Programs Coordinator: Farm to Early Childcare Education Specialist

The Mississippi Farm to School Network; Mississippi; Remote; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Programs Coordinator to enhance early childcare programs in Mississippi. This role involves organizing events, providing technical assistance, and leading a coalition focused on local food procurement and nutrition education. The ideal candidate will have a background in early childhood development, strong organizational skills, and a passion for improving the local food system. This remote position requires a Mississippi resident willing to travel approximately 30% of the time. Join a dedicated team committed to fostering community connections and promoting healthy eating habits among children and families.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Flexible Start Date

Remote Work Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood development and non-profit programming.
• Proficient in various software tools and remote meeting facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Organize trainings and events for early childcare programs.
• Provide technical assistance to childcare centers and schools.
• Lead the Mississippi Farm to ECE Coalition and coordinate collaboration.

Skills

Event Planning

Technical Assistance

Research Skills

Relationship Building

Remote Meeting Facilitation

Computer Proficiency

Education

Background in Early Childhood Development

Experience with Early Childcare

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Google Products (Gmail, Docs)

Job description

Programs Coordinator: Farm to Early Childcare Education Specialist

About the Mississippi Farm to School Network (MSF2SN):

The Mississippi Farm to School Network works to connect farmers with schools in order to bring Mississippi products to school cafeterias. We seek to strengthen the local agricultural economy and educate Mississippians on the importance of eating locally-grown, nutritionally-dense foods. By gathering a diverse community of farm to school advocates, the network strives to reach all students and their families.

The Mississippi Farm to School Network is a Seed Change project of the National Farm to School Network and is fiscally sponsored by the Earth Island Institute.

Position Description:

We’re growing our team! We are seeking a motivated programs coordinator to help us increase our offerings to early childcare programs in Mississippi. We’re looking for someone dedicated to good food for all and the principles of farm to school – local procurement, school gardens, and community connection. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance and value of local food and has demonstrated work experience in early childcare.

The Programs Coordinator will organize trainings and events, from choosing dates and locations to budgeting and evaluating. The Programs Coordinator will also lead the statewide Mississippi Farm to ECE Coalition, which includes setting agendas and sending reminders for monthly meetings, checking in with sub-committees and workgroups, coordinating collaboration amongst working groups, and evaluating the progress and timelines of the coalition.

The Programs Coordinator will provide technical assistance to early childcare centers, headstart centers, and home daycare centers implementing Farm to ECE programs. This includes engaging providers in the garden and supporting garden activities, nutrition education, and local procurement. While some technical assistance can be provided virtually, the programs coordinator is expected to deliver technical assistance in person when resources allow and will be expected to travel to early childcare sites across the state.

The person filling this position will be organized and able to create and stick to their schedule in their own space. They must be willing to enter unknown situations and represent the network well. The right candidate is passionate about improving our Mississippi food system. The Programs Coordinator must be willing to travel about 30% of the time. The position is work-from-home, and candidates must be Mississippi residents with a computer and a vehicle.

Responsibilities:

• Event planning including promotion, budgeting, and coordination of evaluation
• Research and report on early childcare centers in MS and opportunities for implementation of farm to ECE practices
• Site visits to early childcare programs, schools, and farms to provide technical assistance
• Represent MSF2SN at industry conferences and meetings
• Build relationships with partners, including state agencies and lawmakers
• Resource development: writing, editing, and publishing
• Participation in the Development work of the organization

Qualifications:

• Background in early childhood development and experience with early childcare in Mississippi
• Non-profit programming experience
• Position is remote, but candidates must live in Mississippi or be willing to relocate
• Familiarity and comfort with remote meeting facilitation
• Must have an adequate computer and car with a clean driving record
• Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and Google products (Gmail and shared documents)
• Must be able to pass a background check; job includes occasionally working with children/youth

Details:

MSF2SN is fiscally sponsored by the Earth Island Institute and this employee will be an employee of MSF2SN via Earth Island Institute. Learn more about fiscal sponsorship here.

Based in Mississippi – work remotely – desired start date March 3rd, 2025. Start date is slightly flexible. Will report to the Director & Associate Director. Full-time, 40-hours a week, non-exempt, work-from-home, $38-$42,000 salaried position (based on experience), with ~30% travel. Full and comprehensive benefits package is offered by MSF2SN via our fiscal sponsor, Earth Island Institute. This position is grant-funded, and while we hope to continue beyond the grant period, the position is contingent on securing additional funds.

Apply by Friday, February 14th: Email a Cover Letter and Resume with the Subject Line: “Programs Coordinator” to [e-mail]

Earth Island and Mississippi Farm to School Network do not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by state or federal laws, local law, or ordinance.