Program Manager Lancer Farms

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity?

The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!),

generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.

Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance).

Position Title:

Program Manager Lancer Farms

Job Summary:

The Lancer Farms Program Manager provides leadership for the instructional, operational, and experiential learning components of the College of Lake County's Lancer Farms noncredit and workforce training programs. Reporting to Director of Lancer Farms, this position is responsible for planning, facilitating, and evaluating workforce and noncredit instructional programming across all Lancer Farms locations, including the Campus Farm at Grayslake, the Greenbelt Farm at the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, and the Urban Farm Center at the Lakeshore Campus in downtown Waukegan.

The Manager exercises independent judgment in coordinating curriculum delivery, instructional farm lab days, and supervised experiential learning across multiple sites. This role includes supervision of staff and program participants, oversight of instructional use of farm facilities, and alignment of program activities with institutional goals, safety standards, and workforce development objectives. The position integrates instructional leadership, farm operations oversight, and workforce development equally to ensure cohesive, high-quality program experience for all participants.

Job Description:

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSOperations and Program Management (40%)Oversees curriculum development and implementation to ensure alignment with defined learning outcomes, workforce competencies, and program objectives .Coordinates instructional schedules, materials, and resources to support effective and consistent program delivery across all Lancer Farms sites.

Supports alignment of noncredit programming with existing credit opportunities and established workforce pathways.

Works with staff to plan and execute farm-based instructional activities that support hands-on learning, skill development, and workforce readiness.

Engages with and informs crop production and farm activities at each site as instructional tools aligned with curriculum goals.

Directs the instructional use of farm facilities, greenhouses, and equipment to ensure alignment with workforce development objectives and operational needs.

Establishes, implements, and enforces safety protocols and best practices for all instructional and field activities.

Develops and maintains partnerships with external farm, food systems, and agricultural education organizations to support paid, supervised work experiences aligned with instructional outcomes.

Coordinates the placement of Farm Fellowship participants into paid work experiences in collaboration with partner organizations, ensuring alignment with learning objectives , program expectations, and c ollege policies.

Establishes expectations, schedules, learning objectives , and evaluation frameworks for partner-hosted work experiences in coordination with Lancer Farms leadership.

Maintains accurate records related to participant engagement, work experience outcomes, and program performance metrics.

Supports budget management for assigned areas, including tracking revenues and expenses and maintaining cost awareness.

Workforce Development and Personnel Management (40%)Recruits, hires, trains, and manages staff responsible for instructional content for workforce development and training programs, ensuring each offering integrates classroom, laboratory, and field-based learning experiences.

Oversees workforce programs including Youth Farm (paid work experience for high school students at all three Lancer Farms locations), Farm Corps (paid work experience for Opportunity Youth), and Farm Fellowship (noncredit 10-month sustainable farm education intensive).Participates in hiring of adjunct and contract noncredit instructors to support Lancer Farms programs; leads onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary processes in accordance with college policies.

Evaluates and provides feedback on adjunct and contract instructors to ensure program quality, instructional consistency, and alignment with workforce development goals.

Assigns work, sets performance expectations, and monitors outcomes to ensure instructional and operational goals are met.

Works with staff and instructors to integrate workforce readiness, professional skills, and career exploration into all workforce development programming.

Evaluates participant progress and…