Education Coordinator

Full-time, year-round

About UFI

UFI is a mission-driven organization that strives to develop and advance urban farming, engage individuals in growing and harvesting, and build a healthy community. Our programs are community-centered and provide opportunities for all to experience and learn from urban agriculture.  From farm training programs, engagement with youth and seniors, to food delivery and education, UFI supports the diverse community in which it thrives.  Located in Greater Boston, our employees represent the wonderful and diverse city we live in. We are committed to considering candidates who represent and celebrate the rich multicultural community in which we serve.

UFI is seeking an Education Coordinator to help strengthen the organization’s development and delivery of educational programs and workshops, including, but not limited to, our teen summer internship program, our raised bed program for community members of all ages, and school-year programming. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven professional who is both adaptable and resourceful, with a passion for learning, growing food, community impact, and food justice. They will report to the Youth Programs Manager and work alongside other members of the team to engage with local schools and community members. The salary range is $26 - $29 per hour based on experience and background.  This is a 5 day per week, in person position.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Youth Program Coordination & Delivery

  • Work with local schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to develop relationships to enhance connection and create programming opportunities between schools and UFI

  • Provide both on-farm and off-site, hands-on learning opportunities and programming for youth and teens, with a special focus on engaging and empowering youth through education around agriculture and local food systems, leadership development, and community involvement

  • Facilitate all aspects of programming, including, but not limited to, preparation of materials, set up and breakdown, assisting with curriculum development, and supervision of students

  • Travel to schools and community establishments as needed to present education opportunities with UFI

  • Work with the Youth Programs Manager to grow our comprehensive database of contact information for schools, including principals and key contacts

  • Monitor and document the progress of youth participants, gathering feedback to assess the effectiveness of programs; remain flexible, adjusting programs as needed

  • Assist with coordination of the budget for youth programs, including procuring necessary materials and supplies for activities

  • Increase participation in all programs; organize recruitment activities and outreach efforts to attract diverse youth and young adult populations to the farm

  • Attend and serve as a representative of UFI at local events

  • Other duties as assigned

Raised Bed Program Coordination & Delivery

  • Coordinate with your manager to oversee inventory and ensure timely ordering of materials

  • Coordinate recipient recruitment; inspire excitement with new audiences about growing food, review applications, and oversee project timelines

  • Assemble and deliver raised beds to offsite locations, ensuring proper setup and safe placement for planting (instruction and support provided)

  • Provide hands-on guidance and support to growers of all skill levels

  • Conduct regular training and program evaluation for program participants

Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of experience working with youth and developing youth programming preferred

  • 1+ years of curriculum building experience

  • 1+ years of experience working on an urban farm preferred

  • Basic to intermediate knowledge of maintaining growing spaces (i.e. soil health, pest management, seasonal growing)

  • Resides in or is familiar with locations of our farms – Dorchester, Mattapan or Roxbury - preferred

  • Completion of UFI Urban Farmer Training course or similar urban farmer training program preferred

  • Must be comfortable interacting with diverse populations, including youth and teens, program and farm partners, volunteers of all ages, neighbors and community members

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as a member of the team

  • Must be willing to learn on the job and work closely with the Farm Team

  • Ability to lift 30 lbs.

  • Valid driver’s license required

  • Able to work evenings and weekends as needed

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

You may also mail a resume to:

Urban Farming Institute

Attention: Hiring Manager

487 Norfolk Street

Mattapan, MA 02126

UFI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.