Workforce Development Coordinator

Nature of work: Manage the Strength to Love II (S2L2) Youth Workforce Development program for youth ages 15-21 on the S2L2 farm in Sandtown-Winchester, west Baltimore. The model combines a STEM based approach with paid job training and classroom instruction to ensure participants gain and retain employment and move towards self-sufficiency with a focus on employment opportunities in the agriculture sector.

This position is a hybrid role with time spent in-office on curriculum/recruitment and time spent on-farm facilitating programming with teenage youth. From September - May, programming will be held on weekends and during after school hours in-classroom and on-farm. From June-August programming will be held during farm operating hours, 7am - 3pm. When not conducting programming during the summer season, the Workforce Development Coordinator role supports on-farm operations as needed.

The S2L2 program is part of the community nonprofit Intersection of Change which is dedicated to addressing poverty related issues in west Baltimore.

This hybrid position reports to the Program Director/Farm Manager.

Job description

Primary workforce development program coordination responsibilities:

● General Coordination - Perform and manage all workforce development activities with recruitment, direct programming, retention and attend required funder meetings.

● Program Promotion & Administration - develop and maintain promotional materials (brochures, flyers), curriculum, participant handbook, data management systems to track program outcomes.

● Partnership Development - develop and maintain working relationships with partners and other relevant agencies, inclusive of local/businesses to facilitate employment placement.

● Data Management - for reporting, compliance, evaluation and participant paid internships and stipends.

● Program Integration - participate in team meetings at the farm and contribute to the integration of workforce development activities within the farm’s policies, procedures and daily activities. Additionally, participate in all staff meetings and activities held at the organization.

● Intra Organization Service Coordination - work closely with the Program Director/Farm Manager to integrate the workforce development program into the existing farm activities and goals in an informed and seamless manner.

Primary Direct Program Services Responsibilities

● Participant Trainings - Implement all program participant activities, classes, trainings, at the S2L2 farm or in classroom settings.

● Participant Engagement & Retention - cultivate and maintain relationships with parents/guardians to support participant program engagement and retention. Develop protocols to recognize participants’ achievements.

Farm engagement during summer season:

· Farming with planting, harvesting, and upkeep of 1.5-acre farm

· Assist with operating, managing equipment, lift produce and packages up to 50 pounds

· Work outdoors in seasonal weather and inclement weather

· Interact positively and with compassion with team members, youth and volunteers

· Communicate clearly with all team members and farm visitors

· Participate in team meetings and projects

· Follow all policies and procedures of the farm operations

Qualifications:

● Bachelor's Degree and/or three years working in a Workforce Development Program for underserved populations or experience in community activism

● Community-based experience with underserved populations

● Experience working with youth and/or underserved populations via teaching, case management, or training

● Able to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment

● Able to communicate effectively with all clients and partnerships

● Able to build and maintain collaborations and partnerships with agencies and businesses

Knowledge:

● Strong computer knowledge including Microsoft Word, Excel, and ability to do basic website updates

● Database and Excel spreadsheet creation and management to track data and outcomes

● Capacity to write and articulate S2L2 mission, goals, and vision

Skills and Abilities:

● Ability to work as a team leader, supervise staff, coordinate activities with other staff to meet overall objectives within specified timeframes

● Possess training and/or work experience in problem solving, leadership, and conflict management

● Ability to manage and prioritize large volumes of activity and workload

● Ability to show accuracy, timeliness and follow-up on tasks

● Ability to interact positively and with compassion with clients and their families

● Ability to interact positively with the public and with staff and board

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills including editing and creating original materials

● Ability to self assess need for support or guidance

About Intersection of Change and Strength to Love II

Intersection of Change is a community nonprofit dedicated to addressing poverty related issues in West Baltimore. The organization operates multiple programs including Strength to Love II, Martha’s Place, and Jubilee Arts.

Strength to Love II originally began as a project to support citizens returning to the community from incarceration. Programming incorporated a 1.5-acre farm in 2013 to address food security and food justice in the community and workforce development in 2019 to foster careers in agriculture. The farm uses environmentally sustainable methods to grow high quality produce for local consumption, and offers employment to returning citizens. S2L2 offers produce direct to customers, through partnerships, and at a farmers market. Learn more at: www.S2L2.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in MD 21217, USA