Food and Farming Director

The Ecology Center is a 52-year-old nonprofit located in West Berkeley. Our mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.

We are a committed, congenial, and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our team.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Ecology Center Food and Farming Program Director works under the direction of the Executive Director to strengthen and expand the Ecology Centers’ leadership role in the new food movement. The Food and Farming Program Director supports, develops, and oversees the Ecology Center Farmers’ Market Program, Statewide Farmers Markets Access and Equity programming, and the California Alliance of Farmers Markets.

The Program Director is responsible for directly supervising program managers that oversee a team of 10-plus full and part-time staff. The Program Director provides leadership for engagement with the sustainable agriculture and direct marketing field, associations, agencies, and organizations. This position collaborates on the organization’s Leadership Team in developing and implementing strategies that advance the Ecology Center’s mission goals, culture, and strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop plans, policies, goals, and objectives for the Food & Farming Department in accordance with grant and compliance requirements, and the goals and strategies of the Ecology Center mission and strategic plan
• Develop and adhere to annual budget and fiscal control policies in collaboration with Deputy Director and Executive Director, monitor departmental expenses, and provide financial projections for program activities
• Oversee proposal and budget preparation, application, implementation, and execution of federal, state, and institutional grants and contracts following applicable requirements and regulations in order to meet grant deliverables
• Actively participate in organizational Leadership Team and engage in cross-organizational leadership, including the Ecology Center’s efforts to advance Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) across the organization’s policies, culture, relationships and programs
• Hire, train, supervise, support, coach, and evaluate performance of Food & Farming Department staff, including direct supervision of three or more Program Managers; oversee development of collaborative, collegial program teams and department overall and support building positive, collaborative, equity-focused organizational culture
• Lead, develop, and oversee statewide programmatic activity of the California Market Match Program, the California Farmers’ Market EBT project, the California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets, and other emergent program areas
• Work proactively and collaboratively with like-minded organizations, local, state, and federal policy-makers to develop policies and initiatives to build and grow sustainable food systems
• Maintain and foster strong external relationships with key partners, including government, elected officials, program officers, and local, state, and regional food movement leaders, and community organizations

Minimum Qualifications

We are seeking a seasoned, dedicated, and ambitious self-starter with strong leadership and management skills. This is a senior position that will also engage in long-term strategic visioning and planning. This position requires an exceptional capacity for teamwork as well as the ability to be self-directed. In addition, qualified candidates will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in the food and farming or related field
• At least 3 years of operations/team management and supervisory experience
• At least 2 years providing leadership, oversight, and management of large government grants
• Proven ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments and situations
• Ability to prepare and effectively manage budgets, staff allocations, and program resources
• Strong supervisory, team building, staff management, and motivational capacity
• Demonstrated success in developing, executing, and reporting on large state and federal grants
• Training, demonstrated professional experience, and/or lived experience working with BIPOC and other marginalized groups, and proven engagement and competency in participating in and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice values in the workplace
• Demonstrated success engaging and leading coalitions, partners, and advocates for collaborative efforts, fundraising, and policy advocacy
• Experience working towards and demonstrated commitment to building sustainable and just food systems
• Experience with organization-wide issues related to internal governance, culture, and strategy
• Flexibility and creativity, ability to “think on your feet” and find appropriate solutions to unique challenges
• Experience with marketing, communications, and media strategy and execution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in related field preferred

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a current CA driver’s license and evidence of insurance coverage
• First Aid and CPR Certification (or willingness to become certified)

Salary and Benefits

Starting annual salary range $78,157 to $89,880, DOE. Please note that only internal candidates are eligible for the highest starting salary. This position is eligible for benefits which include a fully-vested 401K plan, vacation/sick/holiday pay, Employee Assistance Program, store discounts, and paid employee medical, dental, and optional vision plan.

How to Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a complete application found at www.ecologycenter.org/jobs/.
• Include a completed resume, and cover letter in pdf format.
• Please use “Food and Farming Program Director” in the subject line.

Note: Position open until filled. Please apply early as this position may close at any time.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.