Food and Farming Program Director

Berkeley Ecology Center Seeks Experienced Program Director to Lead Food and Farming Programs

The Ecology Center, a pioneering nonprofit advancing sustainable food systems and equitable access to healthy food, is seeking a Food and Farming Program Director to lead and grow our local and statewide initiatives, including Market Match, the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and the Berkeley Farmers' Markets.

In this role, you will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for programs that touch communities across California. You'll oversee budgets and grants, guide senior program managers and a talented team, and build strong partnerships with policymakers, community organizations, and movement leaders. Your work will shape policy, expand program impact, and ensure that more people have access to fresh, healthy, local food from California's innovative small farms.

We are looking for a strategic, results-driven leader with deep experience in food systems, farmers' markets, or nonprofit program management. The ideal candidate is passionate about equity and sustainability, skilled at building collaborative teams, and motivated to drive meaningful change.

This is more than a leadership role-it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact on California's food system, influence policy, and inspire a team committed to a healthier, resilient, and more equitable future.

Ecology Center Background:

The Ecology Center's mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. Since 1970, we've transformed sustainability ideas into everyday practice, offering actionable information, reliable infrastructure, and leadership for lasting change. We leverage local services to advance broader transformative change. We operate the nation's first curbside recycling service, nationally recognized food and farming programs, and model education, engagement, and youth development activities. The Ecology Center team is diverse, multifaceted, and ambitious.

Role Overview:

The Food and Farming Program Director works under the supervision of the Deputy Director and in collaboration with the Executive Director and Leadership Team to plan and oversee all Ecology Center Food and Farming Department operations, finances, promotion, and policy advocacy. The Food and Farming Program Director provides vision, leadership, and direction for our statewide nutrition incentive program (Market Match) ,, the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets (CAFM), and our three Berkeley Farmers' Markets. This role involves collaborating with various food and farming movements, direct marketing associations, agencies, policymakers, and organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop plans, policies, goals, and objectives for the Food & Farming Department in accordance with grant requirements and the goals and strategies of the Ecology Center
• Develop and adhere to annual budget and fiscal control policies in collaboration with the Finance & Operations Director and Deputy Director. Monitor departmental expenses and provide financial projections for program activities
• Oversee proposal and budget preparation, application, implementation, and execution of federal, state, and institutional grants and contracts
• Actively participate in the Leadership Team and engage in cross-organizational leadership, including the Ecology Center's efforts to advance ongoing belonging and inclusion policies, practices, and initiatives
• Hire, train, supervise, support, coach, and evaluate Food & Farming Department staff, including direct supervision of Senior Program Managers
• Cultivate a strong and motivated team by providing support, setting clear expectations, and encouraging a culture of accountability and teamwork
• Maintain familiarity with, follow, and ensure staff compliance with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties in a unionized work environment
• Lead, develop, and oversee statewide programmatic activity of the California Market Match Program, the the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and other emergent program areas
• Lead, engage in, and support statewide coalition efforts towards healthy, sustainable, and just food systems
• Work with the Executive Director, Business Development Director, and Operations & Finance Director to lead fundraising for the Food and Farming Department; participate in organization-wide fundraising and other membership development events and activities
• Maintain and foster strong external relationships with key partners, including government, elected officials, program officers, and local, state, and regional food movement leaders, and community organizations
• Present at conferences and workshops, and lead and participate in coalition and industry activities that further the Ecology Center's strategic goals
• Provide senior programmatic leadership on marketing and communications
• Provide oversight, leadership, and directions for the ongoing advancement of our three Berkeley Farmers' Markets. Occasionally, back-up market management as needed
• Perform other duties assigned

Qualifications:

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and management experience
• Proven ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments and situations
• Proven experience with change management and the ability to operate in uncertainty
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience in and commitment to building sustainable food systems
• Demonstrated success in managing large federal grants
• Farmers' markets or small businesses development skills Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships with participants, farmers, vendors, customers, neighbors, civic and movement leaders, funders, and members of the public.
• Demonstrable ability to effectively resolve conflicts
• The ability and willingness to enforce policies with staff, vendors, partners, and the public
• Demonstrated success with marketing, press, and communications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in program or business development, staff supervision and team building, fundraising, communications, and related roles, preferably within the non-profit sector.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly talk or hear up to 6 hours a day; Regularly sit, type, and use keyboard/mouse up to 7 hours a day; Regularly sit and stand from chair up to 20 times a day; Occasionally stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms;
• Occasionally climb stairs and/or take elevator; Occasionally get in and out of car up to 6 times a day; and
• Occasionally drive in dry and wet weather, usually during daylight hours, but occasionally in the evening hours;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty five(25) pounds

Salary & Benefits:

• Pay range $99,830 to $119,796 DOE, plus full employee medical and dental insurance, dependent medical coverage after 2 years, optional vision insurance, generous vacation, sick and holiday leave, employer-matched 401k plan, Employee Assistance Program and AD&D.

People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, women, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals and victims of domestic violence are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.

Ecology Center requires a successful background check contingent to hire.