Education Director jobs in Rockford, IL

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Educationis responsible for supporting all aspects of educational programming at DCCG. This role will oversee and implement the daily activities and lessons for the weekly Walnut Grove Vocational Farm individual and group programs which operate year-round, plan and coordinate educational classes at Walnut Grove Vocational Farm and at the Genoa Area Community Food Hub and serve as a resource for School Gardens lesson plans. Must demonstrate good judgment, ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, and ability to be self-motivated and well organized.

The Walnut Grove Vocational Farm (WGVF) program provides innovative work opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities by providing an integrated setting for training in agricultural, horticultural, and transferable life skills, with an emphasis on individual growth. The opportunities provided at Walnut Grove Vocational Farm allow all who participate to contribute and connect to the wider community in a healthy, fun, integrated and meaningful way.

POSITION CONTEXT:

The position reports directly to the Associate Director. The position is required to work a full work week, as designated by the DCCG Employee Handbook, typically averaging 40 hours per week. Travel throughout the DeKalb County region is required. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information and will represent DCCG in a variety of capacities to the community.

EXAMPLES OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Walnut Grove Vocational Farm:

• Assist the WGVF Program Director in supporting high school transition program coordinators, WGVF individual participants (aka “The Crew”), and other agencies to schedule and oversee the on-farm training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Serve as a job coach for individuals in their places of employment or volunteer experiences and serve as a mentor to other job coaches.
• Assist the WGVF Program Director in preparation and clean up of a wide variety of training activities.
• Create customized training curriculum for the WGVF program.
• Work with volunteers and other DCCG staff to create a safe and productive learning environment.

School Gardens Program:

• Assist with revisions of the School Gardens curriculum before the Spring and Fall school semesters.
• Coordinate with DeKalb Community Unit School District #428 curriculum team to create the highest quality lessons for elementary students.
• Assist Associate Director in mentoring School Gardens Coordinator.

Genoa Area Community Food Hub:

• Plan and coordinate monthly educational classes held at the GACFH. This includes scheduling with community volunteers to host classes, sourcing materials needed, and advertising the event on social media in partnership with the Associate Director.
• Assist GACFH Program Director in scheduling other community organizations to attend pantry events and provide support to neighbors.

General Tasks:

• Assist in the promotion of educational events through social media in coordination with DCCG’s Associate Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of:

• Horticulture/agriculture or garden methods preferred.
• Food handling and sanitation.
• Human services and/or emergency food sectors and food insecurity.

Skills:

• Education background and lesson planning skills preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving ability.

Ability to:

• Work comfortably and respectfully with adult individuals with developmental disabilities and other diverse backgrounds.
• Deliver services to those in need with compassion, clear boundaries and good communication skills.
• Work well with others.
• Adhere to regulations and standards.
• Inspire and motivate.
• Work independently within a varied seasonal schedule.
• Demonstrate a strong interest and show compassion for the issues of food insecurity and poverty.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working environment includes indoor and outdoor settings with exposure to inclement weather conditions year-round. The noise level varies but is generally moderate to loud. Local and county travel are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching. May require lifting or moving objects up to 50 lbs. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a variety of typical planting and equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Rehabilitation Services, or related field preferred.
• Food Sanitation Certification or ability to obtain.
• 1 years working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of horticulture/agriculture or garden methods preferred.
• Some experience with human services and/or emergency food sectors and food insecurity preferred.
• Knowledge of food handling and sanitation in a public setting.
• Valid Class D (regular) Illinois driver's license by date of hire with a clean driving record.
• Provide your own reliable transportation.
• Participate in cross-training to prepare for temporary or emergency support to other designated part(s) of DCCG.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person