Youth and Families Project Manager

About Tilth Alliance

Tilth Alliance works in community with Washington farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future. Through our work we endeavor to promote and support the adoption of organic, regenerative, sustainable growing practices by farmers and gardeners throughout Washington; to make the food produced by these farmers and gardeners more accessible; and to inspire people to enjoy growing, cooking, and eating food that is both good for them, for their communities, and for the environment. The primary strategies we employ in this effort are advocacy, education and collaboration. Equity, inclusion and the promotion of a culture of anti-oppression are important outcomes expected of all the work we do.

Tilth Alliance’s Youth & Families programming (Y&F) engages youth ages 1-18, families, and teachers in hands-on classes, volunteer and other learning opportunities in Seattle and King County, around growing food, environmental stewardship, and cooking and sharing food.at our gardens, farm, and wetlands.

The Y&F programs work to create culturally responsive programming that connects young peoples’ identities and knowledge, inspires curiosity, and provides spaces for young people to investigate and find joy in the garden and nature.

The Y&F Project Manager (Farm to Preschool) is a combined responsibility of around 60% Farm to Preschool (F2P) coordination & education, and 40% general Youth & Families programming. During summer camp programming, that ratio will adjust to accommodate more summer camp responsibilities. The Farm to Preschool program is a contract that we have with the City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), along with a partnership between 8 F2P community partners providing education, procurement, and food access through family food bags to specific Seattle Preschool Program sites.

Job Responsibilities

Farm to Preschool Responsibilities (60%):

• Lead Farm to Preschool nutrition education activities such as mobile garden classes, family events, and “pop-up” markets with preschool-age participants, site staff, and families
• Use existing Farm to Preschool curriculum and recipes to lead classes, adapting as needed to site specifications; and co-design new lessons, programming, and resources internally and with F2P partners when necessary
• Develop and sustain relationships with F2P partner organizations, preschool sites, Tilth Market Program, and other community partners
• Collaborate with the F2P Nutrition Educator Project Manager in all areas of work on the Farm to Preschool contract
• Document and track programming information records; provide data and narrative content for monthly reporting
• Provide “farm to table” education that is culturally relevant and increases access to local produce at snacks and meals
• Attend internal and external bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly F2P meetings with City of Seattle Human Services Department and partner organizations.

Youth & Families Programming Responsibilities (40%):

• Guide children and families through hands-on, outdoor science investigations and cooking activities; engage children in farm/garden stewardship tasks that create meaningful connections with the natural environment, food, science, community, and health.
• Teach and lead Youth & Family programming on- and off-site such as summer camps, afterschool sessions, vacation/family camps, mobile classrooms, and other Y&F programming as assigned
• Implement Tilth Alliance Youth and Families program curriculum; adapt and develop new place-based activities in alignment with Tilth Alliance and Learning in Places’ philosophy and standards as needed
• Assist with ongoing garden maintenance at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands Children’s Garden and GSC Children’s Garden; contribute to farm/garden upkeep and operations as needed
• Demonstrate excellent customer service in interactions with participating families
• Meet regularly with the Youth and Families program staff, program manager, and program director
• Provide accurate and timely reporting internally and externally as needed
• Uphold Tilth Alliance’s safety policies in all interactions while at work. Report and document incidents and administer First Aid as necessary.
• Demonstrate accountability and professionalism as a representative of Tilth Alliance
• Support events and other duties related to being a member of the Tilth Alliance staff, such as attending staff meetings, supporting events, providing written material, collaborating with other Tilth Alliance programs, and serving on optional committees (as approved)

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree in Food Systems, Horticulture, Education, Environmental Science, Conservation or a related field OR any combination of education and experience necessary to fulfill the minimum job requirements
• Two (2) years experience preferred leading educational programming for preschool students, ages 2 – 5 years old
• Two (2) years experience preferred leading outdoor and/or garden education programming for school aged children grades K5
• ; some experience teaching and learning with grades 6 – 12th
• Experience and ability to lead cooking activities for ages 2 – 12 years
• Hands-on experience with gardening/farming, environmental stewardship
• Demonstrated ability and success working with people from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Ability to problem solve and work in dynamic settings
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Self-directed and able to work independently as well as with a team
• Able to transport self and materials by car to programming locations
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• CPR/First Aid Certified (or ability to obtain through Tilth Alliance)
• Food Handlers Card (or ability to obtain through Tilth Alliance)

Desired Experience

• Skills in art, music, and other creative pursuits
• Demonstrated success working with non-English speaking communities
• Proficiency teaching in another language desired (Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Tagalog, Simplified Chinese preferred)
• Teaching Certification is a definite plus.

Benefits & Compensation

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) non-exempt position that requires occasional evening and weekend work. It is eligible for our benefits package that includes medical (80-85% employer paid), dental (95% employer paid), employee-funded Flexible Spending Account, 401k with employer match most years, 10 flexible holidays (employee-chosen), 12 sick days per year, 3 weeks paid vacation in years 1 and 2, 4 weeks in years 3 and 4, and 6 weeks in years 5+, 2x annual bereavement days when needed, employee discounts and produce shares, no cost for Tilth Alliance classes/workshops/conference attendance, and annual professional development stipend.

In line with our commitment to equity practices, the salary for this position has been carefully determined to reflect market standards and internal equity considerations. We value the skills and expertise that each candidate brings to the table, and we believe that our non-negotiable salary approach fosters a level playing field for all applicants. This practice aligns with our core values of transparency and fairness.

Position is grant-funded, and contingent on continued contracts.

Proficiency teaching in another language desired (Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Tagalog, Simplified Chinese preferred)