Growing To Green Program Coordinator

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facilitysituated two miles from downtown Columbusfeatures glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Childrens Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences.

VISION

A world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Growing to Green Program Coordinator oversees the Growing to Green Program, supporting independent community gardens and promoting the benefits of gardening and fresh, local, and healthy food through education and outreach. This includes consultation site visits for local community gardens, developing and teaching garden-related classes or programs, organizing yearly Harvest Awards, Community Garden Mixer, We Dig symposiums, Green Patch Newsletter, and administering Franklin County community garden grants. The coordinator supervises the Growing to Green Educator responsible for the Conservatorys Community Garden Plots, Community Connections (volunteer program), and Franklin County Community Garden Map project. This position works with various neighborhood organizations, civic associations, community gardeners, food banks, donors, grantors, school teachers, and government officials. The Coordinator is an engaged and contributing member of a dynamic education team, working to support departmental goals and initiatives.

Additional Information: This is a full-time non-exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation: $20 per hour, paid biweekly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with schools, local community, and civic organizations to build capacity within community gardens by providing expert garden knowledge and resources for infrastructure, leadership, volunteerism, and grant opportunities.

• Represent Franklin Park Conservatory at relevant community events in the neighborhoods where the gardens are located, emphasizing results through active relationship building.

• Advocate on issues associated with food justice, nutrition, and gardening.

• Creates and delivers education programs related to community gardening and horticultural practices.

• Executes the yearly Growing to Green signature events We Dig, Community Garden Mixer, and Harvest Awards.

• Directs the work of the Conservatorys Community Garden rental plot program, Community Connections, and Franklin County Community Garden Map project.

• Supervises associated staff, including hiring, training, payroll, and performance management.

• Generates and gathers content for the Green Patch newsletter.

• Works cooperatively with grant funders and partners on grant-related programs and fulfills requirements associated with grant administration.

• Works with volunteers and support organizations, such as the Womens Board, to expand Growing to Green programming and resources. This includes assisting the Growing to Green Womens Board committee with their Community Garden tour.

• Maintains record keeping, database management, and administrative tasks for the Growing to Green program.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Associate or Bachelors degree in Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, Education, or a related field or equivalent experience in organic food production, community gardening, or urban agriculture.

• Knowledge and experience in small-scale organic food production or urban agriculture are necessary.

• Minimum two years experience in program coordination.

• Prior supervisory experience, preferably within a non-profit environment.

• Must be available days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Valid Drivers License. This position requires approximately 25% travel using a company-provided vehicle to local community gardens.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED

• Excellent verbal and written communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience working in urban and ethnically diverse neighborhoods and organizations is desirable.

• Knowledge of local community organizations and existing community partnerships is a bonus.

• Ability to teach classes and present in a large group setting.

• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Flexible with the ability to effectively adapt to change and shift gears comfortably.

• Self-awareness: knows personal strengths and weaknesses, seeks feedback, and is open to constructive feedback as an opportunity for improvement.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.