Manager Learning Development Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY

Position Summary

The Education Manager develops, manages, and implements high-quality, mission-aligned educational programming offered by the Hudson Valley Farm Hub. The role operates at the intersection of program design and educational delivery. The Education Manager collaborates with Farm Hub staff and external partners to offer educational opportunities for farmers, neighbors and community partners that are grounded in the needs of the Hudson Valley food system and reflect the mission and vision of the Farm Hub. The goal is to complement existing efforts in the region, fill gaps, and contribute to creating a resilient, regional food system.

The Education Manager will: 1) serve as an educational strategist and advisor at the Farm Hub, working across programs to strengthen their external-facing educational offerings, supporting the creation of learning outcomes, curriculum development and design, and facilitation approaches, 2) lead, coordinate, and facilitate educational offerings, including technical workshops and hands-on trainings such as farm mechanics courses, and 3) collaborate with the Farm Hub’s internal-facing learning & development team to inform opportunities for employee growth and skill development.

This position reports to the Director of Research, Education, and Grantmaking (Director) and closely collaborates with other directors and program team members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Educational Strategy & Advising Across Programs

• Develop educational curricula that reflect community needs and interests, including scoping studies, syllabi, and lesson plans
• Advise on and support the creation of learning outcomes, program design, curriculum development, and facilitation approaches
• Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of educational needs within the regional food system, driving initiatives that fill gaps and amplify existing efforts
• Develop framework for internships and support program managers and/or department leads to implement internships within their areas of work
• Convene and collaborate with advisors, consultants, and stakeholders to guide curriculum design, program structure, and teaching methods
• Collaborate with Farm Hub leadership, program teams, and engagement staff on program development
• Produce content in Spanish and English for educational tools, resources, and activities

Educational Program Delivery & Coordination

• Lead, coordinate, and/or facilitate external-facing educational offerings, including technical workshops and hands-on trainings
• Assist with teaching and facilitation during workshops, field days, and trainings
• Plan and conduct outreach for educational activities, including field days and regional farmer meetings, in collaboration with engagement and outreach staff
• Develop and implement outreach plans to recruit prospective participants for educational programs
• Schedule off‑farm educational activities for Farm Hub staff and trainees, in coordination with the learning & development team
• Develop and implement onboarding and orientation processes for trainees, instructors, and other participants and guide trainees in designing and documenting their learning projects
• Coordinate translation and interpretation services for educational materials and events
• Ensure the necessary technology, supplies, and learning materials are available for all learning opportunities

Program Administration & Other Duties

• Create annual workplan and program budget and track expenses
• Schedule and coordinate educational activities/trainings/events, including the recruitment and supervision of visiting instructors and faculty
• Manage scheduling and calendar for trainings, visits, and other educational activities, in coordination with Engagement team
• Act as host for select educational programs, including providing hospitality (coffee/tea, snacks, meal set-up)
• Inform the Farm Hub’s internal-facing L&D team on opportunities for employee growth and skill development
• Actively participate in creating a culture of safety (both physical as well as. emotional/ psychological safety), including seeking out trainings or resources for themselves or their team
• Serve as public spokesperson as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Experience and Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in sustainable agricultural education
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• Experience designing curricula and teaching in fields related to ecological farming and food systems
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver programming that meets the needs of learners with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences
• Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or courses for adolescent and/or adult learners in community-based, nonprofit, or academic settings
• Experience using alternative education methodologies (e.g., popular/participatory education, peer-to-peer learning, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning)
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including managing schedules, coordinating logistics, and supporting program delivery
• Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of the Farm Hub’s mission and values of equity and ecological resilience
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, learn on the job, and manage multiple tasks
• Excellent critical thinking, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
• Acute self-awareness, humility, cultural competence, and sensitivity to power dynamics
• Solid oral and written communication skills, including outreach, group facilitation, and presentations
• Willingness to travel and maintain a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends
• Demonstrated ability to foster a work environment of mutual respect, team building, and collaboration
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with people across different backgrounds
• Driver’s license and clean driving record (if driving Farm Hub vehicles)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agricultural or ecological fields, or equivalent professional experience
• Written and verbal proficiency in Spanish
• Knowledge of the Northeast farming community, especially in the Hudson Valley

Position Details

The Education Manager is a full-time exempt position with full benefits. Compensation for this position is $83,000 - $98,610 annually. We offer a competitive benefits package which includes 100% employer-paid health insurance for full-time employees and their families. Some additional perks offered include retirement, life insurance and other benefits.

Typical Schedule

The typical schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm. There may be some periodic evening or weekend work required.