Become A Local Food Hero
Work with a Local Food Hero

Assistant Project Manager - Local Food Heroes Program

Support the Implementation of Our $250,000 USDA SARE Grant

  • Position: 12-Month Contract
  • $50/hour
  • Location: Glen Gardner, NJ

The Opportunity

Join us as Project Manager Assistant to support the implementation of our groundbreaking $250,000 Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant program. You’ll work directly with our Project Manager to coordinate veteran training programs, manage communications, and ensure smooth daily operations that enable our regenerative agriculture training to succeed.

This role offers excellent opportunity to gain experience in grant administration, nonprofit operations, and agricultural education while making a direct impact on veteran success.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Administration Support

  • Assist with SARE grant compliance and reporting requirements
  • Maintain detailed project documentation and filing systems
  • Support budget tracking and expense reporting
  • Coordinate with USDA SARE program requirements
  • Help prepare quarterly and annual progress reports

Program Operations Coordination

  • Assist with veteran participant recruitment and screening
  • Coordinate scheduling for training sessions and workshops
  • Support bi-weekly virtual follow-up session logistics
  • Manage program communications and notifications
  • Maintain participant records and progress tracking

Communications & Marketing

  • Create and distribute program marketing materials
  • Manage social media presence and website updates
  • Coordinate with media for success stories and program promotion
  • Develop newsletters and communication materials for stakeholders
  • Support conference presentations and outreach events

Partnership & Event Support

  • Assist with partner organization communications and meetings
  • Coordinate expert instructor scheduling and logistics
  • Support farmers market participation and community events
  • Help organize workshops, trainings, and educational programs
  • Manage visitor tours and stakeholder meetings

Administrative Operations

  • Provide general administrative support to Project Manager
  • Manage calendars, meetings, and appointment scheduling
  • Handle phone calls, emails, and general correspondence
  • Maintain office supplies, equipment, and filing systems
  • Support data entry and record keeping requirements
Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Associate’s degree or 2+ years relevant work experience
  • Strong administrative and organizational skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and basic database management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Customer service experience and professional phone manner

Skills & Competencies

  • Detail-oriented with strong accuracy in data entry and record keeping
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands
  • Professional email and written communication skills
  • Basic understanding of social media platforms and website management
  • Comfortable learning new software and technology systems

Personal Qualities

  • Enthusiasm for supporting veterans and regenerative agriculture
  • Positive attitude and collaborative work style
  • Reliability and strong work ethic
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills
  • Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse communities
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, business administration, or related field
  • Experience with grant administration or nonprofit operations
  • Background in veteran services or military experience
  • Knowledge of agricultural programs or rural communities
  • Experience with CRM systems and database management
  • Previous experience supporting federal grant programs

Compensation

  • Hourly Rate: $50 per hour
  • Weekly Hours: 10-15 hours per week
  • Annual Earnings: $26,000-$39,000 for contract period
  • Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly payments
  • Tax Status: W-2 employee position
  • Benefits: Workers compensation coverage provided

Work Schedule

  • Duration: November 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 (12 months)
  • Schedule: Part-time, Monday-Friday with occasional weekend events
  • Seasonal Variations: Hours may vary based on program needs and grant activities
  • Reporting: Reports to Project Manager, Local Food Heroes Program

Work Location

  • Primary Site: Remote w/monthly visits to Veterans Haven North, Glen Gardner, NJ
  • Equipment: Basic office equipment and materials provided by Tye’s House

This position is funded through the Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant. Employee agrees to:

  • Comply with SARE grant requirements and reporting obligations
  • Maintain accurate records as required for grant reporting
  • Cooperate with grant-related site visits or evaluations
  • Support program objectives and development goals

You'll be evaluated based on:

  • Accuracy and timeliness of administrative support
  • Quality of communications and marketing materials
  • Effectiveness in supporting program operations
  • Participant and partner satisfaction with coordination
  • Contribution to smooth grant administration and compliance
  • Professional growth and development of new skills

Skill Building

  • Experience with grant administration and nonprofit management
  • Training opportunities in regenerative agriculture and veteran services
  • Connections with agricultural professionals and community organizations
  • Knowledge of federal grant compliance and reporting

Career Pathways

Upon completion, employees are prepared for:

  • Program Coordinator roles with increased responsibility
  • Grant Manager positions in nonprofit or agricultural organizations
  • Communications Manager roles in mission-driven organizations
  • Operations Manager positions in expanding programs
  • Project Manager advancement within Local Food Heroes or similar organizations
  • Ability to work in office environment for extended periods
  • Comfortable with computer work and standard office equipment
  • Occasional outdoor work for events and farm visits
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs for event setup and materials
  • Travel to community events and partner meetings as needed
  • Termination: Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice
  • Final Payment: Compensation due through last day of work
  • Grant Obligations: Reporting obligations continue through contract end date
  • Equipment: All tools and materials remain property of Tye’s House

Application Process:

  1. Submit application materials through our online portal
  2. Phone interview focusing on administrative experience and communications skills
  3. Video interview with Project Manager and team
  4. On-site interview and facility tour
  5. Reference checks and final selection

Required Materials:

  1. Cover Letter: Explain your interest in supporting agricultural education and veteran services
  2. Resume: Highlighting administrative experience and communication skills
  3. References: Three professional references with contact information
  4. Portfolio: Examples of communications, marketing materials, or administrative projects (optional)

Application Form


Our Partners

Our program is strengthened by collaborations with established agricultural organizations and service providers:

Questions About This Position?

  • We welcome questions about the role, working environment, growth opportunities, or the application process.

Ready to Support Transformative Work?

Join us in providing the essential coordination and support that enables veterans to succeed in agricultural careers. Help us build a program that will serve communities nationwide.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Local Food Heroes values diverse perspectives and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates committed to our mission of veteran empowerment through regenerative agriculture.
Join the Local Food Heroes Team

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number CNE25-001.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.