Program Manager

Retreat Farm seeks a dynamic, mission-driven, and education-focused Program Manager to lead the Farm’s public-facing programs and initiatives. A critical member of Retreat Farm staff, the Program Manager will be responsible for the planning, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of public and educational programs at the Farm. “Programs” here refers to efforts to engage the public with the Farm through things like public events, workshops, tours, and site-wide natural and cultural interpretation. Some of Retreat Farm’s current programs include the Retreat Farm Ramble, Family Farm Day, Food Truck Roundups, Open Barn days, and interpretive signage along trails.

While many programs are led by Retreat Farm staff, others are presented in collaboration with partner organizations. The Program Manager will be responsible for seeking and managing these relationships, and ensuring partnered programming is in alignment with Retreat Farm’s strategic plan.

Internally, the Program Manager will work closely with the farm and facilities team, the North Barn team, marketing and development staff, and others to help guide public-facing aspects of the breadth of Retreat Farm activities. The Program Manager is responsible for planning for and disseminating timely information regarding the participation of Retreat Farm staff, and engaging appropriate team leaders along the way (Farm Manager, Food Center Manager, etc.). Additionally, the Program Manager manages program volunteers and works with events staff, training staff and volunteers on public safety, program setup and breakdown, resource coordination, and vendor management as appropriate.

This position requires careful schedule management to ensure that adequate time in-office for planning and preparation is balanced with appropriate partner cultivation and program/events management.

Core Responsibilities:

The balance of responsibilities will vary seasonally. Time percentages indicated below are approximate targets.

Program Planning & Evaluation (40%)

• Plan for and develop an annual calendar of Retreat Farm programs, in alignment with Retreat Farm’s Strategic Plan (2024-2026) and current interpretive planning guidance (developed 2022)
• Develop annual program goals and objectives, and work with the Deputy Director, Executive Director, and CFO/Strategic Initiative Advisor to track progress toward goals
• Work with development staff to seek and secure funding for Retreat Farm programs
• Research interpretive and educational techniques and modalities to incorporate into Retreat Farm programming
• Track event/program participation and evaluation metrics
• Periodically provide data analytics and program assessment reports to the Executive Director (at least annually)

Partner & Vendor Management (30%)

• Foster relationships with external partners and vendors (nonprofit organizations, food trucks, culture bearers, performers, etc.) to create or enhance Retreat Farm programming
• Find and secure vendors, performers, teachers, and others to lead or enhance Retreat Farm programs
• Create and manage contracts with vendors, program partners, and other program participants. Abide by the same.

Program Logistics & Execution (30%)

• Coordinate with the North Barn Manager on use of the North Barn for Retreat Farm programming
• Coordinate with North Barn Manager for staffing Retreat farm programs
• Periodically oversee seasonal events staff who assist with Retreat Farm event execution
• Develop and utilize systems with North Barn, lands, retail, and other staff to track inventory of supplies, goods, and materials for program needs
• Coordinate with lands staff to ensure appropriate event set-up and break-down
• Work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to get word out about Retreat Farm programs through online and print materials
• Coordinate with the Marketing & Communications Manager for development of program and interpretive signage
• Communicate program information to all Retreat Farm staff in a timely manner
• Coordinate program-based volunteer teams, and either oversee Retreat Farm event volunteers, or appropriately delegate to program staff
• Set up scanning devices as necessary, and otherwise work with point of sale and ticketing software/systems to execute events

Skills and Qualifications

• A degree in event management, outdoor education, interpretation, arts management, public folklore, or other position-related field preferred
• Certified Interpretive Guide (NAI) certification preferred
• Three-plus years of event planning/management experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Enjoys working with people in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to Retreat Farm’s mission and values
• Is detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to multitask in a busy environment
• Is proficient in MS Office and Google Suite, and willing to learn new software (e.g., Lightspeed, TicketSpice)
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings

Work Environment:

Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. The Program Manager must be able to switch focus as needed, to address changing priorities while maintaining mental focus in an environment with occasional high noise levels and interruptions.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely (co-)lift and move tables and chairs to various sites on the property
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions
• Ability to perform repetitive motions (bending, twisting)

Reporting:

The Program Manager reports to the Deputy Director and is a member of the Retreat Farm Board of Directors’ Program Committee. The Program Manager may be responsible for oversight of events staff and volunteers during programs.

Compensation:

• $55,000-60,000 annually based on experience and qualifications
• Optional health, vision, and dental insurance with employer contributions
• A generous holiday and paid time off package
• Eligibility for enrollment in Retreat Farm’s SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer matching
• 25% discount at the Retreat Farm Market

TO APPLY:

To be considered, please email a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in the position to jobs@retreatfarm.org with the subject line “[Last name]: Program Manager.” Application review begins January 21, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage qualified people of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities to apply.

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ABOUT RETREAT FARM

Located in Brattleboro, VT, Retreat Farm is an essential Vermont place whose mission is to connect people to the land and to one-another. This is a place where people of all ages come to learn, gather, and connect with the natural world through a variety of public programs. These programs, together with the forests, farmlands, trails, waterways, and historic barns and grounds of the Farm, are central to the health and life of surrounding communities.

Established in 1837, the original Retreat Farm was a working and therapeutic farm serving patients at the nearby Brattleboro Retreat. A prominent feature of the region for 180 years, the Farm today encompasses 500 acres of conserved forests, farmlands, trails, and waterways, and a historic eight-structure Farmstead. Retreat Farm sits adjacent to downtown Brattleboro, a gateway to Vermont, and the geographic center of New England.

The nonprofit Retreat Farm, Ltd. was formed in 2015 to restore the lands and structures of this place, and to establish a vibrant program of education, stewardship, and community gatherings. By connecting people to the land and one another, Retreat Farm is helping to ensure a healthy future for the region. Learn more at retreatfarm.org.