The City of Newark is seeking a committed, resourceful and talented change maker to shepherd the development of urban agriculture programs and facilitate implementation of the City of Newark's sustainable food systems initiatives. The Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager will report to the Chief Sustainability Officer and work closely with a cross-disciplinary Urban Agriculture Commission made up of key partners, food system stakeholders and City agencies. The goal of this newly forming body will be to advance policies and programs that increase local fresh and healthy food production and distribution to help combat hunger and food insecurity in our community. The work of the Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager will be guided by principles of environmental and social justice, local self-sufficiency, and will strive to ensure all members of the Newark community benefit as we continue to Move Newark Forward.
Essential Job Duties:
The Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager performs difficult skilled administrative work leading and coordinating the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the City of Newark's comprehensive city-wide initiative to expand urban agriculture and healthy food access to build a robust and inclusive food economy for residents to find affordable and healthy food. To that end, the Sustainable Food Systems Manager will be tasked with advancing sustainable food policy initiatives for the City of Newark and advising, supporting and serving as an active liaison to the existing and startup nonprofit and community-based organizations clarifying the city's role in policy development.
The Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the successful implementation of the Nourishing Newark Community Grants Program. Launched in February 2022, the Nourishing Newark Community Grants Program seeks to spur the creation and expansion of sustainable urban food cooperatives, and other healthy food distribution channels.
The Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager will be responsible for managing grants piloting food systems initiatives, creating an implementation plan and supporting the Chief Sustainability Officer in securing additional funding to support the team's food systems work.
The Sustainable Food Systems Program Manager serves as the liaison between the city government and community stakeholders. They will develop, coordinate, and support public-facing ongoing events that positively showcase the impact of the Nourishing Newark Program Grant and associated initiatives.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Sustainability Officer.
THE CITY OF NEWARK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER