Program Manager, Freedom Farms

Title: Freedom Farms Program Manager

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Supervises: 1-2 Freedom Farms Program Coordinators

Position Type: Full-time employee

Compensation: Competitive benefits and compensation package, including $85,000 salary

Mission: Partnership for Growth LA’s mission as a Black/Jewish community development corporation partnership is to catalyze generational community wellness and cooperative development among South and West Los Angeles through effective and replicable systems of addressing food insecurity and economic development.

Position Summary: Partnership for Growth LA is a recently established and rapidly growing organization. Partnership for Growth LA recently created Freedom Farms, an urban farming program dedicated to building the local economy by growing local produce through a community worker-owned cooperative. PFGLA seeks a Freedom Farms Program Manager to oversee the establishment, management, and implementation of this exciting program. The ideal candidate has experience with program development and management, and is passionate about social racial justice issues, including experience that has intersected with food justice, community-centered solutions, and/or cooperatives. 

To Apply: You must submit a resume and cover letter to partnershipforgrowthla@gmail.com. Submissions that do not include a cover letter will not be reviewed. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Oversee the management of the Freedom Farms program, including building a portfolio of community farms, by establishing partnerships with 10 currently established community gardens, as well as building out 5 new community gardens in South and West LA.
• Manage a collaborative team and network of PFGLA program coordinators, master farmers, volunteers, and partners.
• Manage the program’s budget and resources, including approving the purchase of equipment and supplies needed by staff and program.
• Serve as PFGLA’s lead on the program’s overall supply chain oversight, with support from the Chief Operating Officer and partners. Plan and directly manage the overall program throughout its lifecycle.
• Ensure program outcomes and outputs are achieved and delivered on time.
• Supervise 1-2 program coordinators, and support with hiring, training, and onboarding.
• Create and maintain all program records, reports, presentations, and proposals.
• Coordinate and collaborate with key stakeholders such as government entities, vendors, community members and partner community organizations.
• Create and nurture relationships with clients and community members.
• Conduct community asset mapping and develop relationships with potential customers to place Freedom Farms produce and products in local businesses. 
• Serve as PFGLA’s liaison between partner community farms, farmers, workers, vendors, customers, and community members.
• Report to the Chief Operating Officer on program items such as relevant updates and support needed.
• Manage risks and issues, including taking corrective actions and making adjustments as needed.
• Support the Chief Operating Officer with developing program goals, and monitoring program’s progress and impact. 
• Support the Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff in developing and implementing a worker-cooperative based model and business. 

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of project and program management methodology and techniques, as well as practical experience.
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Knowledge of systemic and felt impacts of racism on communities in Los Angeles.
• Excellent management, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Clear communication skills.
• Creative thinker, creative problem solver.
• Strong ability to work well with others.
• Self starter - ability to seek guidance and make decisions.
• Strong ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly.
• Strong ability to anticipate program needs and plan ahead.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree, or equivalent training, certifications, and job experience.
• 5+ years experience with program and/or project management, including budget management.
• Experience with work surrounding food justice, agriculture, or urban farming.
• Experience working in or with cooperatives is a plus. 
• Experience with community and stakeholder engagement.

Work Environment

• PFGLA is based in West Adams, Los Angeles, CA and serves parts of South and West LA. 
• Work is performed in a hybrid setting of telework, in the office and in the community. Must be able to move about with reasonable accommodations. 
• Evening or weekend hours may be required on a rare as-needed basis.

As an EOE/AA employer, the Partnership for Growth LA will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.