The Somerville Community Growing Center
is hiring a Part-time Operations Manager
Seeking Operations Manager for Somerville Community Growing Center, start date January 2024
The Friends of the Community Growing Center (FCGC), a volunteer-led non-profit organization that manages the Somerville Community Growing Center (SCGC), is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023-2024. Strategic planning has indicated the need for increased staffing support for the wide range of free programs and initiatives offered, largely through volunteer engagement. FCGC is seeking a versatile, detail-oriented individual to help organize and support our operations. If you enjoy interacting with the public and mentoring volunteers, and thrive in both independent and team work environments with a wide range of projects and responsibilities, we want to hear from you.
Contact Information ~ Email: info@thegrowingcenter.org
Hours: Approximately 20 hours/week (mainly weekdays)
Application deadline: 12/1/2023. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.
Start date: January 2024
Position requires some on-site work in Somerville, MA, with the majority of work to be remote.
Summary of Responsibilities:
● Volunteer Management: Develop and manage a thriving corps of volunteers and volunteer leaders to activate our projects, programs, and initiatives
● Operations: Oversee the operations of the Friends, including data/information management
● Communications and Outreach: Organize and manage internal communications systems. Coordinate external communications and community outreach efforts, in collaboration with staff, Board and volunteer team supports
Specific Responsibilities:
Volunteer Management (30%)
Volunteer Management
● Work with FCGC staff and Board to implement best practices for recruiting, training, engaging, and retaining volunteers, including matching volunteer interests/skills to appropriate projects and initiatives.
● Identify, recruit, and support volunteer leaders capable of leading projects with staff oversight.
● Provide direct supervision to volunteers on communications, outreach, office, and other projects.
● Develop and maintain a system to track volunteer activities and their impact on our initiatives.
● Organize volunteer appreciation activities/events.
● Coordinate and support free public and volunteer-led events, including calendar scheduling, coordination with volunteer leaders, overseeing registration/attendance tracking, and communications with participants as needed.
Continually monitor volunteer needs and track gaps in volunteer leadership.
Community Engagement
● Advance community partnerships that expand our capacity and address strategic priorities.
Operations Management (30%)
● Manage internal and external calendars.
● Manage administrative systems, both physical (on-site) as well as digital (online).
● Working with FCGC Board and insurance agent, manage compliance with insurance policies.
● Maintain office supplies and printed materials for volunteers and visitors.
● Manage document filing systems (printed and electronic) and organizational archives.
● Work with the FCGC Board to develop Policies and Procedures for administrative and back-office tasks; delegate office tasks to volunteers as appropriate.
Communications and Outreach (30%)
● Lead the work of the Communications Committee, including setting agendas, leading meetings, tracking progress on communications projects, and participating in a team effort to develop and implement ongoing tasks (monthly e-newsletter, e-blasts, media outreach).
● Oversee our social media presence.
● Coordinate website content updates in partnership with other FCGC staff and Board members.
● Oversee Writing Team, working to share blog posts and stories about happenings, partnerships and other topics of interest at the Growing Center.
● Coordinate outreach volunteers, develop/maintain outreach materials.
Communications and Outreach (30%)
● Lead the work of the Communications Committee, including setting agendas, leading meetings, tracking progress on communications projects, and participating in a team effort to develop and implement ongoing tasks (monthly e-newsletter, e-blasts, media outreach).
● Oversee our social media presence.
● Coordinate website content updates in partnership with other FCGC staff and Board members.
● Oversee Writing Team, working to share blog posts and stories about happenings, partnerships and other topics of interest at the Growing Center.
● Coordinate outreach volunteers, develop/maintain outreach materials.
Other Duties (10%)
● Provide logistical and event-day support related to special events.
● Other duties as assigned by the FCGC Board.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
The Operations Manager must…
● Have the demonstrated skills and passion for connecting with, and building connections among, people from our richly diverse community. This is truly a job for a “people person” looking for a leadership role. The SCGC hosts groups and individuals of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and interests, and our Operations Manager will successfully engage with this entire community. The Operations Manager will also be a confident communicator who can be an ambassador to the Growing Center with our community partners, and at both internal and external events.
● Have a passion for the core values that the SCGC supports, which include but are not limited to: social justice, ecology, food systems, climate justice, and community arts and culture.
● Be extremely organized and self-motivated, with demonstrated experience working both collaboratively and independently. The Operations Manager will regularly check in with the FCGC Board and Site Coordinator but will need to self-prioritize tasks and be an autonomous problem-solver for ad-hoc issues.
● Be willing and able to work outdoors in varying year-round weather conditions as needed.
● Be comfortable working in the Google workspace (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar) with working knowledge of social media platforms (primarily Facebook and Instagram).
Preferred Experience and Skills
● Professional background and/or related experience in outreach, volunteer engagement, environmental education, ecology, and/or urban agriculture.
● Experience with Salesforce, Wix, and MailChimp.
● Fluency or working proficiency in a language other than English (Spanish or Portuguese) highly desirable.
Other Job Requirements
● Must have a working personal computer (Mac or PC) and smartphone.
● Must spend at least two hours on-site per week.
● Must be able to work periodic weekend and evening events.
● Position may require light to medium physical effort/lifting.
● Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle is strongly preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a part time, contractual position. The hourly range is $22-25, depending on experience/skills.
Supervision
This position is overseen by a designated representative(s) of the FCGC Board of Directors.
Location
The operations manager will complete administrative work remotely and will frequently work on-site at the Somerville Growing Center on Vinal Avenue in Somerville.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The Friends of the Community Growing Center embraces diversity in all forms. We are an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, illness, disability, marital or veteran status or any other status protected by law.
How to Apply
Your application must include a resume and cover letter. Please send your materials to info@thegrowingcenter.org with the words “Operations Manager” in the subject line. Candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted, interviews will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.
