Terms: Regular (year-round), Full-time, Exempt; Hybrid Work Model (in-person and virtual)  

Hours: 40 hours per week, 3 evenings/week in the spring and fall and some weekends required  

Supervised by: Director of Programs  

Supervises: Youth Community Agriculture Program Crew Members, Peer Mentors, and Specialists  

Compensation: Annual salary of $50,000, group health insurance, IRA match, and generous PTO  

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 at 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/    

Job Summary.  The Youth Engagement Manager works with guidance and support from the Director of Programs to manage the budgeting, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Food Literacy Project’s Youth Community Agriculture Program (YCAP). The Youth Engagement Manager supervises all YCAP participants including crew members, peer mentors and specialists, and provides leadership for additional program staff in the execution of day-to-day program tasks and Youth Participatory Action Research projects. The Youth Engagement Manager procures and manages program supplies and co-plans site development projects at FLP’s urban farm to create an environment that promotes hands-on learning, fulfills programmatic needs, and ensures the safety of program participants, staff and volunteers. As a member of the program team, the Youth Engagement Manager assists with various programmatic activities.  

Responsibilities.   

  • Hire, train, and supervise the Youth Community Agriculture Program Crew Members, Peer Mentors and Specialists, ensuring positive culture and communication and the delivery of high-quality, effective programs.  
  • Schedule and plan workshops, educational, team building and youth-driven research activities, and coordinate other opportunities for youth participants; provide direct service programs for youth and adults.   
  • Manage program planning, budgeting, and evaluation within areas of programmatic responsibility.  
  • Work collaboratively and promote teamwork with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.  
  • Maintain program log, create compelling written reports for stakeholders and share compelling material with the FLP Leadership and Communications and Advancement teams.  
  • Procure and manage program supplies and maintain outdoor education resources that promote hands-on learning, fulfill programmatic needs, and ensure the safety of participants and staff.  
  • Update, develop, and standardize curriculum for programming.  
  • Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with community partners and stakeholders.  
  • Provide guidance and on-site supervision for YCAP crew, staff, interns, and volunteers engaged in programmatic efforts.  
  • Lead the youth crew in the management of the vegetable growing operation of the Food Literacy Project using agroecological techniques in partnership with the Farm and Facilities Manager.  
  • Complete other job duties as assigned, including administrative tasks associated with managing a small nonprofit.   

  

Qualifications.    

  • Experience managing a community-based education or youth-development program; 3+ years of experience working with youth; ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to a multiracial and multicultural group of young people 
  • Highly motivated and equipped with skills to support young people’s development and learning in a hands-on farm setting; Confidence facilitating educational activities, leading farm tasks, providing structure, practicing accountability, and supporting young people through challenges at work. 
  • Prior supervisory experience rooted in mutual respect, direct communication, and support. Flexible and adaptable; possesses a solution-oriented approach.   
  • Background knowledge and interest in environmental education, food systems and food justice, civic and community engagement.  
  • Thrives in a collaborative environment and establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with others.  
  • Possesses excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and active listening skills.  Brings a high level of respect to communication with staff, program participants, partners and stakeholders. 
  • 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 crew, 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.   
  • Shared commitment to the Food Literacy Project’s mission and vision. Embodies our core values: energy, roots, discovery, cultivation, abundance, and justice.    
  • Be physically able to participate in and lead farm and garden work projects (walking, lifting, kneeling, crouching, using tools, 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, databases, etc.).    
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.   
  • Must pass criminal background check.  
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and access to vehicle.  

Preferred but not required 

  • Experience growing vegetables using agroecological or organic methods.  
  • Fluency in more than one language and/or cross-cultural life experiences. 
  • Experience working in and/or with south, southwest, and west Louisville communities strongly preferred.  
  • Experience facilitating inclusive youth-led projects.  

Equal Opportunity Employer.  The Food Literacy Project emphasizes diversity in both our programs and staff, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws.  

FLP values an equitable and inclusive workplace. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. FLP is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who bring unique experiences to youth development and community-based work. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.  

To Apply.  

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 and can be emailed to Grace Mican (she/her), Director of Programs, at grace@foodliteracyproject.org. Please include a cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and what unique contributions you would bring to the role, your resume, and five references (3 professional and 2 personal).