Senior Director of the Indigenous Farm Hub in Corrales, New Mexico at NACA Inspired Schools Network

About the NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN)

The NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) is dedicated to building schools of excellence and cultural relevance in Indigenous communities. Based on a community-led school development model, NISN seeks to support schools that build on community strengths and center student learning in community, holism, identity development, and academic preparedness.

NISN seeks talented individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in self-starting individuals with a growth mindset, practicing vulnerability, deeply believing in engaging communities, and genuinely wanting to see transformation in Indigenous communities. Our people want to work on a diverse, high-energy and do whatever-it-takes team that is committed to holistic wellness in Indigenous communities.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of the Indigenous Farm Hub (IFH) will be responsible for overseeing our 16-acre farm and hydroponics system located in Corrales, NM and managing the team who sustains operations and educational programming. The Senior Director plays a dynamic role in leading our effort in enhancing healthy access points to food, implementing land-based and agricultural learning experiences for youth and adults and building opportunities for prosperity for our farm and community. This role ensures safety protocols are in place, equipment is maintained and produce is delivered to CSA customers, organizations, and tribal entities on time. NISN views the farm hub as an extension of our network schools and makes it accessible year-round to them and our community partners. Therefore, this role requires hosting students, educators, farmers-in-residence, and supporting the IFH team in delivering land-based learning programming. The Senior Director will also be a part of NISN’s executive leadership team and will assist with organizational planning and decision-making. The ideal candidate will be driven by a farm schedule rather than an 8-5 work day, can manage a team to weekly outputs and can multi-task effectively by managing the farm and handling necessary administrative and finance-related tasks. Extensive experience working with Indigenous communities is a must.

The position works under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Manages Farm Operations

• Plants, cultivates, harvests, packs and delivers food for customers and partners
• Manages the hydroponics and greenhouse production
• Manages and writes safety practices and protocols for farm operation
• Trains all staff and visitors on produce safety processes and procedures
• Maintain and operates farm equipment
• Purchases equipment and materials for an effective operation and education experience for visitors
• Incorporates traditional and innovative farming practices into the operation of the farm enterprise

Manages Educational Experiences

• Supports the planning and implementation visits from school and community partners
• Supports the implementation and reporting of the USDA Farm to School grant including engaging with NACA and Siembra Charter High School
• Implements the Farmers in Residence program and Farm to School program

Leads Community Outreach, Sales and Fundraising

• Manages the sales of produce through the CSA and institutional partners
• Leads the building and sustainment of external relationships and partnerships
• Oversees cash sales and deposits
• Leads implementation and reporting of the NIFA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers grant
• Engages with current and future community partners and funders to share the story and impact of the IFH

Leads Team

• Manages the IFH team and hires new staff or contractors in service of farm production, operation and education programs
• Responsible for developing and monitoring IFH budget
• Serves on the NISN Leadership Team and supports with overall management of NISN
• Models NISN's Core Values, Commitments, and Big Ideas.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrates 7-10 years of experience in agricultural operations, production promotion and produce sales
• Highly relational leader
• Deep understanding of soil science and planting cycles
• Knowledge of of acequias and local irrigation methods
• Strong and clear community outreach for sales
• Community outreach for effective partnerships and customers
• Experience managing multiple projects
• Experience with farm machinery
• Grants management and strategy
• Hands on, but can pivot to other work streams within a day
• Can work in extremely ambiguous settings
• Can adapt and problem solve in the moment
• Scheduled for farming and education

Education

• 4 year college degree required
• 7-10 years experience working with Indigenous communities

Working Conditions

• The Senior Director will be working extensively in an agricultural setting completing manual labor, but will also perform tasks in an office setting with expectations to utilize computer, phone and video conference tools. The position also requires:
• • Travel by vehicle to deliver produce (Valid driver’s license and 3-year clean driving record required)
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs or more
  • Walking and completing tasks in a farm setting
  • Operating farm equipment

Salary

The salary range for the role is $92,374 - $124,976

Benefits

NISN offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; long and short-term disability; over 30 company holidays; up to 10 days of paid time off, 5 days of cultural leave, and 5 days of bereavement leave per occurrence; and a 401(k) plan with an automatic 3% employer contribution. Depending on the start date, benefits will be prorated.

Location

This position is based primarily at NISN’s Indigenous Farm Hub in Corrales, NM, with occasional work at the New Mexico office and remotely. The candidate must be able to travel and attend in-person meetings and convenings as scheduled.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The NACA Inspired Schools Network provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NISN complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NISN has facilities.