Website OurSpace World, Inc.
Salary: $55,000
Start Date: ASAP
Type: Full-time, 50-weeks of contractual work for an opportunity to extend
Location: Remote. You must have stable high-speed internet access and phone access
Close Date: Friday, May 19 11:59PM EST
OurSpace World, Inc is seeking a dedicated and strategic Assistant Director of Projects to manage key day-to-day administrative functions, assist with program administration and help to strengthen and grow all aspects of the organization.
The Work
Founded in 2011, OurSpace World, Inc. (OSW) is guided by the principle of Ujima, collective work and responsibility. Since late 2019, our work has been organized into two main areas, Teach 22 and Calabash.
Teach 22 programming is educating and training 22nd-century ready Black folks in the areas of regenerative farming and natural building (targeting youth, families, and young adults). Calabash is a vehicle to partner with and support mission-aligned partners and collectives, in particular farmers, builders, healers, and educators. OSW provides technical assistance and fiscal sponsorship to these projects, which address land and food sovereignty and collective wellbeing.
About You
You have a lived-experience belonging to the Black Diaspora. You have a passion for, knowledge of (or curiosity to learn) about topics around sustainability, agriculture, self-directed learning and equity as it relates to Black and Indigenous folx. You have completed undergraduate studies or have at least four years of work experience in at least five of the following:
- logistics coordination
- organization operations
- program management
- marketing and communications
- research & writing
- education and facilitation (youth & adult)
- administrative support
- community organizing
You are excited to travel to farms locally in Prince George’s, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, DC/Northern Virginia for on-farm programming, site visits and providing some technical assistance. Travel is as needed, up to 10% of the time (peaking between May and October). **
The Role
The Assistant Director of Projects is a key role in our organization’s transition into a worker, self-directed nonprofit as we work to expand our reach nationally and internationally. The employees, community members, and the board of trustees all collaboratively participate to determine the direction and management of this form of nonprofit organization. This is a virtual, full-time, 50-week, contractual position. There is an initial 3-month evaluation period during which we will periodically revisit our overlapping commitments and responsibilities to ensure everyone’s needs and goals are met.
This person will dedicate significant thought and energy to strengthening current and future OSW initiatives in three areas: administrative support, education dissemination and project management.
Administrative Support
- Day-to-day management and organization of organizational systems used by internal and external partners.
- Orienting partners to various programs and projects.
- Tracking data for reporting.
Education Dissemination
- Support the Teach22 Program by developing and disseminating an African-centered agricultural enrichment curriculum.
- Organize and facilitate on-farm learning experiences for youth. Supervise fellow(s) and summer intern(s).
Project Management
- Provide project management support to the Calabash Program by supporting a number of initiatives including:
- collective work focused on land / food sovereignty through fiscal sponsorship guidance
- on and off-farm technical assistance (TA) projects in the Mid-Atlantic, Alabama, Wisconsin, and California
- grants management support (including proposal and report writing)
Growth Opportunities
One major benefit of being a member of OSW’s small, yet mighty team is that you will have a front row seat and hands-on opportunity to learn how to secure resources to support non-traditional / outdoor education, uplift Black farmers and other marginalized groups, and gain experience in regenerative farming, natural building, and outdoor youth education.
Other transferable skills and knowledge you’ll gain include:
- community organizing across several areas of differences
- program / event planning, organizing, implementation, management, evaluation
- marketing / communications and storytelling
- federal, state, and foundation grant writing and grant management support
- running a Black-led grassroots organization
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in this position, a resume, and a writing sample that you are proud of. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but for best consideration, please apply by Friday, May 19 11:59PM EST.
Combine all of your materials into one PDF document. A July start date, or sooner, is ideal.
**Preference will be given to local candidates however, candidates outside of the Washington, D.C. metro area will also be considered. OurSpace’s work focuses on serving the needs of those of the Black Diaspora. OurSpace believes in creating equal opportunities for team members (whether employee, contractors or volunteers). Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal law.**