Company description

Job description

Coordinator Job Description

Augusta, ME

www.msgn.org

About Us

The mission of the Maine School Garden Network is to promote and support educational gardens for youth, and to encourage school programs that teach healthy eating and environmental stewardship. Our board members include educational garden leaders, and staff from the following organizations: Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; Maine Agriculture in the Classroom, UMaine Cooperative Extension, FoodCorps, ReTreeUS, Wolfes Neck Farm, and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA).

The MSGN began as a program of the Maine Organic Farmer's and Gardener's Association (MOFGA), offering assistance to educators since 2002. A website was designed to inform and connect the state’s educational gardens in 2009. A coordinator was hired in 2013 to organize educator training events, maintain the website, distribute newsletters, and be available to answer questions or direct them to experts.

The MSGN became a 501(c)3 in 2014. Our services help new school programs find information and connections needed to become viable, and existing programs find the support they need to thrive. Last year, we held a series of 16 regional gatherings funded by the Quimby Family Foundation to connect garden leaders from all over the state. Information gathered from these events, garden visits, and surveys reveal that garden leaders recognize the critical need for a designated school garden staff position. Based on this information, in 2015, we applied for and received funding to pilot two “School Garden Coaches”. This stipend position is modeled similarly to a sports coach or a reading coach, and would be integrated with the school’s coaching budget. We are continuing to build this model in Maine for the sustainability and continuity of school garden programs.

Position Summary

The Maine School Garden Network (MSGN) Coordinator represents and coordinates the business of the network. The MSGN Coordinator is responsible for the daily operation of the organization and reports directly to the MSGN Board Officers (herein Board). Responsibilities include network building, program development and implementation, public relations and fundraising, in coordination with the Board Committees. This is a half time (approximately 20 hours/week) contract position with significant responsibilities for fieldwork, travel, and independent operation.

The successful applicant must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to complete projects in a timely and professional manner. S/he must be a self-starter, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be familiar with educational principles and the school climate, and work well as a member of a team. The individual must also be able to work independently, prioritize work, and manage several projects simultaneously.

This position will be based in Augusta with a minimum number of hours/days in office (TBD by Board).

Major Responsibilities

• Coordinate the MSGN hub/resource center for school gardens
  • Manage MSGN website (Wordpress)
  • Gather, develop and disseminate resources to schools, pre-schools, and educational garden programs across Maine
  • Develop connections between School Garden Coaches and school garden supporters, experts, and professionals
  • Write and edit online monthly newsletter, including School Garden of the Month promotions
• Attend monthly meetings with Board members and support committee work
• Fundraise for program goals including grant writing, annual appeal, and other finance opportunities
  • Manage projects and grants, including reporting, data tracking, etc.
• Marketing/Outreach

• • Website, newsletter, and social media outlets
  • Press releases of events
  • Developing opportunities for media coverage

• • Attend exhibits and other events on behalf of MSGN
• Support MSGN organizational events as needed
  • Develop and implement school garden professional development for Maine teachers, volunteers, and other educators
• Build new MSGN Directory in partnership with Maine Food Atlas
• Sustain and expand collaborations and partnerships

• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Network development and facilitation experience
• Strong content knowledge related to horticulture and education
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent relationship building skills
• Demonstrated success writing and managing grants
• Strong computer, web, and information management skills
• Relationships and familiarity with school gardens and farm-to-school stakeholders in Maine a plus
• Proven self-starter
• Highly organized with ability to prioritize and manage program growth and multiple responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team to accomplish tasks
• Ability to collaborate with partner organizations
• Respectful, engaging and professional communication style
• Ability to work with diverse audiences
• Willingness to travel and reliable transportation, including a valid driver’s license with proof of insurance
• Ability to maintain flexible work schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of experience in garden education or a closely related field

• Background in the fields of education or health/nutrition education
• Familiarity working with a variety of software platforms and online tools
• Ability to lift 45 pounds

Salary: $15,000 per year on a contract basis, paid biweekly with room for growth

To Apply

Please send resume and letter of interest describing education, qualifications, skills, and related experience via email for receipt no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 19th.

Compensation

this position is: contract

Application instructions

Deadline

January 02, 2017