Director of Administration and Programs

Newton Community Farm

Job Description

Newton Community Farm (NCF) is seeking a dynamic Director of Administration and Programs to be responsible for the successful administration of NCF and its educational/community/DEI outreach programs. 

ABOUT NCF: 

  • The Farm operates on land owned by the City of Newton (since 2005). NCF Inc, a registered MA 501c3 non-profit, operates and maintains the farm via a license agreement (since 2006). 
  • NCF grows produce on 1.25 acres of our 2.25-acre farm. NCF also purchases produce from other area farms to supplement produce grown on our farm. 
  • NCF distributes this produce through a variety of channels including three CSA programs (summer, late fall, fruit), seasonal markets (on-site farm stand and Newton’s Saturday farmers’ market), and weekly food donations (~ 10% of our yield). 
  • NCF is a beloved City asset providing community engagement through educational programs to youth and adults about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship at community events, on-site (tours, classes, volunteering, internships, forums, etc.), and on-line (website, YouTube, other social media). 
  • Staffing includes a full-time Farm Manager, seasonal farming staff including an Assistant Grower, a part-time Program Coordinator, and many volunteers. 

KEY DUTIES: 

Key duties of this leadership position include administration, fundraising, event management, marketing, community outreach, education, and other initiatives as needed. The position reports directly to the President of the Board of Directors, works closely with the Board on strategic planning, and supervises one part-time Program Coordinator and numerous volunteers. The position also closely collaborates with the Farm Manager on administrative aspects of farming operations, produce distribution, and some educational programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Administration 

Effective administration of NCF’s programs and non-farming functions including 

  • Financial: budgeting, purchasing, fundraising, grant-writing 
  • Human resources: regulatory compliance for all staff 
  • Office: office management, retention/organization of documents, technology and office equipment 
  • Communications and outreach: database management, website and social media management, plan and implement events and educational programs 
  • Buildings: assets maintenance, inspections/regulatory requirements 

Supervision of Staff 

  • Directly supervise a paid, part-time year-round Program Coordinator including periodic meetings, collaborative goal setting, ongoing performance management, annual performance reviews, and supporting staff in meeting expectations set by the Board 
  • Supervise non-farming personnel including paid staff and volunteers 

Fundraising 

  • In conjunction with the Board, create and execute fundraising strategy to meet NCF’s needs 
  • Apply for and administer grants and donations from government agencies, NGOs, and businesses 
  • Work closely with the Farm Manager and Board members on outreach to major donors for significant gifts 
  • Plan, coordinate, and manage all phases of fundraising campaigns including the fall appeal 

Public Engagement and Events 

  • Plan, organize, and manage on-site events including (but not limited to) the annual spring Seedling Sale, spring forum/open house, and fall party for children. 
  • Enhance Farm’s visibility and profile in the community, including producing monthly newsletter, posting on social media, maintaining the website, and serving as a liason with news media. ‘ 
  • Manage on-site tour programs, classes with community partners, and participation at local events 
  • Provide administrative services to support field crew volunteer programs 

Financial Performance and Viability 

  • Responsible for fiscal management that anticipates operating within the Board-approved budget and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position. Includes working closely with NCF’s Treasurer, Farm Manager, and Board on budget development, monitoring, reporting, and forecasting. 

Governance 

  • Work with Board to lead NCF in a manner that fully supports and implements the organization’s mission and goals as defined by the Board of Directors, communicating effectively with the Board including attending most monthly Board meetings and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to make fully informed decisions about non-farming aspects of the organization. 
  • Provide information to Board officers for presentation at quarterly meetings with Newton’s Farm Commission. 
  • Prepare annual report and business plan for approval by NCF’s Board and the Farm Commission. 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or knowledge/skills learned through equivalent experience 
  • Three or more years senior nonprofit management experience 
  • Effective leadership style with strong ability to be agile and adaptive to changing situations and opportunities 
  • Ability to engage and communicate well with diverse constituencies including local non-profits, city representatives, other government agencies, employees, local businesses, news media, customers, program participants, donors, and volunteers 
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including public speaking ability 
  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative way within a strong leadership and oversight role 
  • Knowledge of and successful experience with non-profit grant-writing, fundraising, and donor relations 
  • Budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting 
  • Familiarity/interest/aptitude with organizing environmental education programs and community events for youth and adults 
  • Experience/skill with Google Suite, Neon CRM or similar platform, Constant Contact, Canva, and social media 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND EXPECTIONS: 

  • Work 40 hours/week on weekdays generally within the hours of 8 am to 6 pm. Must be able to work some weekends and weekday evenings as needed for programs, events, and meetings 
  • Location: Work on-site is primarily in a renovated barn which serves as an office but some work in the fields and outdoor facilities is required for events and educational programs. This position needs to work on-site often from April through November. Option for some remote work available and negotiable; dependent on the seasonality of farm events and programs. 
  • Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs of educational materials and transport them to public events. 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and personal transportation for local use. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

  • Annual salary between $55,000 and $70,000 commensurate with experience 
  • Benefits include 401k, sick leave, vacation, holidays, and produce credit during the growing season ($15/week). 

TO APPLY:

Please send resume and cover letter to NCF Co-President, Paul Holt, at paul@newtoncommunityfarm.org.
NCF will review applicants starting September 22 and until the position is filled.