The Fund for Public Health in New York City, (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. To this end, in partnership with the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Health Department), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by the Health Department to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Stellar Farmers Markets (SFM) program is seeking an experienced leader for a 27-week Head Nutrition Educator position from late-May through early December. SFM staff engage New Yorkers in interactive nutrition education workshops at NYC farmers markets located in underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods. The goal of SFM is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by building on New Yorkers’ knowledge and skills about healthy eating.

Through a comprehensive training program, educators will build professional skills encompassing program coordination, training and meeting facilitation, public speaking, nutrition workshop facilitation using a trauma-informed approach, and delivering culturally responsive culinary demonstrations while promoting the joy of food and community connection.

This opportunity offers a unique chance to gain insights into many aspects of implementing a community nutrition education program and contribute to public health equity efforts. The Head Nutrition Educator will refine their leadership and organizational skills and collaborate with SFM program leads to shape and improve programming. Upon completion of the season, the Head Nutrition Educator will receive a Community Nutrition and Food Education Certificate, in recognition of their community work and for the completion of SFM trainings.

Situated within the NYC Health Department’s Healthy Eating Unit within the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention (BCDP), SFM is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) through a contract with New York State Health Department’s Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables program. BCDP strives to reduce the burden of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among New Yorkers. BCDP focuses on nutrition, tobacco use, the built environment, and reducing the impact of cancer and hypertension. We do this work with an understanding of the structural forces, including a history of discrimination and social injustices, that contribute to inequitable chronic disease health outcomes.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Head Nutrition Educator will assist with planning, and implementation of SFM including preparing for and supporting trainings, leading and supporting educators, and assisting with program supply logistics. The Head Nutrition Educator will also lead a team of three or more to prepare and deliver nutrition and cooking workshops at one in-person NYC farmers market and at additional sites, as needed and pending availability. This paid position is part-time and seasonal to coincide with the regional growing season. The selected Head Nutrition Educator must commit to work 3 days per week, starting mid-May through December 2025. The Head Nutrition Educator will report directly to the JSY Nutrition Project Coordinator and must commit to their assigned market site.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a representative of the NYC Health Department, the Head Nutrition Educator will:

• From late May through June, assist with program planning and preparation for a comprehensive weeklong educator training in June 2025 (June 17^th, 18^th, 20^th, 23^rd, 24^th, and 30^th).

• From early July through November, assist with planning and conducting weekly Monday morning staff meetings to review program updates, collaborate on resolving on-site challenges, provide strategic support, and collecting program implementation documentation from educators and ensuring supplies are available for educator pick up. Draft and send weekly communications to educators and conduct site visits.

• Lead and support a team of 5-6 Nutrition Educators, ensuring they have the necessary equipment, supplies, and guidance to perform their roles effectively.
• Prepare for and implement trauma-informed nutrition education workshops in accordance with program curriculum at assigned locations. This includes the following: 
  • Proactively plan for and ensure that necessary materials are on site each week; purchase food and maintain expense reports.
  • Lead and actively participate in the proper set-up and breakdown of tent, cooking equipment and educational materials.
  • Lead and actively participate in the marketing and promotion of programming at farmers markets to achieve required participation levels.
  • Mediate issues and delegate tasks based on team members' strengths and roles.
• Support teams with adherence to food safety, emergency, and programmatic protocols.
  • Facilitate and oversee data collection at workshop sites.
  • Encourage environmentally sustainable practices at workshop sites.
• Serve as a liaison, proactively maintaining communication between onsite teams and SFM team leads.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition or in public health

• 1 year of experience conducting nutrition education in multi-cultural settings with racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations

• Excellent written, communication, and organizational skills

• Dynamic personality and excellent presentation skills and experience

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work independently

• Experience working with a team in a leadership role

• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time and work outside in inclement weather condition
• Willing and able to regularly lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds (to and from storage site and workshop location each market day)
• ServSafe certification or successful completion of the NYC Food Protection course (prior to June 17^th, 2025)
• Commitment to a minimum of 3 days per week of work (Mondays and Wednesdays are required)

Preferred Skills:

• Strong preference will be given to applicants who are fluent in Spanish
• Strong preference will be given to applicants with previous experience working with SFM

• Basic culinary knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of and experience with farmers markets, regional food systems, food security issues and the underlying causes of health inequities in NYC communities

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office software

SALARY

Part-Time, temporary position to be hired through a staffing agency

$30/hour, May 19^th - December 5th

HOURS

Mondays: Up to 7 hours from 9:00am – 5:00pm

Tuesdays – Sundays: Up to 14 hours per week, approximately from 8am-4pm (contingent on farmers market schedules)

LOCATION

From mid - May through June:

Mondays and Wednesdays: In-office, NYC Health Department, 42-09 28TH Street, Long Island City, Queens 11101

The third day has the option to be remote, pending program approval

From July-December:

Mondays: In-office, NYC Health Department, 42-09 28TH Street, Long Island City, Queens 11101

Tuesdays - Sundays: Onsite at NYC farmers markets

This is not a remote job. Most, if not all, responsibilities require onsite or in office work.

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

You must live in New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at FPHNYC.

TO APPLY

To apply, send resume including how your experience relates to this position. Suggested deadline to apply is March 31, 2025, although applications will still be accepted beyond this date. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

The Fund for Public Health in New York City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply.