Apprenticeship Residency Program Coordinator

Urban Growers Collective is a Black and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. We aim to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and in communities of color. Rooted in growing food, our mission is to cultivate nourishing environments which support health, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture.

We provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunities for youth, beginner BIPOC farmers, and men who are at high risk for gun violence. Our aim is to provide jobs while working to mitigate food insecurity and limited access to affordable, culturally-affirming, and nutritionally-dense food.

Our team cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’s South Side. These farms are production-oriented but also offer opportunities for staff-led education, training, and leadership development. Our produce is available at farmers’ markets, in our Collective Supported Agriculture program, and at the Fresh Moves Mobile Market.

Position Summary: The Apprenticeship & Residency Program Coordinator will provide primary coordination and communication for the Grower Apprenticeship Program, Herbal Apprenticeship Program and Arts Residency Program. The Apprenticeship & Residency Program Coordinator will work closely with program staff to support onsite programming at the South Chicago Farm and engage the surrounding community in farm offerings. The position is dynamic and requires a well-organized individual with excellent communication skills, and proven ability to work well with diverse individuals and communities. This position will primarily be based between our South Chicago farm location, and our Bridgeport Administrative Office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following*:

*Percentages are estimates and will vary with the season and program needs. Flexibility is required.

Apprenticeship Program Support - Herbal & Grower (70% - 28hrs/week*):

Herbal Apprenticeship Program

Coordinate and support onsite learning in the herbal garden;

Coordinate work-share hours and opportunities for apprenticeship participants;

Coordinate herbal program workshops, including speakers, supplies, registration and honorariums;

Support online program engagement and learning;

Maintain updated and accurate herb inventory and farm map;

Maintain updated and accurate supply inventory;

Harvest and maintain herb farm at South Chicago Farm;

Contribute herb harvests to farm production markets and goals;

Support herb drying and packing;

Support billing and collections of participant tuition;

Administrative lead: supplies, printing, documents, etc;

Ensure accurate apprentice workshare reporting and recording: program impact, liability waivers, hours, contact information, photo documentation, evaluation, etc;

Grower Apprentice (communication, compliance & reporting support)

Coordinate and support onsite learning in the apprenticeship garden;

Coordinate work-share hours and opportunities for apprenticeship participants;

Support online program engagement and learning;

Coordinate farm program workshops, including speakers, supplies, registration and honorariums;

Maintain updated and accurate supply inventory;

Support billing and collections of participant tuition;

Administrative lead: supplies, printing, documents, etc;

Ensure accurate apprentice workshare reporting and recording: program impact, liability waivers, hours, contact information, photo documentation, evaluation, etc;

Residency Support (20% - 8hrs/week*):

Spearhead development of UGC’s artist residency program;

Coordinate and support on-farm programs and special events;

Support accurate participant reporting and recording, liability waivers, hours, contact information etc.

Workshop Support (5% - 2hrs/week*):

Enhance and expand workshops through outreach and programming;

Ensure accurate workshop reporting and recording: program impact, liability waivers, hours, contact information, etc;

Targeted outreach for community engagement;

Support and collect evaluation surveys and protocols;

Tours & Events (5% - 2hrs/week*):

Set up, staff and break down information tables at public events;

Coordinate other event logistics for on-farm and local events;

Promote community programs, including workshops to educate Chicagoans on a variety of topics focusing on agricultural growing techniques, social justice and healing;

Provide engaging and informative tours of UGC farm spaces;

Participate in outreach and relationship building with community partners;

Build directory of community entities, lead local outreach to partners;

Promote UGC programs at special events and community meetings; and

Represent UGC in a professional, culturally aligned, inclusive and respectful way at meetings.

General Admin:

Contribute to monthly program reports;

Complete weekly work plan and daily checkouts;

Log accurate timesheets & timely expense reports;

Maintain appropriate supplies for projects;

Represent UGC in a professional, inclusive and respectful way at meetings and personal social media pages.

*These projected time allocations represent an estimated average time only - actual time will be tracked weekly and adjusted seasonally based on seasonal needs.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

At least 3 years experience in a program coordination role;

Experience and knowledge of food systems and organic sustainable farming;

Proven track record with establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with teens, parents, community partners and residents, especially underrepresented communities and communities of color;

Competency working with communities of color and diverse workplace; experience in dismantling racism and anti-oppression work is important;

Ability to problem solve, think critically and creatively;

Must work well as a member of a team and have the ability to supervise staff in a consistent, direct, thoughtful way geared towards educating and problem solving;

Must maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with co-workers and teens;

Excellent organizational, communication and follow-through skills;

Must have the ability to use Word, Excel, Google Docs;

Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but have the ability to work independently to complete the job;

Love for urban farming and passionate about social equity issues with ability to cooperate and communicate with diverse partners, including neighbors, supporters, funders and public officials;

Preferred: Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record

Preferred: Conversational fluency in Spanish

Preferred: CPR Certified

Required: Able to work on Saturdays and occasional holidays

Schedule:

This is a full time position, 40 hours per week

Tuesday-Saturday 8:30a-5:00p / 11a-7:30p

30min unpaid lunch, 2 - 15 min paid breaks

Regular evening hours will be required to participate in and support community events. Start time will be flexed to accommodate change in schedule.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, Vacation Pay, Personal/Sick Pay, Wellness Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Student Loan Assistance Program, Retirement Plan, Company Match