Farm Stand and Education Program Manager

Title: Farm Stand and Education Program Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours: Full-time 35 hours each week

Salary: $43,888

Start Date: April 7th, 2025

Organization Overview

Stein Learning Gardens (SLG) is an emerging urban farming operation located in Auburn Gresham on the South Side of Chicago, under the auspices of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina. Founded in 2018 by local philanthropists Barbara and Sheldon Stein alongside priest Father Michael Pfleger, SLG staff work to provide access to affordable produce to the residents of Auburn Gresham and surrounding areas as well as provide a variety of nature-based educational activities for youth and adults.

In response to evolving community needs, SLG will be completing the installation of a hydroponic system. This state-of-the-art hydroponic container farm and seasonal extension structures that will be constructed this Spring will significantly increase SLG’s growing capacity to grow produce year-round and create meaningful education and employment opportunities for local youth.

Position Summary

The Farm Stand and Education Program Manager is responsible for running Barbara’s Market (commonly referred to as the farm stand) during all hours of operation. Tasks related to Barbara’s Market will represent approximately 60% of Program Manager’s time. The Program Manager will also be responsible for (co-)facilitating classes offered to students at St Sabina Academy, The Ark and to the broader community. As much as possible, the Program Manager will look for opportunities to provide education programming and other activities that will draw people to the weekly farm stand. Tasks related to Education will represent approximately 40% of Program Manager’s time.

Essential duties include

• Overseeing Barbara’s Market during all hours of operation;
• Implementing SLG’s food safety plan so that produce offered at the farm stand complies with food safety standards set by local, state and federal government and collaborating with the Production Manager to harvest crops from the garden (using the harvesting SOP) and sourcing produce from established vendors;
• Collaborating with the team to ensure data related to the farm stand is collected and inputted into Salesforce or applicable spreadsheets;
• Collaborating with the team to achieve stated fundraising goals by researching and assisting with writing grant proposals to fund Barbara’s Market;
• Conducting quarterly reviews of profitability with the directors and brainstorming changes to operations that will help the farm stand break even or make a profit;
• Collaborating with the Assistant Director to create and implement engaging, age-appropriate lessons and activities that align with Stein Learning Gardens' learning objectives;
• Following all policies and procedures to ensure participant safety and compliance with legal and professional standards established by Stein Learning Gardens, St Sabina Church and the Archdiocese of Chicago;
• Collaborating with the Assistant Director to coordinate community and family events;
• Implement Stein Learning Gardens' evaluation framework for after-school programming as directed by the Assistant Director
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director

Work Schedule:

Currently the Program Manager is scheduled to work Monday through Friday 9am-4 pm or 10am-5pm. Occasionally work during evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience in agriculture, food systems, farmer’s markets, and/or customer service
• 2+ years experience in youth education, teaching, or public speaking
• Knowledge of social justice and food (in)security, especially as it relates to the Auburn Gresham community
• Must be Food Safety Certified or be willing to complete this certification
• Must be able to work in-person
• Willingness to serve as a role model for youth

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Sit at a desk and stand for long periods of time.
• Needs to be able to lift up 40 lbs comfortably.
• Needs to be able to climb, stoop, and kneel comfortably.
• Should not mind sharing office space with other people.
• Should be comfortable around insects