Food and Farming Program Director

Berkeley Ecology Center Seeks Experienced Program Director to Lead Food and Farming Programs

The Ecology Center, a pioneering nonprofit advancing sustainable food systems and equitable access to healthy food, is seeking a Food and Farming Program Director to lead and grow our local and statewide initiatives, including Market Match, the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and the Berkeley Farmers' Markets.

In this role, you will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for programs that touch communities across California. You'll oversee budgets and grants, guide senior program managers and a talented team, and build strong partnerships with policymakers, community organizations, and movement leaders. Your work will shape policy, expand program impact, and ensure that more people have access to fresh, healthy, local food from California's innovative small farms.

We are looking for a strategic, results-driven leader with deep experience in food systems, farmers' markets, or nonprofit program management. The ideal candidate is passionate about equity and sustainability, skilled at building collaborative teams, and motivated to drive meaningful change.

This is more than a leadership role-it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact on California's food system, influence policy, and inspire a team committed to a healthier, resilient, and more equitable future.

The Ecology Center's mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. Since 1970, we've transformed sustainability ideas into everyday practice, offering actionable information, reliable infrastructure, and leadership for lasting change. We leverage local services to advance broader transformative change. We operate the nation's first curbside recycling service, nationally recognized food and farming programs, and model education, engagement, and youth development activities.

The Ecology Center team is diverse, multifaceted, and ambitious.

The Food and Farming Program Director works under the supervision of the Deputy Director and in collaboration with the Executive Director and Leadership Team to plan and oversee all Ecology Center Food and Farming Department operations, finances, promotion, and policy advocacy. The Food and Farming Program Director provides vision, leadership, and direction for our statewide nutrition incentive program (Market Match) , the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets (CAFM), and our three Berkeley Farmers' Markets.

This role involves collaborating with various food and farming movements, direct marketing associations, agencies, policymakers, and organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop plans, policies, goals, and objectives for the Food & Farming Department in accordance with grant requirements and the goals and strategies of the Ecology Center
• Develop and adhere to annual budget and fiscal control policies in collaboration with the Finance & Operations Director and Deputy Director. Monitor departmental expenses and provide financial projections for program activities
• Oversee proposal and budget preparation, application, implementation, and execution of federal, state, and institutional grants and contracts
• Actively participate in the Leadership Team and engage in cross-organizational leadership, including the Ecology Center's efforts to advance ongoing belonging and inclusion policies, practices, and initiatives
• Hire, train, supervise, support, coach, and evaluate Food & Farming Department staff, including direct supervision of Senior Program Managers
• Cultivate a strong and motivated team by providing support, setting clear expectations, and encouraging a culture of accountability and teamwork
• Maintain familiarity with, follow, and ensure staff compliance with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties in a unionized work environment
• Lead, develop, and oversee statewide programmatic activity of the California Market Match Program, the the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and other emergent program areas
• Lead, engage in, and support statewide coalition…