Project Manager, Department of Opportunity Youth (SY2425)

Farm to School Manager

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Culinary Programs. 

District & Department Overview:

Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. With approximately 49,000 students from over 114 different countries, nearly 8,000 employees, and an annual budget of $973 million, the BPS is the largest district in Massachusetts and one of the most diverse as well.

Currently BPS has 125 schools with two different food service delivery models. The majority of  schools have full service kitchens with a full time cafeteria manager and subordinate staff. The remaining schools and programs are satellite sites receiving meals from a consolidated production facility. The district serves approximately 17,000 breakfasts, 25,000 lunches, and 2,100 after school meals per day. During the summer months BPS serves roughly 22,000 meals at sites all over the city. BPS has been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); which enables the district to provide free meals to all Boston students.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Farm to School Manager, Food & Nutrition resides in the Office of Food & Nutrition within the Operations Division of the Boston Public Schools, reporting to the Assistant Director of Culinary Programs. 

The Farm to School Manager is responsible for establishing and implementing a strategy to build and maintain relationships with local farms and businesses to increase the amount of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in school meals.  In doing this work, the Farm to School Manager will work closely with the FNS Procurement & Contracts Manager to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations related to public contracting.  During the MA FRESH CORP grant period (winter 2025 - June 30, 2027), the incumbent will work closely with Food and Nutrition Services Special Projects.   

The Farm to School Manager will promote healthy eating habits among BPS students and support sustainable food systems within the community.  The incumbent will build the bridge between the Food & Nutrition Services department and Teaching & Learning to increase student food literacy.   

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Farm Outreach and Engagement

• Identify and build relationships with local farms and producers, including BIPOC farmers and producers, to understand their capabilities and product availability; 
• Develop a strategy to increase local procurement from the baseline 15% of total BPS food purchases to 30% in line with Good Food Purchasing targets, and  target 5% of local food from suppliers who identify as BIPOC. 
• Collaborate with Procurement in the negotiation of pricing and delivery terms to ensure cost-effective sourcing for schools
• Build local procurement in all food categories, with a focus on protein  
• Organize farm visits and educational workshops for school staff and students 

School Food Service Collaboration: 

• Work closely with Assistant Director of Culinary Programs to tie local crops and other local foods to menu planning, addressing student preferences and dietary needs
• Provide technical assistance for Culinary Programs, as appropriate, in menu planning, recipe development and food preparation using local ingredients
• Educate cafeteria staff on the benefits of farm-to-school programs and engage school staff in relationships that bridge cafeteria to classroom learning about local, healthy food and nutrition with programmatic elements in place.
• Collaborate with other BPS departments as appropriate e.g. Facilities Management for Outdoor Teaching and Learning (school gardens) 

Community Engagement:  

• Explore community events like farmers’ markets, farm to table meals, and educational workshops to raise awareness about the local food system
• Collaborate with local partners like community gardens, health organizations and youth groups to promote farm-to-school initiatives

Data and Reporting:

• Monitor and document the volume of local produce purchased tracking impact metrics like student meal participation.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders, including funders, highlighting program successes and areas for improvement  

Program Development and Advocacy

• Identify opportunities to expand the farm-to-school program, including new partnership and funding sources
• Advocate for policies and regulations that support local food procurement in schools at the district and state levels. 

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in food and/or sustainable agriculture-related subject 
• A minimum of three (3) years of related experience 
• Strong understanding of local food systems, including knowledge of regional agriculture, farm practices, food procurement and food distribution networks 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication, excellent project management skills
• Confident individual who is comfortable networking and relationship building
• Ability to analyze data and prepare clear reports to demonstrate program impact
• Current authorization to work in the US
• Deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education and passion for promoting healthy eating and sustainable food systems.  

 Qualifications – Preferred

• Experience in K-12 environment and child nutrition
• Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools 
• Understanding of urban school food systems and commitment to continuous improvement. 

TERMS: C42 ($98,959)

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Salary : $973