Director of Agriculture

CitySeed creates opportunity and expands access across our local food system, from field to shelf. We operate farmers markets, facilitate wholesale farm-to-institution procurement, incubate food businesses, train aspiring chefs for culinary careers, and operate a food service social enterprise. The Director of Agriculture is a dynamic and driven leader with proven experience in program development to lead CitySeed’s work in support of sustainable agriculture and agricultural viability, with a focus on farmers markets and farm-to-institution aggregation. The Director will have demonstrated expertise in food systems and engaging with farmers. They will build on the success of CitySeed farmers markets over the past 22 years, and find new ways to grow and evolve programming via collaboration with a broad network of stakeholders. RESPONSIBILITIES Program LeadershipDevelop and implement strategies and operational plans for programs that contribute to sustainable agriculture and agricultural viabilityFarmers markets, including vendor engagement, nutrition incentive programs, seasonal programming, and community partnershipsFarm-to-institution aggregation, including farm recruitment and support, ordering and delivery technology and logistics, and customer partnerships and branding supportMonitor and maintain financial health of the farmers markets and farm-to-institution procurement Maintain and expand market and aggregation vendor relationships, ensuring effective communication and accountability to guidelinesEnsure that program systems and processes operate efficiently, sustainably, and with capacity for growth Identify new opportunities for improving customers’ experience at farmers markets and via farm-to-institution procurement Track program data and produce reports to assess agricultural programs’ impact and outcomes, including overseeing the collection and input of vendor transaction and nutrition program dataEnsure programs are responsive to trends in the local, regional, and national food system Serve as a thought partner for food business incubation programs, especially related to connecting food entrepreneurs with market opportunities and local ingredient purchasing Advocacy and PartnershipsServe as a spokesperson for CitySeed’s agricultural programmingBuild collaborative partnerships with food systems leaders and organizations Advocate for public policy, programs, and funding that advance CitySeed’s mission and programs, especially regarding nutrition benefits and farmland preservationParticipate in and represent CitySeed with local, state, and regional networks and committees that advance program goals Team ManagementProvide day-to-day leadership and supervision for agricultural programs staff (currently 1 full-time, 4 part-time) and internsOversee market managers in the training, scheduling, and evaluation of volunteersAssess program staffing needs and hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff in accordance with CitySeed personnel policiesLead and nurture a strong and cohesive team via shared planning, open communication, and leadership development Ensure that staff and program are supported, including with physical infrastructure and equipment Fundraising and BudgetingSupport agricultural programs fundraising strategy Lead the drafting, data collection, and reporting of key grant applications Assist with annual program budgeting, review budget monthly, and make adjustments to spending as neededMonitor and support farmers markets and aggregation billing and accounting processes CommunicationsProvide direction to and feedback on program communications strategy and materialsCreate and develop program content for the newsletter, website, social media, and other platformsSupport CitySeed’s communications team in responding to press inquiries QUALIFICATIONS RequiredKnowledge of Connecticut food systems and agricultural operations, including vegetable, fruit, meat, flower, and dairy production5+ years of relevant experience with nonprofit program management, food systems, farmers market management, government services, community services, and/or stakeholder engagementProgram leadership experience including: budget and fiscal management, goal-setting, team building and staff management, monitoring and evaluation, program development, and community outreach and engagementStrong written communications skills, including writing and editing of grant proposals, newsletters and social media content, and outreach materialsExcellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholdersExperience taking initiative and managing complex projects that require organization, attention to detail, prioritization, and meeting deadlinesPassion for community-level food systems and a commitment to racial and economic justice PreferredKnowledge and/or experience with farm-to-institution aggregation Knowledge of the New Haven food system and/or nonprofit landscapeExperience with nonprofit strategic planning and organizational growthFlexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor Language skills in Spanish, Arabic, and/or Farsi/Dari COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSSalary range $65,000 - 75,000, commensurate with experience. CitySeed offers generous PTO, 401(k) matching, dental and vision insurance, dependent care FSA, long term disability coverage, and life insurance. TO APPLYEmail your resume and cover letter to jobs@cityseed.org with the subject line “Director of Agriculture.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled. CitySeed is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all employees. We honor and respect candidates’ wide-ranging experiences, perspectives, and identities.