership with the Board

● Foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture

● Ensure programs, operations, and partnerships align with NCF’s mission, values, and long-term vision

Administration & Operations

● Responsible for day-to-day operations and program execution

● Develop and manage operational processes, policies, and systems

● Coordinate closely with the Farm Manager on resource planning, staffing, and program delivery

● Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and reporting requirements

Financial Management

● Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting

● Maintain strong financial controls and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship

● Work with the Treasurer and Board Finance Committee to create annual budget, provide financial reports to the Board; oversee purchasing; process and record income and expenditures; submit payroll, maintain payroll records, ensure proper payroll tax deposits and filings; ensure compliance with legal, financial and grant requirements, including year-end federal and state returns and other government reports.

Fundraising & Development

● Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Cultivate and steward donors, sponsors, and funding partners

● Lead grant identification, proposal writing, and reporting

● Design and lead annual fundraising campaigns and donor communications

Community Engagement & Communications

● Partner with Farm Manager to be the spokesperson for the organization

● Strengthen visibility and engagement through media outreach, monthly e-newsletters, online content, and community partners

● Responsible for active social media posting

● Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, municipal partners, and supporters

● Lead planning and execution of farm events including annual seedling sale, open houses, and educational programs

● Organize NCF participation in Newton Village Days, Newton Harvest Fest and other local fairs

Board Relations & Governance

● Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors

● Prepare reports, strategic updates, and planning documents for Board and City oversight bodies

● Attend monthly Board meetings and collaborate closely with Board committees

● Support effective governance practices and long-term organizational health

Staff & Volunteer Management

● Supervise and mentor any future administrative staff

● Support Farm Manager with volunteer coordination, operational planning, and staff needs

● Foster a culture of learning, inclusivity, and teamwork

● Manage performance expectations and professional development

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

● Minimum three years of nonprofit leadership or program management experience

● Self-starter with ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and limited staff support

● Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation

● Strong budget and financial management skills

● Excellent written, verbal, and public-speaking skills

● Ability to build relationships with diverse community stakeholders

● Proficiency with Google Workspace, Office Suite, CRM platforms (e.g., Neon), Constant Contact, Canva, and social media or ability to self-teach

Preferred:

● Experience with educational, agricultural, or community-based programming

● Ability to leverage popular social media platforms to promote organization

● Familiarity with and active involvement in Newton

Work Environment & Schedule

● Full-time (40 hours/week), primarily weekdays, with evenings/weekends required for events and programs

● Primary workplace for the Executive Director is at NCF

● Must be able to lift 30 lbs and transport materials to community events

● Valid Massachusetts driver’s license required

Compensation & Benefits

● Salary range: $70,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience

● Benefits include paid vacation and sick time, holidays, and seasonal weekly produce credit

Newton Community Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, skills, and business needs, ensuring equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, promotions, and training.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline