[Remote] Program Manager

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Rodale Institute is focused on developing a regionally rooted, equitable Regenerative Organic food system. The Program Manager will oversee the implementation of program activities, manage partnerships, and ensure the success of the Regenerate Ventura County Initiative through strategic coordination and community engagement.ResponsibilitiesDevelop, manage, and maintain program workplans, timelines, meeting cadences, task trackers, and implementation calendars for partner relations and community outreach activitiesCoordinate cross-functional execution across agronomy, market development, business technical assistance, communications, research, education, and local partner teamsMonitor progress against program goals, flag implementation risks or capacity gaps, and support timely problem-solving with program leadership and partnersOrganize and facilitate internal and partner-facing meetings, including agenda development, notes, follow-up items, and accountability trackingSupport program budgeting and resource coordination for outreach events, partner activities, communications assets, and community engagement needsMaintain clear systems for documentation, file organization, partner records, reporting inputs, and institutional knowledge related to the RVC ProjectIdentify, engage, and maintain relationships with a network of regional partners including farmer groups, community-based organizations, food hubs, institutional buyers, government entities, and technical assistance providersClearly communicate the value of Regenerative Organic practices, certification pathways, and program participation to prospective partnersServe as a consistent and trusted point of contact for all partner organizationsCoordinate partner roles, timelines, scopes of work, communication expectations, and shared accountability structures to support smooth program implementationManage and track all partner-related deliverables tied to grants, contracts, and collaborative agreementsEnsure alignment between partner activities and program goals, including but not limited to: acres transitioned to organic/regenerative management, number of farmers engaged and supported, adoption of climate-smart and soil health practices, local food access and economic impactSupport preparation of reports for funders (e.g., CDFA, philanthropic partners), ensuring accurate and timely documentation of outcomes and learningsCoordinate across internal teams (agronomy, market development, business technical assistance) to fulfill contractual obligationsMaintain program dashboards, tracking tools, and partner updates that help leadership assess progress and make timely decisionsSupport outreach efforts that reflect the program’s commitment to 'bilingual everything,' ensuring accessibility for Spanish-speaking and Indigenous-language communities where possibleTranslate complex program strategies into accessible, community-centered messagingEnsure outreach planning, materials, and event logistics are coordinated in ways that reduce participation barriers and support farmer trustRepresent the initiative at field days, workshops, community meetings, and regional conveningsCollaborate with partners to design and implement outreach events that connect farmers to technical assistance, markets, and cooperative opportunitiesCreate and execute bi-monthly emails to Rodale databases that promote and showcase the center’s ongoing progress, activities, farmer and consumer resources, and impactGenerate ongoing photo and video assets that showcase the impact of our workDevelop supporting materials (such as print, digital and social) that promote Rodale Institute’s work in Ventura CountyWork with Rodale Institute’s PR Manager on a year-long PR and promotional plan to gain exposure for the RVC Project in and through regional and national mediaCollaborate effectively with the Marketing and Communications, Research, and Education teams to ensure that the RVC Project is representing Rodale Institute to the highest standardDevelop outreach calendars, asset timelines, approval processes, and content tracking systems to ensure communications are delivered consistently and on scheduleCultivate relationships with potential donors, collaborators, and aligned institutions to expand program outreach and sustainabilityIdentify and advance opportunities for cooperative development, shared infrastructure, and regional aggregation/distribution networksStrengthen connections between producers and buyers, supporting the growth of localized, values-based supply chainsTrack emerging ecosystem-building opportunities and coordinate next steps with program leadership, partners, and internal teamsSkillsExperience working in regenerative agriculture, organic systems, community food systems or related fieldsDemonstrated success in partnership development, community engagement, or program coordinationExperience managing complex programs, timelines, deliverables, partner communications, and cross-functional workstreamsExperience with grant deliverables, reporting, and cross-partner coordinationComfort using project management, reporting, database, and communications tools to coordinate tasks, document progress, and track outcomesStrong understanding of farmer-facing programs, especially for small-scale and historically underserved producersAbility to work across diverse stakeholder groups, including farmers, nonprofits, agencies, and institutional buyersAbility to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accountability to partners, funders, farmers, and internal teamsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsSpanish proficiency strongly preferredBenefitsThis position is eligible to participate in Rodale Institute’s benefits programsRodale Institute offers 100% paid medical premium for full-time employees and their dependents; sharing premium cost for dental & vision plans; a 403(b)-retirement savings plan; life insurance and AD&D coverage; and 100% paid short and long-term disability coverageRodale Institute has a competitive time off program, plus 5 floating holidays for full-time employees, and 12 company paid holidaysCompany OverviewRodale Institute is a non-profit organization that focuses on research, farmer training, and consumer education. It was founded in 1947, and is headquartered in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA, with a workforce of 11-50 employees. Its website is https://rodaleinstitute.org/.