Director of Programs

About Coastal Roots Farm

Coastal Roots Farm is a nonprofit organization grounded in Jewish principles, serving as a community farm and educational hub. Located on 18 acres in Encinitas, CA, recognized as indigenous land of the Kumeyaay and Luiseño peoples, the Farm focuses on regenerative agriculture, food justice, environmental education, and Jewish cultural life. It cultivates organic food in an environmentally conscious manner, donates most of its harvest to those in need, educates youth on environmental stewardship, and connects diverse communities to Jewish traditions through farming and food.

Position Summary

The newly established senior leadership role of Director of Programs is responsible for overseeing all programmatic efforts, including education, community engagement, volunteer coordination, tours, internships, and special events aligned with the Farm’s vision. Reporting to the CEO and supervising education managers and program staff, this role demands strategic vision, operational excellence, and the capacity to foster partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and refine the vision for the Programs department, integrating education and Jewish life programs while preserving their unique focuses.
• Translate organizational goals into actionable annual program plans, including budgets, staffing, and schedules.
• Ensure programs embody the Farm’s commitments to Jewish values, inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and community care.
• Use data, feedback, and community insights to continuously improve program offerings.
• Strengthen staff operations including scheduling, training, supervision, compliance, and communication with other departments.
• Oversee curriculum development to ensure inclusivity, experiential learning, and alignment with mission and values.
• Cultivate relationships with schools, Jewish organizations, environmental groups, and community leaders to broaden program impact.
• Manage program budgets, financial performance, revenue streams, and ensure accurate reporting and evaluations.
• Represent Coastal Roots Farm at community and donor events, build external partnerships, and serve as a visible ambassador.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum seven years in leadership roles involving education, Jewish communal life, nonprofit management, or environmental education.
• Proven experience supervising diverse teams, managing layered staffing structures including contractors and volunteers.
• Competence in program financial management, including budgeting, revenue, and impact evaluation.
• Strong organizational skills covering scheduling, logistics, risk management, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural traditions, holidays, education, and community life.
• Experience designing or leading programs for a range of age groups and multigenerational audiences.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, storytelling, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive community-building across diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Capability to balance strategic planning with detailed operational management.
• Availability to work evenings, Sundays, and Jewish holidays as necessary.
• Preferred: background in environmental education, sustainability, agriculture, food justice, curriculum development, or land-based learning.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree advantageous but optional.

Work Schedule and Reporting

This is a full-time, exempt position requiring approximately 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday, with the necessity for presence during essential program activities on Sundays and Jewish holidays. The Director reports directly to the CEO and oversees Education Managers and assigned program personnel.

Compensation and Inclusion

The role offers a starting salary of $90,000, adjustable based on experience, accompanied by a competitive benefits package. Coastal Roots Farm is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applicants from a variety of backgrounds to apply. All qualified candidates will be evaluated without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, or other protected statuses.