Program Manager Lancer Farms

College of Lake County•Homewood, AL

4d•$71,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in horticulture, agriculture, food systems, education, workforce development, or related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in agricultural instruction, program coordination, experiential learning, or workforce training environments.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising staff.
Demonstrated experience coordinating or supervising instructional activities, staff, or program participants.
Experience integrating hands-on learning with curriculum or workforce development objectives.
Strong organizational, communication, and instructional skills.
Proficiency with standard office software and data tracking systems.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in horticulture, agriculture, food systems, agroecology, or related fields.
Experience in urban agriculture, food systems, or community-based workforce development programs.
Experience supervising staff, instructors, or participants in a structured program environment.
Familiarity with institutional, public-sector, or grant-funded educational environments.
Knowledge of career pathways, noncredit programming, or continuing education frameworks.
Experience supporting program improvement or developing new program offerings.

Responsibilities

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 college 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.
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 learning outcomes; provides feedback, coaching, and instructional support to staff as appropriate.
Represents Lancer Farms programs in community engagement activities, site visits, and outreach efforts as assigned.
Coordinates tours, demonstrations, and educational events in collaboration with Lancer Farms leadership.
Builds collaborative relationships with external agricultural and farm education partners to expand experiential learning and workforce development opportunities for program participants.
Maintains effective working relationships with internal departments to support program goals.
Ensures instructional and operational activities comply with college policies, safety standards, and applicable to local, state, and federal regulations.
Identifies opportunities to enhance instructional effectiveness, program operations, and participant outcomes; recommends improvements to leadership.
Participates in assessment, planning, and professional development activities to support continuous program improvement.
Manages assigned program and operational budgets; monitors expenditures to ensure alignment with approved allocations.
Oversees purchasing, inventory management, and coordination with vendors related to instructional and farm operations.
Provides input into annual budget planning, grant-supported activities, and resource requests to support program sustainability.
Represents and promotes Lancer Farms programming in local and regional conferences, workshops, and gatherings, including oversight of the Grow Lake County Coalition, a network of Lake County food system stakeholders dedicated to promoting local food systems.
Instructs/delivers programs as needed on a fill-in basis and as appropriate.
Seeks out and attends professional development opportunities; stays current on emerging industry trends and growth opportunities through industry publications and engagement.
Represents Lancer Farms in College shared governance activities as appropriate.
Serves on committees or project teams as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.