Community Gardens Program Manager

The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) has been a leader in native plant conservation, horticulture, and education in the southeastern United States for more than 50 years. As part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we further the University's tripartite teaching, research, and public service mission through our own mission to cultivate connections between plants, people, and place through science, engagement, and conservation. As a garden focused on conserving the biodiversity of southeastern native plants, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives makes our organization and community stronger. NCBG is committed to creating an environment in our gardens and natural areas where everyone's voice is heard and everyone feels safe and welcome

The Community Gardens Program Manager leads the Carolina Community Garden and Edible Campus UNC, two North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) programs that promote sustainable agriculture, food access, and experiential learning. Reporting to the Director of Learning & Community Engagement, this role oversees operations, program development, and administration, while promoting NCBG's mission to connect plants, people, and place through science, engagement, and conservation.

The Program Manager supervises a full-time coordinator, part-time assistant, interns, work-study students, and a large volunteer base. Core responsibilities include managing organic produce production and distribution, coordinating volunteer workdays, developing and evaluating educational and community programs, cultivating partnerships across UNC and the broader community, managing budgets and reporting, and supporting fundraising.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities relevant to the teaching assignment, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. In addition, the position minimums should satisfy any accreditation requirements in the specified area of instruction.

Technical Knowledge & Experience

*Strong working knowledge of organic gardening and sustainable agricultural practices, with hands-on experience in producing a variety of edible foods.

*Skilled in all aspects of garden operations, including bed creation and preparation, seeding, transplanting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, greenhouse propagation, composting, and irrigation system maintenance.

*Demonstrated ability to design, construct, and maintain garden infrastructure, signage, and accessible features.

*Knowledgeable in sustainability principles, food systems, and environmental and food justice issues, ensuring garden operations align with ecological and community-focused goals.

*Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, etc.).

Leadership & Management

*Experience recruiting, training, motivating, and managing staff and volunteers.

*Strong team-building skills with the ability to foster engagement, collaboration, and accountability.

*Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain high standards of quality.

*Self-motivated, creative, and detail-oriented, and capable of independently identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing solutions.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

*Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

*Strong interpersonal skills with a helpful, friendly, and professional approach when working with students, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

*Adept at building positive relationships and promoting a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages participation and collaboration.

Additional Requirements

*Willingness to work flexible hours, including regular weekends.

*Valid North Carolina driver's license or ability to obtain one.

*CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within one month of hire.

*At least three years of relevant experience in organic gardening and sustainable agriculture.

*Experience managing a community garden, school garden, or similar garden-based program.

*Experience developing and/or leading educational or community programming, especially in horticulture, environmental education or food justice.

*Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a University environment, including with students and faculty, and within the overall mission and goals of an educational institution.

*Experience working with individuals and organizations across cultural, socioeconomic, and organizational contexts.

*Demonstrated success in fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and/or securing in-kind contributions.

This position is based in outdoor garden environments and requires regular use of standard gardening tools and equipment.

*Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and cold with or without reasonable accommodation

*Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation

*Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods and to navigate uneven grounds and move efficiently through garden sites with or without reasonable accommodation

*Proficient in the safe and proper use of standard gardening tools and equipment (e.g., shovels, hoses, pruning shears, wheelbarrows) with or without reasonable accommodation

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.