FYI…

Friends of Troy Gardens
Education Program Director
Position Description


        The Friends of Troy Gardens is a non-profit organization responsible for the development, management, and stewardship of Troy Gardens, a 31-acre project on the Northside of Madison, Wisconsin.  Located on a bus stop in a diverse mixed-income neighborhood, Troy Gardens includes four acres of community gardens, a large children's garden, a five-acre organic CSA farm, and restored prairie and woodlands.  In 2006, the Madison Area Community Land Trust will add 30 units of affordable housing to the site.
        The mission of the Friends of Troy Gardens is to inspire and teach people to love, care for, and steward the land. The organization promotes community-based decision-making, participation, and leadership by a wide diversity of people in our land management and educational programs. The Friends of Troy Gardens is committed to a locally based, sustainable food system and to healthy eating.

Summary of Educational Programs at Troy Gardens:
The Kids´ Gardening Program engages K-8 students in hands-on learning focused on gardening, nature and nutrition.  Groups of area youth visit Troy Gardens weekly during the growing season to plant, maintain, harvest, learn and explore in the children's garden situated within the community gardens.  In partnership with Healthful Foods, Healthy Communities Project, we run after school programs in local elementary and middle schools.  Interns and volunteers, managed by the Education Program Director, assist with the Kids´ Gardening Program.
The Farm and Field program cultivates young environmental leaders who are actively engaged in caring for the natural resources in our community, and engage other youth and adults in stewardship.  High School youth participate in Farm and Field through a summer-long stipended program.  Through active work and learning on the farm, and hands-on restoration of the prairie and woodlands, youth develop their environmental literacy and grow their leadership skills.  Troy Gardens' Farm Manager and Natural Areas Coordinator, along with the Education Program Director, will work directly with Farm and Field youth.
Troy Gardens hosts an Educational Workshop Series for community members, gardeners and the general public.  This fee-for-service program includes workshops in gardening, nature, nutrition, and art.  Workshops bring new visitors to Troy Gardens, and offer current members and gardeners opportunities to build skills. Guest speakers are engaged for seminars.

Responsibilities of the Education Program Director:
The Education Program Director will work under the direction of the Friends of Troy Gardens Executive Director, with guidance from the Youth Advisory Committee.  This position will:
·       Coordinate Troy Gardens' educational programs (described above)
·       Develop and implement curricula
·       Teach and facilitate learning experiences with youth and adults
·       Recruit and manage Interns and volunteers
·       Organize events and family harvest meals
·       Grow and maintain the 3,600 square foot Kids´ Garden
·       Develop relationships with the Northside community (schools, community centers, etc.)
·       Recruit participants for educational programs
·       Raise funds through grant writing and development activities
·       Assist with non-profit and program administration
·       Work flexible schedule including some weekend and evening hours
·       Be an active member of the Friends of Troy Gardens staff and governance structure and support general organizational events and activities

Desired Qualifications:
·       Experience developing curricula and implementing educational and leadership programs
·       Experience working with youth in an educational capacity
·       Strong writing, teaching, and presentation skills
·       Gardening/farming experience (especially using organic methods)
·       Networking skills
·       Grant writing and fundraising skills
·       Experience working with diverse populations
·       Experience with non-profit organizations and administration
·       Management experience
·       Ability to perform physical labor as needed
·       Drivers license and First Aid training
·       Computer skills, including Microsoft outlook, word, excel, and database management

Compensation: Full time year-round salary commensurate with experience.  Benefits include medical/dental insurance, vacation, holiday and personal days.

Application Process: Applications must be received by February 27, 2006 (hard copies preferred).  Interviews will be held in early March, and the desired start date is mid-March.
To apply, send a cover letter addressing the desired qualifications above, a resume, a writing sample (grant excerpt or persuasive writing preferred), and the names and contact information for 3 references (at least one of whom is a previous employer) to:

Sundee Wislow
Executive Director
Friends of Troy Gardens
Rm. 171, Bldg. 14
3601 Memorial Dr.
Madison, WI  53704
sundee@...

See www.troygardens.org for more information.  Please contact us with questions after resumes have been submitted.  Thank you.