Hiring | DBCFSN

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The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) seeks experienced, socially conscious candidates for multiple employment opportunities. DBCFSN is a dynamic non-profit organization that works to build food sovereignty in Detroit’s Black community. Widely considered a leader in the field, DBCFSN works in food policy, urban agriculture, youth development, public education, and food co-op development. Check frequently for new postings.

Position Overview:

EDUCATION DIRECTOR

ABOUT US:

The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) was established to ensure that Detroit's African American population plays a significant role in the local food movement. Given that African Americans constitute most of Detroit's population, DBCFSN aims to position them in leadership roles within this movement. Our commitment to Black food sovereignty and environmental and climate justice has expanded nationally and globally. Through our initiatives, we strive to create sustainable, equitable food systems and advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by Black communities in Detroit and beyond.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The DBCFSN Education Director is a vital community leader dedicated to providing culturally relevant programming rooted in African-centered values to the Detroit community with a major focus on Detroit’s youth of African descent. The Education Director is expected to lead and coordinate DBCFSN’s education programs and all related functions necessary to ensure productivity, sustainability, financial accountability, and integrity. This role involves designing and implementing programming that promotes food sovereignty, leadership development, and community engagement. The Education Director will collaborate with DBCFSN staff, community partners, and participants to create an empowering environment that nurtures learning, cultural pride, and personal growth. It is understood that the Education Director will uphold the mission, values, and vision of the DBCFSN.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Planning and Curriculum Design

Define clear goals and objectives for DBCFSN Education programming, that includes but is not limited to DBCFSN’s two premiere youth programs: Food Warriors Youth Development Program and the Food N’ Flava Food Systems Education and Entrepreneurship Program.
Identify speakers, plan, and coordinate DBCFSN’s quarterly, “What’s for Dinner?” lecture series.
Collaborate with youth coordinator in the development and execution of curriculum content, activities, resources, and assessment tools aligned with program goals.
Work closely with the youth coordinator to ensure that goals and objectives are being met.
Responsible for the training, monitoring, and evaluation of youth coordinator.
Assist the youth coordinator in the training of site coordinators.
Develop and oversee DBCFSN’s education program calendar—both youth programming as well as general education community programming, outlining activities and events for each month of the year.
Monitor and evaluate program progress through regular meetings and reporting with both the youth and site-coordinators.
Support the youth coordinator in youth empowerment initiatives by demonstrating agricultural and food systems knowledge, and a willingness to deepen understanding in these areas.
Foster an environment that has a deep commitment to African-centered values and Black food

RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Minimum three years’ experience working with youth of African descent in a professional capacity such as educator, counselor, program director, etc.
Chauffer’s license
Demonstrated dedication to Black Liberation and Black Food Sovereignty ideals.
Commitment and demonstrated practice to racial, gender, economic, and climate justice. Demonstrated understanding and passion for how race, gender, class, and intersectionality impact social change.
Deep commitment to the education and empowerment of youth of African descent.
Prior experience working with youth of African descent in structured settings such as schools, community organizations, faith-based programs, or mentorship initiatives.
Skills in conflict resolution and restorative justice practices, with willingness to undergo relevant training.
Knowledge of agricultural practices, food systems, and Black food sovereignty principles, and a willingness to deepen understanding in these areas.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Willingness to adhere to organizational policies and complete required background checks.
- Candidate must successfully complete and pass a background check as a condition of employment, ensuring a safe and secure environment for program participants and community members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Passion for community development and cultural engagement.
Cultural competency and sensitivity related to African-centered programming.
Flexibility and adaptability to meet program needs.

Curriculum development experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education

BENEFITS:

Medical, dental and vision benefits
Opportunity for growth and advancement within the organization.
Access to training and development programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
Positive and collaborative work environment with a supportive team.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send a cover letter and resume by Friday, August 15, 2025 to:
Dr. shakara tyler saba, Co-Executive Director
Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network
8324 Woodward, Detroit, Michigan 48202
or
STyler@dbcfsn.org

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization
whose mission is to build food sovereignty and food justice in Detroit's Black community. View our full website to learn more.

Click here to download description.

Position Overview:
DBCFSN YOUTH PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR

ABOUT US:

The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty (DBCFSN) Youth Programming Coordinator is a vital community leader dedicated to providing culturally relevant programming rooted in African-centered values to the Detroit community with a major focus on Detroit’s youth of African descent. The Youth Programs Coordinator is expected to work closely with the Education Director as school site coordinators in the implementation of DBCFSN’s Food Warriors and Food N’ Flava Programs and any related programming that is specifically targeted to children and teens. This role involves designing and centering the first and foremost African-centered values and traditions. The Youth Program Coordinator will collaborate with DBCFSN staff, community partners, and participants to create an empowering environment that nurtures learning, cultural pride, and personal growth. It is understood that the Youth Programs Coordinator will uphold the mission, values, and vision of DBCFSN.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Planning and Curriculum Design

Work with the Education Director to define clear goals and objectives for DBCFSN youth programming.
Collaborate with the Education Director in the development and execution of curriculum content, activities, resource acquisition.
Meet weekly with the Food Warriors after-school site coordinators to set weekly priorities relating to after-school programming.
Work closely with site-coordinators to plan school garden planting and maintenance schedule including during the summer months when youth are not in school.
Work closely with school site-coordinators to ensure that goals and objectives are being met.
Develop procedures for training, monitoring, and evaluating site coordinators.
Develop programming that is inclusive of parents and interested school personnel such as monthly parent meetings, hands-on food demonstrations, and other events that highlight and encourage participation in the Food Warriors program
Work with school administration to set calendar for after-school programming.
Monitor after-school program progress through weekly meetings with Food Warriors site-coordinators.
Support the after-school site-coordinators in youth empowerment initiatives by demonstrating knowledge of agricultural and food systems, and a willingness to deepen understanding in these areas.
Foster an environment that has a deep commitment to African-centered values and Black food sovereignty.

RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Collaborate with the Education Director to develop and execute outreach strategies to meet recruitment targets for the Food Warriors after school program at our two partner school sites and the 16-week Food N’ Flava Food Systems and Entrepreneurship program.
Ensure all participants’ program documentation is complete and on file prior to participation.
Collaborate with the Education Director to develop and distribute a participant handbook that clearly communicates expectations and program guidelines.
Facilitate Food N’ Flava orientation sessions for participants and caregivers in coordination with venue management.

LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS

Coordinate transportation for any youth field trips.
Submit requests to the Education Director for purchase of youth program snacks, refreshments.
Submit requests to Education Director for purchase program supplies and materials.
Ensure that requests to the Education Director for food, supplies, materials, and equipment are submitted in a timely manner.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies, including background checks and other administrative procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Deep commitment to the education and empowerment of youth of African descent.
Prior experience working with youth of African descent in structured settings such as schools, community organizations, faith-based programs, or mentorship initiatives.
Minimum three years’ experience working with youth of African descent in a professional capacity such as educator, counselor, program director, etc.
Chauffer’s license
Skills in conflict resolution and restorative justice practices, with willingness to undergo relevant training.
Demonstrated dedication to Black Liberation and Black Food Sovereignty ideals.
Commitment and demonstrated practice to racial, gender, economic, and climate justice. Demonstrated understanding and passion for how race, gender, class, and intersectionality impact social change.
Knowledge of agricultural practices, food systems, and Black food sovereignty principles, and a willingness to deepen understanding in these areas.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Willingness to adhere to organizational policies and complete required background checks.
Candidate must successfully complete and pass a background check as a condition of employment, ensuring a safe and secure environment for program participants and community members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Passion for community development and cultural engagement.
Cultural competency and sensitivity related to African-centered programming.
Flexibility and adaptability to meet program needs.
Curriculum development experience
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Education

BENEFITS:

Medical, dental and vision benefits
Opportunity for growth and advancement within the organization.
Access to training and development programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
Positive and collaborative work environment with a supportive team.

HOW TO APPLY:

Click here to download description.

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