Program Manager, Healing Gardens And Forests

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Organization: Living Ways Foundation
Reports to: Executive Director
Term: 1-year contract, part time, renewable
Hours and Compensation: 10 hours/week, $30. - $35./hr dependent on experience
Location: Hybrid; on-site presence in Castleton, likely 2-3 x a week on site from spring-fall dependent on needs of the garden, staff and education sessions

Living Ways Foundation is launching its Healing Gardens & Forests program, focused on community food growing, ecological learning, volunteer engagement, and food access for people facing food insecurity. The Program Manager will collaborate with a seasonal Garden Coordinator who handles day-to-day garden operations, and will have periodic access to an experienced ecological garden expert who provides mentorship and supports education and training activities. This is a meaningful role that contributes to a growing vision for healing landscapes, community wellbeing, and hands-on learning.

The Program Manager coordinates three components of the program:

• Community food growing and donation
• Volunteer engagement and capacity-building
• Education and learning related to gardens and forests

Additionally the manager will assist with some research, proposal and grant writing (when time permits i.e. winter).

What We're Looking For

We seek an experienced, enthusiastic leader who cares deeply about people and our planet. You bring proven experience in community programs, a collaborative spirit that energizes teams, and the innovation to build something meaningful within a growing initiative. You're motivated by making tangible differences in food security and community wellbeing, and you approach this work with both commitment and creativity.

Core Responsibilities

1. Community Food Growing & Garden Program Coordination

• Coordinate seasonal planning for the Healing Gardens & Forests growing areas, with a focus on producing fresh, nutritious food much of which will be donated to people facing food insecurity
• Work closely with the Garden Coordinator to set clear, realistic priorities for planting, maintenance, harvesting, and distribution
• Support orientation of seasonal students and volunteers so work contributes directly to food production goals
• Spend periodic time on site to understand garden conditions, seasonal flow, and operational needs
• Track basic program outputs (e.g., crops grown, harvest volumes, food donations) in collaboration with the Garden Coordinator to support impact reporting

2. Volunteer Engagement & Capacity-Building

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, and retention of eager and committed volunteers for the Healing Gardens & Forests program
• Train and support volunteers to ensure they are effectively deployed and confident in their roles
• Help build a small core group of reliable, returning volunteers
• Ensure volunteer involvement adds capacity and momentum rather than creating supervision burden
• Maintain basic volunteer documentation where required

3. Education, Learning & Demonstration (Gardens & Forests)

• Plan and coordinate educational activities related to growing, harvesting, storing, and preparing nutritious food (some education may be during the winter period)
• Include introductory educational sessions or interpretive walks related to the on-site Mini Forest, helping participants understand its purpose, ecological benefits, and role in healing landscapes
• Engage external experts (e.g., ecological garden experts, Master Gardeners) to lead learning sessions when appropriate
• Where appropriate, contribute to teaching or facilitation while also learning alongside staff and volunteers through mentorship provided by the Foundation's ecological garden expert
• Support demonstration activities that inspire participants to begin or expand their own food gardens
• Help define learning objectives and indicators (e.g., number of participants engaged, skills shared, interest in applying learning)
• Document impact stories and outcomes for donors and funders

Other: Research, proposal and grant writing when time permits.

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• Experience in community gardening, food security, environmental education, or related fields
• Experience coordinating volunteers or small teams
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Sufficient knowledge to support program coordination
• Ability to work independently within limited hours
• Experience with research, proposal and grant writing an asset.

Alignment, Values & Mindset

• Deep commitment to people, the planet, and food security—especially for those facing poverty
• Collaborative team player who builds strong relationships and energizes volunteers and community members
• Creative problem-solver who brings fresh ideas and innovation to program development
• Strong community-builder who values diversity and inclusion across all ages, genders, and backgrounds
• Eager to continue learning and growing alongside staff, volunteers, and experts

Practical Requirements

• Familiarity with Northumberland County and surrounding communities
• Vehicle access and basic computer/phone skills

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resumé to by February 15, 2026.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15,600.00-$18,200.00 per year

Expected hours: 10 per week

Application question(s):

• Briefly describe in your own words what does empowering people and caring for the planet mean to you.
• In a couple of sentences please explain what "team work" means to you?
• Do you agree that "food security" is fundamental to peoples' wellbeing and success in life? If so please explain in your own words why.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Castleton, ON