Early Childhood Program Manager

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM MANAGER

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director

SALARY: $62,835

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

City Blossoms is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that cultivates the well-being of our communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. Washington DC is our home base where we test and innovate new resources, approaches, and techniques for designing and implementing urban gardens that are communal, educational, artistic expressions of their communities. Applying our unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, we "blossom" in neighborhoods where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green spaces.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

City Blossoms’ strives to create a work environment and programs based on our values:

• EQUITY. Strive to ensure access and inclusion for all
• DIVERSITY. Celebrate everyone's strengths and experiences
• RESPECT. Nurture compassion and consideration for all living things
• COLLABORATION. Enhance our impact by joining together
• CREATIVITY. Cultivate open-mindedness and experimentation

All City Blossoms programming aligns with the mission and values of the organization, is designed to reflect participating communities, is flexible enough to be site-specific, and makes cultural connections wherever possible.

OVERVIEW OF THE EARLY GROWERS PROGRAM

City Blossoms' Early Childhood program, The Early Growers program, aims to foster an environment where young children, predominantly ages two to five, particularly from dense urban settings, can have access to and develop relationships with nature, food, and each other through garden-based education and activities. This program works directly with existing childcare centers to provide trainings and resources to early childhood educators, offer hands-on experiences to children both in City Blossoms green spaces and on-site at early childhood centers, and support the creation and/or maintenance of age-appropriate garden projects. City Blossoms provides each center with multi-year support to help establish gardens and programming that are uniquely shaped to reflect each center’s interests and community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Growers Program Manager is responsible for planning and leading program implementation based on guidance from the City Blossoms Strategic Plan and the Executive Director. Program implementation includes creating and refining curriculum, leading educational workshops, monitoring and evaluating program work plans, data collection, managing budgets, and coordinating partner activities and communications. The Early Growers Program Manager is expected to have a strong understanding of project goals, approaches, and partnerships, and will represent City Blossoms to local stakeholders and partners. They will also supervise an Early Growers Fellow whose work will include qualitative and quantitative data collection, garden maintenance, and overall program support.

Additional responsibilities will be to support the rest of the City Blossoms team and organizational needs, including but not limited to participation in workdays, community events, fundraising efforts, and occasional Open Times.

The position will be based at the City Blossoms Studio but will require regular travel to satellite sites throughout Washington, D.C. This position requires a Tuesday through Saturday schedule March-November, Monday through Friday schedule December-March, and the ability to work on occasion between 8am and 8pm. Early Growers co-taught workshops typically happen during weekday mornings and coaching sessions tend to happen in late afternoon and early evening, but are subject to adapt to the needs of educators.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1- Program Administration - 45%

Have a complete understanding of the project’s goals, objectives, target groups, and approaches;

• Apply strategic and innovative vision to drive program progress, ensure stakeholder engagement, and overcome any implementation obstacles that the program may encounter;
• Adhere to a detailed implementation plan, including ensuring division of tasks, definition of roles and responsibilities, and program oversight;
• Directly supervise a Fellow;
• Establish strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to obtain their fullest participation;
• Maintain close communication with City Blossoms staff, partners, and stakeholders to support successful program implementation;
• Manage timeliness and quality of partner meetings to guide the planning and implementation of workshops;
• Manage the program budget, expenditures, and material and supply needs of the program;
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting (written and verbal) to staff on project processes, deliverables, and finances;
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection and input into evaluation trackers;
• Ensure accurate and timely expenditure reports to the Deputy Director and Operations Manager;
• Assist with grant management and reporting.

2- Program Management - 45%

• Develop and co-teach a Early Growers curriculum during workshops at partner sites;
• Design, test, and finalize additional units of lessons that align with the curriculum and focus on nutrition, science, art, and cultural connections between gardens and communities;
• Develop and implementation of educator trainings or Coaching Sessions. Share resources and distribute program materials to partner sites.
• Support all centers in maintaining their spaces and program implementation through regular communication and technical assistance.

3- Representation, Networking, and Collaboration - 10%

• Maintain good working relationships with team members, outside partners, and implementing organizations;
• Liaise with implementing partner, government entities and donors to identify best practices;
• Represent City Blossoms in relevant forums and develop/maintain relationships with implementing partners and other stakeholders.

Other tasks in line with the essential functions/responsibilities mentioned above may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Education or relevant field of study.

Requirements

• Successful completion of MPD background check
• Successful completion of DCPS Clearance
• Successful completion of Tuberculosis test

Experience

• 3-5 years professional experience working with educators and young children;
• Minimum one years’ experience gardening or farming;
• Experience working in diverse settings, on community-based initiatives, and directly with community members;
• Experience designing educational lessons, units, and resources;
• Basic program monitoring and evaluation experience;
• Experience developing and managing relationships and communication with multiple groups at a time.
• Passion for City Blossoms’ mission.

Skills

• At home working in a collaborative, fast-paced professional setting;
• Strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to document and articulate program progress and needs with a diverse audience;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and other computer applications (e.g. Google applications and documents);
• Conversational proficiency in Spanish and/or Amharic preferred;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and self-starter mentality;
• Preference for a highly collaborative and creative work environment;
• Comfortable with some physical tasks, including lifting 20-25 pounds;

Equal Opportunity Employer: City Blossoms is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified

applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex,

national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other class

protected by law. People of color, especially those from the Washington DC area, are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process.