Volunteer Director of Educational Programmes

What will you be doing?

The main aim of the role is to help develop further our practical growing programmes, working with young people aged 4-25 years. This could be in any setting and not solely in schools. This year we have secured funding to work with 3  schools. The role will encompass:

Helping to design, develop and monitor practical growing programmes in local schools and educational establishments and/or teaching community groups of young people at our Community Allotment. Provide leadership and oversee the development and implementation our educational projects Seek, inspire and engage with new schools to gain an understanding as to how Grow Together can meet their practical and aspirational needs by tailoring and integrating a growing programme into their curriculum, or through extra curricula activities. Helping to build into the teacher and children’s programmes measurable and tangible skills development to help add value and deliver clear benefits to the children and schools we work with. Work together with fellow Grow Together Directors to align and develop a clear company strategy for Educational Programmes. Where appropriate, be involved in selecting volunteers for school projects and help oversee the delivery of the practical growing classes in school (or alternative setting). Working with fellow Directors to help promote the organisation through community groups, marketing and social media channels

What are we looking for?

Essential Qualities:

We are seeking an experienced person who has previously held a senior position as School Head or Governor in a Primary, SEN or Secondary school. Someone who resonates with the community projects that we provide and has shared ethics and values. DBS Certified Understanding and experience of the cultural, political and performance pressures on schools. Organisational, time management, strong communication and literacy skills. **Experience of what motivates schools and understands how to maximise the benefits the school and children can derive from practical programmes such as ours. Experience in engaging with and inspiring school decision makers, gatekeepers and teachers. **Knowledge and experience as to how to overcome practical challenges that schools face (e.g. School safeguarding protocols, time and workload pressures) Creative minded and self-motivated, ability to complete work within project timescales. Sense of humour, flexible and Non-judgemental. Able to connect and engage with potential funders, community bodies and volunteers. Strong interpersonal, team and partnership working skills. Self-directed, able to prioritise workload and solve problems. Passion for helping and empowering others.

Desired Qualities:

Ideally, this role would suit someone who has also delivered practical sessions with young people within the community, outside of the school environment. Experience and understanding of how to access different groups of young people. Preferably some experience working with volunteers and/or in the social sector. Interest in protecting the environment and people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing Experience (or a keen interest) in horticulture and/or growing fruit and vegetables. Experience in project participation and evaluation. Experience of producing reports and/or funding applications to a high standard.

What difference will you make?

This role offers huge potential to drive change through the collective contribution the organisation makes within the community and by inspiring the next generation via our educational programmes To create new (or rejuvenate unkept) vegetable growing spaces in local schools and community spaces. To give children the life skills and experience of how to work together to create a growing space and showing them the importance of protecting the environment and how to grow fresh, healthy, organic food. You will offer many children a valuable, practical experience which can lead on to numerous potential educational and career opportunities in agriculture, horticulture and environmental conservation.

Be instrumental in transitioning this Community Interest Company into a sustainable community organisation for the future.