Description

La Mesa Verde Program Coordinator

South First Street Location: Onsite Position

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT & DESCRIPTION

Sacred Heart Community Service, located in San José, CA, is seeking a Full-Time, Non-Exempt La Mesa Verde Program Coordinator. La Mesa Verde is a mutually supportive, primarily low-income community of urban gardeners dedicated to addressing local food justice issues. This role is essential in fostering community engagement and empowerment through sustainable gardening practices. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, flexible, and creative, with a strong passion for our mission—to change lives and combat poverty. The Program Coordinator will oversee the implementation and growth of the La Mesa Verde program, facilitating workshops, coordinating volunteer efforts, and building partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders. For nearly 60 years, SHCS has been a leader in tackling poverty in Santa Clara County, employing a comprehensive strategy that not only meets basic needs but also equips individuals with tools for self-sufficiency and provides avenues for community involvement and activism. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. Join us in our mission to cultivate a thriving community rooted in justice, equity, and sustainability.

La Mesa Verde Program Coordinator will join a small, dynamic team within Sacred Heart Community Service, playing a pivotal role in driving community engagement and fostering leadership among members. This position has two primary responsibilities: overseeing a vibrant bilingual Spanish/English membership program that manages workshop logistics and inspires member participation and cultivating leadership through facilitating member-led volunteer committees. Additionally, the Coordinator will support LMV-wide events, including community garden workdays, plant distribution for all LMV families, and LMV-led policy campaigns, coordinating volunteers and ensuring alignment with our mission of food justice. La Mesa Verde employs community organizing tools such as one-on-one meetings, political analysis, strategic planning, and popular education training to develop leadership and achieve program and campaign goals. Popular Education, which centers oppressed people in the learning process through adult-oriented techniques, is integral to our approach, empowering community members to advocate for their needs and drive meaningful change. By nurturing relationships and fostering collaboration, the Program Coordinator will help create a sustainable and impactful program that equips individuals to take ownership of their food systems and work collectively toward justice and equity.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Program Management (40%)

● Provide support to the LMV Committees in guiding skill-building events for gardeners in LMV, collaborating with leaders to develop and plan workshops and volunteer opportunities, managing logistics, and ensuring that members have ownership over the network.

● Implement consistent onboarding and professional development plans for LMV staff focused on transformative programming and organizing. Training topics may include sustainable gardening, composting, popular education, community organizing, food policy, power and privilege, and solidarity.

● Recruit, train, and retain community educators for bilingual garden workshops, integrating popular education techniques to enhance learning experiences.

● Maintain strong relationships with key members in the LMV network, supporting engagement through one-on-one meetings, phone calls, and online outreach for membership events and volunteer opportunities.

● Create and maintain robust partnerships with LMV stakeholders and community organizations to enhance resources and collaboration.

● Develop and implement program evaluation tools (e.g., pre/post tests, satisfaction surveys) to assess participant learning and engagement, analyzing and reporting on outcomes to inform future programming.

● Design and implement outreach strategies to engage diverse community members, ensuring inclusivity in all programs and activities.

● Facilitate community forums and meetings to gather feedback and input from participants, fostering a sense of ownership and collective decision-making.

● Coordinate LMV-led policy campaigns, engaging members in advocacy efforts that address systemic food justice issues and amplify community voices.

● Plan and execute LMV-wide events, such as community garden workdays, plant distribution events, and educational workshops, ensuring logistical needs are met and fostering a welcoming environment.

● Collaborate with volunteers and staff to create promotional materials and communications for events, enhancing visibility and participation.

● Monitor and assess the effectiveness of events through participant feedback and engagement metrics, making recommendations for improvements.

Administrative Duties (20%)

● Develop, track, and analyze program goals that align with the agency's strategic priorities. Regularly assess progress and adjust strategies as needed to ensure goals are met and to maximize community impact.

● Act as a “mandated reporter” by working with the Organizing Manager to ensure adherence to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law, maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

● Collaborate with the Organizing Coordinator to monitor grant requirements, ensuring that all service delivery goals are met and/or exceeded, and that reporting deadlines are adhered to.

● Support the planning and implementation of agency-wide programs, events, training sessions, and outreach efforts, contributing ideas and logistical support to enhance overall effectiveness.

● Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the overall mission and operations of Sacred Heart Community Service, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to assist wherever needed.

● Support LMV social media campaigns by creating engaging content and interacting with community members online. Monitor social media engagement metrics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and make recommendations for improvement.

● Collaborate with other teams within the organization to identify opportunities for cross-promotion and resource sharing, enhancing the visibility and impact of LMV initiatives.

● Facilitate regular feedback sessions with members and volunteers to gather insights and suggestions, using this input to inform program development and community needs.

Leadership (40%)

● Meet one-on-one with LMV committee members to foster awareness and consciousness around food justice, local food systems, and the importance of building collective power. Facilitate discussions on healthy group dynamics, encouraging members to express their ideas and concerns while collaboratively planning the next steps in committee tasks.

● Develop and deliver leadership training sessions for committee members covering a variety of topics, including effective meeting facilitation, understanding food systems, solidarity building, and the intersectionality of race and class in food justice. Tailor trainings to meet the specific needs and experiences of the participants to maximize impact.

● Create and implement ongoing leadership development programs that empower committee members to take on more significant roles within the organization, focusing on skill-building in areas such as public speaking, advocacy, and community organizing.

● Support policy issue research and the development of advocacy strategies, helping committee members to understand key issues and engage in collective actions that align with their goals. Facilitate workshops on policy analysis and advocacy techniques, equipping members with the tools they need to effectively influence local food policies.

● Mediate conflict resolution among members or volunteers by utilizing restorative practices and conversation techniques that promote understanding and mutual respect. Encourage open dialogue and guide members toward reaching agreements that facilitate progress and strengthen group cohesion.

● Organize and facilitate community-building activities that strengthen relationships among committee members and foster a sense of belonging, enhancing overall group dynamics.

● Establish mentorship opportunities within the committees, pairing experienced members with newcomers to provide guidance and support, and to foster a culture of shared learning and collaboration.

● Collaborate with other program leaders to identify leadership gaps and areas for growth, creating targeted initiatives to support members in developing the skills necessary for effective leadership within the community.

● Regularly assess the effectiveness of leadership programs and trainings through participant feedback and outcome measurements, making necessary adjustments to improve future offerings.

● Encourage a culture of accountability within the committees by setting clear expectations for participation and contribution, while also celebrating successes and recognizing individual and group achievements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

● Strong commitment to our vision of a community united to ensure that every child and adult is free from poverty, demonstrating a deep understanding of social justice issues and community empowerment.

● Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish, enabling effective communication with a diverse community.

● Excellent public speaking, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

● Flexible, compassionate, and supportive attitude, able to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to the needs of community members with empathy.

● Experience providing culturally competent support and leadership development, ensuring inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.

● Availability to work some evenings and weekends, as community events and workshops may occur outside of regular business hours.

● Ability to be outdoors and in the sun for extended periods, as the role involves active participation in community gardening and outdoor events.

● Ability to travel to multiple locations for garden visits, family engagement, and other professional obligations.

● Must have reliable personal transportation and maintain a valid driver’s license and auto insurance in accordance with state law and SHCS driving policy. Mileage reimbursement may be available for work-related travel, as per SHCS policy.

● Computer literate with proficiency in Google Apps, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms, with the ability to learn new software as needed.

● Must complete a DMV check and background check to ensure the safety and well-being of program participants.

● Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds with assistance and perform garden-related manual labor as required by program activities.

● One to two years of experience working in a community-based organization, demonstrating a strong understanding of grassroots organizing and community dynamics.

● One to two years of experience in curriculum training and development, with a focus on adult learning principles and community engagement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

● Experience with adult and community-based education and/or popular education methods is highly desirable, enhancing the program's educational offerings.

● Passion for food sovereignty, community engagement, and organizing, reflecting a commitment to building equitable food systems.

● Experience in urban gardening, farming, permaculture, and/or homesteading is ideal, providing practical knowledge that can be shared with program participants.

● Knowledge of grants monitoring and reporting processes, ensuring compliance and effective use of funding resources.

● Experience facilitating community events through Zoom and/or other virtual learning platforms, adapting in-person activities for online formats as needed.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The La Mesa Verde Coordinator will report to the La Mesa Verde Manager.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To consider the application, applicants must submit a resume & cover letter outlining their experience in information referral and community work.

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Pay is commensurate with experience, starting at $25.00 to $28.00 per hour. Excellent benefits include fully paid medical insurance for employees, and majority paid medical insurance for qualified dependents, dental insurance, vision insurance, 12 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days per year, paid vacation starting at 10 days per year, additional wellness benefits, basic life and long-term disability insurance, professional development and more.

Sacred Heart Community Service is proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. SHCS is committed to building a team of people of diverse ethnic, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. It is the policy of Sacred Heart Community Service to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, medical condition or genetic information, veteran status, national origin, disability, marital or other protected status. SHCS will conform to the spirit, as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, people of color, women, people living with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ people to apply.

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 521.

Updated 10.14.2024

Keywords

Community Engagement Sustainable Gardening Community Organizing Food Justice Leadership Development Advocacy Policy Campaigns Popular Education Program Management Administrative Duties Bilingual Communication