Beginning Farmer Education & Curriculum Coordinator, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Organizational Description

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project’s (New Entry) mission is to improve our local and regional food systems by training the next generation of farmers to produce food that is sustainable, nutritious and culturally appropriate and making this food accessible to individuals regardless of age, mobility, ethnicity or socio-economic status. In doing this work, New Entry provides critical training, career development and economic opportunity to new farmers.  New Entry is a fiscally-sponsored program of Third Sector New England.

Job Overview

The Beginning Farmer Education and Curriculum Coordinator will develop new farmer education strategies and build curriculum to provide high-quality training to small-scale, direct market beginning farmers, both on and off the field, on multiple aspects of farm enterprise development. She/he will oversee educational programs, courses and practical skills workshops for diverse adult learners. Other important work includes working with the farmer training team to develop, educate and support new producers to achieve economically viable farm businesses through group learning, individual farm coaching and financial technical assistance. This person will also support case management/technical assistance for participants in New Entry programs and services. 

Key Job Elements

Expand curriculum and design new course development for core New Entry programs (Farm Business Planning Course, field-based practical skills workshops, distance learning program, specialty crop production, food safety and direct marketing education courses);
Coordinate and teach farmer training courses/curriculum in collaboration with farmer training team, other farming organizations and regional experts;

  • Seek USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Certified Borrower Training course accreditation and explore possibilities of credit-based course development with local community colleges and other educational institutions;
  • Provide technical assistance to producers related to course instruction;
  • Contribute to New Entry’s farmer “case management” system by completing farmer assessments and learning plans through course enrollment and through life cycle of farmers’ learning goals;
  • Facilitate effective referrals and address ongoing technical assistance needs;
  • Support the work plans, budgets, metrics and evaluation outcomes and other guiding documents for farmer training programs, including assisting with development of funding opportunities;
  • Attend conferences and events to conduct outreach and present on our work;
  • Assist other projects as needed.

Special Requirements

  • Access to reliable private transportation necessary;
  • Clean driving record;
  • Flexible schedule needed, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

  • Agricultural training and experience in multiple aspects of farming and farm enterprise is essential.  Prior farm management / farm business ownership experience preferred;
  • Advanced degree or at least 3 years’ experience in adult education, curriculum development and teaching to diverse learning styles;
  • Expert knowledge in agricultural business planning, crop production, marketing, financial literacy, financial management and business planning;
  • Highly organized and strong attention to detail;
  • Strong leadership, public speaking, diplomacy and case management / social skills;
  • Community organizing and cross-cultural experience helpful; prepared to build relationships with beginning, immigrant and refugee farmer participants;
  • Self-motivated and directed; works well within a rapidly-changing high performance environment;
  • Effective communications, interpersonal skills and strong writing ability;
  • Working knowledge of a range of computer software (MS Office, social media), Salesforce experience a plus;
  • Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience required;
  • Ability to meet strict deadlines.   

Compensation

Anticipated salary is $47,500.00. Generous Benefits package included.

Lowell, MA