THE ORGANIZATION: The Food Literacy Project’s mission is youth transforming their communities through food, farming and the land. Working toward a vision for a healthy and equitable community where people and places thrive since 2006, FLP engages youth, their families, schools and neighbors in hands-on learning and leadership development experiences with farming and fresh foods in outdoor classrooms. The Food Literacy Project’s values include:
ENERGY: We are bold and inspired by our community. ROOTS: We are grounded and purposeful, connected with people and dedicated to sustainably addressing community needs. DISCOVERY: We embrace the joy of learning by doing. CULTIVATION: We bring great care to our work and relationships; we nourish growth in our community, and in turn are nourished ourselves. ABUNDANCE: We leverage our community’s diverse assets to achieve personal and social change. JUSTICE: We pursue fairness and equity. To learn more about our commitment to equity, click here: https://foodliteracyproject.org/about/mission-vision/ The Opportunity The Food Literacy Project is seeking an energetic and relationship-driven Community Engagement Coordinator who is passionate about community building, food justice, and youth development to expand and deepen connections between FLP and the broader community. This position will lead the recruitment, coordination, and support of volunteers and interns, ensuring meaningful and enriching engagement that advances the organization’s mission. The Community Engagement Coordinator will also create and share compelling content that amplifies youth voices and highlights FLP’s impact, while serving as a key ambassador at public events and community spaces. Working under the direction of the Advancement Manager and in close collaboration with program staff, this role will strengthen systems and build on best practices for volunteer engagement and foster consistent opportunities for community members to engage with and support the Food Literacy Project’s youth development programs and local food systems work. Job Responsibilities Volunteer Engagement- Develop, maintain, and carry out a comprehensive recruitment, orientation, training, retention, and recognition plan for individual and group volunteers and interns to ensure that all volunteers are thriving and appreciated.
- Supervise volunteers and interns, offering guidance and support through their tasks and projects.
- Coordinate with staff to develop and maintain a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities and collaborative partnerships, and to ensure that volunteers and interns are supported.
- Develop and maintain complete and accurate records including volunteer hours, in-kind contributions of service, policies, procedures, position descriptions, standards of conduct and criminal background checks.
- Develop and strengthen relationships with peers in the field and with area volunteer organizations to ensure best practices for volunteer and internship programs.
- Create compelling written and visual content for community outreach; support youth-driven communications through social media and newsletters in collaboration with YCAP Cultivators.
- Maintain and keep website up to date.
- Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partners including other community organizations, universities, etc., ensuring that mutually agreed upon expectations are being met.
- Represent the Food Literacy Project at, and coordinate additional staffing for, community outreach events; proactively seek opportunities for engagement.
- Maintain detailed records of resource distribution and community engagement interactions.
- Assist Advancement Manager with planning, coordination, and carrying out of fundraising and community events.
- Serve as primary point of contact for all inquiries including, telephone, voicemail, email, and written requests and ensure a timely response.
- Coordinate with program staff to plan and implement educational activities and opportunities for youth participants, volunteers and interns; provide direct service programs for youth and adults; offer occasional guidance to YCAP Crew in daily tasks and activities.
- Participate in farming and site maintenance activities at the Food Literacy Project Farm.
- Work collaboratively and promote teamwork with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
- Complete other job duties as assigned, including administrative tasks associated with managing a small nonprofit.
- Experience coordinating volunteers, engaging diverse populations and working outdoors; Experience working in and/or with south, west and southwest Louisville communities strongly preferred.
- Flexible and adaptable; Possesses a solution-oriented approach.
- Thrives in a collaborative environment and establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with others; Brings a high level of respect to communication with staff, program participants, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.
- Possesses excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and active listening skills.
- Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and organized, set priorities, and manage multiple projects at once.
- Cultivates a culture of excellence, reflection, and teamwork among staff and volunteers; Ability to hold team members accountable.
- Embraces a high level of responsibility and seeks and accepts direction as appropriate.
- Demonstrates pride in work and attention to detail; Maintains accurate records and prepares compelling reports, etc.
- Shares a commitment to the Food Literacy Project’s mission and vision. Embodies our core values: energy, roots, discovery, cultivation, abundance, and justice.
- Physically able to participate in and lead farm and garden work projects (walking, lifting, kneeling, crouching, etc.) and to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Experience and adaptability when using a computer and appropriate software (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite, email, Canva, databases, etc.).
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must pass criminal background check prior to hiring and beginning employment.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and access to vehicle.
- Deep knowledge of food systems and food justice issues.
- Donor management software experience like Bloomerang or Raiser’s Edge
- Fluency in more than one language and/or cross-cultural life experiences.
- Previous experience working on an organic, diverse vegetable farm.