Program Manager

Food Initiatives Program Leader

Our client is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Newark's communities through nutrition-focused education and inclusive wellness programs. Their approach integrates hands-on community programs and food service educational seminars to promote sustainable health and wellness practices. They empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives by providing access to gardens, nutritious food, and wellness resources.

In addition to being one of the largest urban food producers in New Jersey, our client's team distributes fresh, affordable produce to Newark residents through operating regular farmers' markets, mobile farmstands and a year-round Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Our client is seeking a reliable, motivated and strong leader to run the Food Initiatives program, overseeing food distribution and access, marketing and outreach, community engagement and supporting the strategic direction of the program, with the goal of building and sustaining market infrastructure and addressing food insecurity in Newark. Applicants for this position should be interested in improving food access conditions and engaging community members in healthy eating and lifestyle choices. The ideal candidate will have strong relationships with communities in Newark.

Location : Newark, NJ

Schedule : Onsite

Monday-Friday

Some evening and weekend hours required.

Employment Type : Full-Time

Salary Range : $52,000.00 - $60,000.00 USD / Annually

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the success of all market programs, connecting vendors, growers and community members to market and food access opportunities through marketing and outreach and community engagement

Oversee all operations and staffing of farmers' markets and farmstands, including setup before market hours and breakdown afterwards

Run the year-round CSA program with the goal of increasing the number of boxes distributed quarterly

Supervise the Food Initiatives team and ensure proper training of food safety protocols

Keep accurate records and data of all market activities, including produce inventory, sales data, vendor information, evaluations, and customer surveys and suggestions.

In coordination with the Food Production team, ensure the availability of produce and / or procure additional produce as necessary.

Ensure proper usage and maintenance of the walk-in cooler and other produce storage protocols

Seek out and plan community food distribution opportunities to include senior and / or low-income housing areas, collaborations with community and healthcare organizations, community events, etc.

Maintain professional appearance of all markets and farmstands, ensure equipment and supplies are organized and documentation and training is implemented for all team members as needed

Follow all documented guidelines, procedures, and checklists for market operations, and recommend new or improved systems as necessary

Transport supplies and produce between the growing facility, cold storage and markets as necessary

Act as an ambassador of Greater Newark Conservancy at various public events and be prepared to talk with customers about Greater Newark Conservancy's mission and programs

Support the strategic direction of the Food Initiatives program by working with the Director or Urban Agriculture to develop programs that will address food insecurity in Newark

Assist with planning, production, and maintenance of crops, in addition to other projects at the hydroponic greenhouse or other growing facility

Supervise and evaluate performance of college and high school interns participating in the farm stand program

Assist in planning and facilitation of community programs and events at local urban farms and community gardens

Other responsibilities as they arise

Qualifications

BA / BS, preferably in Food Systems, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Nutrition, Community Development, or work equivalent

3-5 years of experience in program management, food systems, farmers markets, community food access, or related community programs

2-3 years of supervisory experience

Excellent communication and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)

Intermediate knowledge of food safety regulations and protocols. ServSafe certification preferred

Ability to organize and maintain detailed records, operate a Point-of-Sale system and manage relevant data and information

Strong people management, interpersonal, and supervisory skills

Valid driver's license and clean driving record required

Success Factors

Commitment to racial, environmental, and food justice

Able to work outdoors to operate markets and run events in variable conditions

Passion for food justice, community health and supporting local food systems

Commitment to equity and inclusion in food access programming

Physical Demands

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Regular work schedule for this position is approximately 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday) and may require additional hours, including on weekends, as necessary

Unless otherwise noted, this role will take place in person, either in the office of Greater Newark Conservancy, or out in the field

Must regularly lift and / or move up to 20 pounds

Specific vision abilities required by this job include : Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception, Ability to adjust focus and Ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear

The employee is frequently required to stand, bend, and walk

Compensation

The published salary range is used as a guide to provide prospective candidates with a level of compensation that is competitive with today's market. The salary range for this position is a good faith estimate that allows for flexibility to align with various levels of experience, education, and performance.

EEO Statement

Topaz HR is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We value and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please Note : Topaz HR is conducting this search on behalf of one of our clients. The employer's name will be disclosed during the interview process, and all hiring decisions will be made directly by the client.