Youth Programs Coordinator

About Victory Garden Initiative

Victory Garden Initiative is a non-profit organization in Milwaukee, WI that builds communities who grow their own food, creating a community-led, socially just, environmentally sustainable, nutritious food system for all.

We recruit and hire qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply, especially those with a deep connection to the Harambee neighborhood and the greater Milwaukee community.

Schedule and Compensation

• Part-time, non-exempt
• Salaried at $20,000
• Flexible scheduling, with a combination of standard office hours and occasional remote work
• General hours are Mon–Fri, 9–5, with some evening and weekend hours for events and programs
• Staff are encouraged to flex their schedule to meet both position responsibilities and personal needs
• The Youth Coordinator will be expected to run in-person programming at schools and outdoors on our farm

Job Description

Victory Garden Initiative seeks a creative, independent individual with leadership and gardening experience, and a demonstrated passion for youth empowerment and education, to oversee the YEP! Youth Education Program, which includes After School Garden/Cooking Clubs, Summer AgriCorps camp, and 4-H club activities.

Essential Duties

• Design, develop, and enhance youth curriculum that embodies Victory Garden Initiative’s mission
• Build and maintain partnerships with organizations to deliver holistic, mission-aligned youth programs
• Lead the growth of youth programming through strategic planning, evaluation, and reporting
• Mentor young people and guide education interns and volunteers to support program delivery
• Care for and maintain the Youth Education Garden and assist with school garden spaces
• Represent Victory Garden Initiative in the community through outreach, events, and partnerships
• Collaborate with leadership to manage program budgets and support marketing efforts
• Contribute to organization-wide initiatives as needed, including but not limited to the Urban Farm, Blitz, Move Grass Classes, FarmRaiser, and Annual Appeal

Qualifications

The Youth Programs Coordinator is someone who is passionate about working with youth, believes that getting kids cooking and gardening is a vital part of a well-rounded education, and has a demonstrated interest in the mission of VGI: creating more food security, protecting the environment, breaking down social injustice, and helping people connect with nutritious food.

The ideal candidate will possess some combination of the following:

• At least 2 years of experience working with youth, preferably in non-formal (e.g., nature centers, day cares, Montessori, nonprofits) and outdoor settings, with an understanding of public school structures
• Some familiarity with gardening and cooking preferred
• Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems, take initiative, work independently, and think outside the box
• Ability to build relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 15 pounds and stand, stoop, kneel, and perform general physical tasks as needed to maintain a garden
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certifications upon hire (training paid for by Victory Garden Initiative)

Hiring is contingent on the ability to pass a background check