Grace Farms Careers

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms:

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, perform gardening & horticulture duties including, but not limited to: planting, mulching, weeding, staking, deadheading, pruning, watering, plant and pest identification, and integrated pest management within Grace Farms’ organic vegetable & flower garden and multi-ecosystem landscape.
• Assist with plant propagation/production, including collection, storage, and sowing of seed; cuttings; transplanting; watering; and additional plant care as needed.
• Select plants for assigned garden space(s), including annual plantings and improvements to existing garden beds. The curation of plants will be in collaboration with the Director of Horticulture.
• Collaborate with other departments within the organization to develop horticulture related programmatic activities and events. Assist the Director of Horticulture in educational outreach activities including: teaching classes, facilitating programs/activities, speaking to groups at events, leading specialized tours, and working with interns, and volunteers.
• Provide training and mentorship to horticulture interns, seasonal gardeners, and volunteers.
• Pro-Actively engage with visitors and staff in a welcoming way about Grace Farms’ horticultural practices, its landscape and gardens making the information accessible and relevant for all age groups.
• May participate in occasional specialty tasks such as floral arranging and assisting with floral design for events, or others as identified.
• Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to ensure plant health. Identifies and diagnoses pests, diseases, and other plant problems. Determines effective treatment utilizing the IPM principles.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of basic horticultural practices and procedures required for soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, and raking.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with plants common in the horticulture trade in the Northeast, organic vegetable gardening and knowledge of the region’s wild flora desirable.
• Proficiency in identifying frequently used woody, herbaceous, and annual landscape plants by common name and ability to identify common insect pests and diseases of annuals, perennials, and woody landscape plants.
• Willingness and ability to share horticulture practices and the natural world with diverse audiences.
• Must be enthusiastic about plants, conscientious of the environment, and sustainable/organic gardening practices.
• Ability to use shovels, trowels, rakes, spades, digging forks, pruners, and other basic gardening tools, and machinery.
• Must be able to facilitate information and programming to a wide variety of audiences including adults, children and intergenerational groups.
• Excellent communications and collaboration skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team. Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, and the community.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Must have flexible schedule to work weekends (likely every Saturday) and some evenings. Reliable transportation is required.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field is strongly preferred but not required. Associate degree in horticulture or related field is required with substantial field experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of equivalent working experience in horticulture/landscape design and maintenance.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift a minimum to forty (40) lbs. Physical activities will include standing/bending/stooping/ squatting/reaching above shoulder level/ kneeling. Must be able to use hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, manipulation and grasping. Must be able to use head/neck in rotational, extension and flexing movements. Position requires extended time outdoors in a variety of conditions (e.g., hot sun, rain, cold temperatures, etc.)

Benefits

Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match. We encourage our staff to take time off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays. All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

Role

In the role of Events & Production Specialist, you will serve as part of a team that coordinates and executes programs and events in support of our place, five initiatives: Nature, Arts, Justice, Community, and Faith and Design for Freedom. Our environment is not a typical corporate events space-our clients are not-for-profits, foundations, community partners, government entities, and our own internal Initiative Directors. You will be part of a team with a strong collaborative work ethic that is passionate about putting their events management skills to work in a mission-driven environment.

Our environment is not a typical corporate events space. Our clients are not-for-profits, community partners, government entities, and our own internal teams supporting the various initiatives and strategic programmatic goals. You will be part of a team with a strong collaborative work ethic that is passionate about putting their events management skills to work in a mission-driven environment. This is also not a Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM job. Events and Programs take place when the audiences are available which often means before & after hours, as well as on weekends. While there is some Work From Home potential, this is primarily a place-based position.

Your Day-to-Day

Events

• Execute all major aspects of event management from planning through completion for a high volume and variety of on-site, virtual and hybrid events and programs.
• Direct and work collaboratively with internal teams, partners, vendors, contractors and key staff, including on-site staff coordination and operational logistics.
• Serve as Day-of-Event Lead, responsible for ensuring successful event attendee experience.
• Ensure that all administrative duties are delivered with efficiency, high quality and in a timely manner.

Production

• Receive, coordinate and oversee production needs and logistics on scheduled on-site, virtual and events and programs alongside the Technical Director.
• Research and implement new tools and trends in the virtual event space, bringing those key findings and recommendations back to Leadership.
• Support the development of materials such as Virtual Events Best Practices, FAQs, and training manuals for meeting hosts, speakers, and the events team.
• Manage communications with presenters and hosts to ensure they have the necessary equipment, connectivity, and schedule technical rehearsals as needed.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, administrative, and communication skills, and the ability to execute tasks with a high degree of professionalism and excellence, especially under pressure.
• Must exhibit a strong ability to re-prioritize tasks on-the-fly while making sound, independent decisions that are consistent with the organization’s mission.
• Possess a confident customer service orientation, and professional demeanor. Must be comfortable in a front of house position, and able to handle the unexpected stressors with grace and peace.
• Competencies in fact finding, planning, problem solving and innovative thinking.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel. Mac skills preferred.
• This position will work on site in New Canaan. Must have flexible schedule, as well as the willingness and ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management, Production Management or Communications preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of event planning or production management for cultural institutions or corporate spaces with a proven track record of success with both in-person and virtual events and production.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs, bend, climb stairs, and stand for an extended period of time.

Compensation range based on experience $60k to $63k annually.

Benefits

Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match. We encourage our staff to take time-off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays. All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

The Role

The Education Department Intern will work alongside our talented team of professional educators to facilitate programs for young learners and learners of all ages! The person in this role will engage with the public by inspiring and inviting them into the Work at Grace Farms, as well as share the mission of Grace Farms through daily programming and pop-up activities. By participating in this internship opportunity, you will be honing your public speaking skills, engaging audiences with hands on learning and place-based teaching techniques. This position can be for school credit or can be a paid internship.

Duties:

• Support the Education Team with Pop-Up Engagements, Imagination Playground, Bunny Book Group, Open Arts Studio, and other public programs.
• Assist in the set up and clean-up of the daily programming, starting and ending each program on time in the proper location, and communicating any necessary changes in schedule to the supervisor on duty in a timely manner during regular Operational hours
• Partner with the Events & Visitor Experience Team in various visitor experience capacities to extend hospitality to guests at public and private events at Grace Farms including, but not limited to: greeting, registration check-in, wayfinding, and providing necessary information to guests to ensure a welcoming and meaningful event and experience for all
• Provide assistance and support of the GFF Educators as they facilitate School Group Programs
• Observe and collect data that will support ongoing analysis of the programs.
• Contribute to the research and development of public programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities:

• An interest in Education, English/Communication, Performing Arts, Nature, Science, History, or related field. Working towards a B.A. or B.S. in one of these areas of study is a plus.
• Prior experience teaching students of all ages in a formal or informal setting, serving as tour guide, docent, museum guide, interpreter, visitor experience professional highly desired.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills as well as the ability to work comfortably and effectively with diverse audiences including both children and adults.
• Must love continuous learning and have the ability to pro-actively seek out additional information about a wide variety of topics and disciplines.
• Proven experience as a team player with a “can-do” attitude. Must be able to maintain a calm exterior presence during periods of high volume, high stress or unusual events.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and efficiently with computers, electronic communications, and other technology.
• Punctuality is key.
• Some evening and weekend hours will be required.
• This position must work on site at Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk or stand, sit, see, read and speak English clearly, hear and use hands to reach, handle or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift, push and/ or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: $18/hour or school credit

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

Duties:

• Warmly greets all visitors wherever they are assigned that day by creating a welcoming and friendly environment where visitors receive prompt, efficient and pleasant attention whether it be in person, on the phone or via e-mail.
• Efficiently and effectively processes all visitors and members using the appropriate technology at the particular station or event they are assigned which may involve credit card and member card processing. Requests appropriate ID as necessary to ensure the integrity, safety and security of the visitor’s credit card and membership. Follows all established GFF financial/credit card policies and protocols with accuracy, integrity and honesty.
• Anticipates and responds to visitor needs by providing accurate and helpful information about Grace Farms and all its offerings. Provides suggestions for personalized visit itineraries based on the visitors’ needs, interests, time, and other visitors attending with them (family, children, adults).
• Promotes and educates visitors to the benefits of membership and processes membership applications including upgrades and renewals.
• Solicits and records visitor feedback, suggestions, complaints and compliments about their experiences at GFF and make the supervisory team aware of such feedback for use in continuous improvement and quality control initiatives and efforts. Alerts supervisory staff to potential issues, problems and possibilities in a timely manner.
• Continuously expands personal knowledge about GFF, its grounds, offerings, exhibitions, events and initiatives by active participation in training, staying abreast of news, events, and programs through team meetings, verbal, written and electronic communications, asking questions of staff and supervisors, and observing on-site activities.
• Follows all safety protocols when greeting and processing visitors, guests, staff and members at the Welcome Kiosk upon arrival. Provides helpful and friendly guidance and direction to each arriving guest and member to start their visit to GFF in an exceptional manner.
• Using best judgement, respond to visitor situations, calling upon supervisory and safety staff as needed in a timely, calm and clear manner.
• Serves as part of the larger Events & Visitor Experience Team in various visitor experience capacities to extend hospitality to guests at public and private events at Grace Farms including, but not limited to: greeting, registration check-in, wayfinding, and providing necessary information to guests to ensure a welcoming and meaningful event and experience for all.
• Always maintains a positive and professional image, reflecting pride in the position and enthusiasm for the Foundation.
• Constantly contributes positively and enthusiastically as part of a team-oriented department with a “can-do” and joyful attitude.
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s, or course work related to obtaining a degree preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience in customer-service related positions required.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and effectively with computers and other visitor facing technology. Experience with Point of Sale systems greatly preferred.
• High energy, enthusiastic, customer centered intelligence and acumen is essential.
• Must possess superior interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to extend kindness, grace and joy with every interaction.
• Proven experience as a team player with a “can-do” attitude, highly organized, adaptable and flexible to meet time, priority and workload demands as well as shifting schedules and unexpected circumstances that come with working with the general public. Must be able to maintain a calm exterior presence during periods of high volume, high stress or unusual events.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and efficiently with computers, electronic communications, and other technology.
• Punctuality is key, as well as the ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and some holidays. This position will work both indoors and outside depending on season and weather. Hours are subject to change on a weekly basis due to events and circumstances.
• Must have transportation, valid background check, and ability to work weekends and evenings.
• This position must work on site at Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk or stand, sit, see, read and speak English clearly, hear and use hands to reach, handle or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift, push and/ or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: $20 per hour

MUST have reliable transportation as we are NOT near public transportation.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

The Marketing Associate will actively collaborate with, and be an integral part of the Marketing team, supporting all brand efforts. In particular, responsibilities will focus on developing, editing and production of collateral materials, website updates, as well as brand research and monitoring. Through the role, you will help us drive awareness, extend engagement with our brand to multiple channels, and refine it as we continue to evolve and grow.

Responsibilities:

• Update the on-site monitor videos on a weekly basis
• Collaborate with our Social Media Manager to cross-post short-form video to the appropriate channels
• Make daily and weekly updates to select pages on gracefarms.org and designforfreedom.org to ensure all content is up to date.
• Monitor the homepage to ensure upcoming event information is up to date.
• Crop images for webpages, as needed
• Work with Senior Content Manager to troubleshoot mobile functionality on a quarterly basis and provide support during SEO audits and regular maintenance.
• Identify keywords and optimize older web pages using best practices for SEO.
• Spearhead the marketing department’s community outreach efforts including posting upcoming events to external calendars as well as researching and strategizing targeted outreach for events appealing to a range of interest areas.
• Take lead in establishing connections with institutions for more targeted outreach, including local school systems.
• Hang upcoming event posters in local venues in Fairfield County
• Understand our audience through basic reporting available on Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, and Salesforce, as well as meetings with our Visitor Experience Team, and make content and functionality recommendations for our website and collateral materials.
• Support marketing team in generation and implementation of event marketing and campaigns
• Assist with maintaining social channels and brand monitoring, as needed
• Project coordination at different increments ensuring progress of projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills, Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required with preference given to Communications & Marketing majors.
• 1-3 years of professional experience within a corporate or non-for-profit communications team.
• Knowledge of digital marketing channels (web and social media) strongly preferred.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or Adobe InDesign strongly preferred
• Strong research skills with an eye for detail and organization of information.
• Demonstrated oral and written communications skills
• Self-starter who excels with deadline-oriented milestones and can shift with changing priorities
• Highest level of integrity with demonstrable record of handling confidential information with discretion

Compensation $56,000

Benefits

Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match. We encourage our staff to take time-off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays. All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Apply

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

Duties:

• Warmly greets all visitors wherever they are assigned that day by creating a welcoming and friendly environment where visitors receive prompt, efficient and pleasant attention whether it be in person, on the phone or via e-mail.
• Efficiently and effectively processes all visitors and members using the appropriate technology at the particular station or event they are assigned which may involve credit card and member card processing. Requests appropriate ID as necessary to ensure the integrity, safety and security of the visitor’s credit card and membership. Follows all established GFF financial/credit card policies and protocols with accuracy, integrity and honesty.
• Anticipates and responds to visitor needs by providing accurate and helpful information about Grace Farms and all its offerings. Provides suggestions for personalized visit itineraries based on the visitors’ needs, interests, time, and other visitors attending with them (family, children, adults).
• Promotes and educates visitors to the benefits of membership and processes membership applications including upgrades and renewals.
• Solicits and records visitor feedback, suggestions, complaints and compliments about their experiences at GFF and make the supervisory team aware of such feedback for use in continuous improvement and quality control initiatives and efforts. Alerts supervisory staff to potential issues, problems and possibilities in a timely manner.
• Continuously expands personal knowledge about GFF, its grounds, offerings, exhibitions, events and initiatives by active participation in training, staying abreast of news, events, and programs through team meetings, verbal, written and electronic communications, asking questions of staff and supervisors, and observing on-site activities.
• Follows all safety protocols when greeting and processing visitors, guests, staff and members at the Welcome Kiosk upon arrival. Provides helpful and friendly guidance and direction to each arriving guest and member to start their visit to GFF in an exceptional manner.
• Using best judgement, respond to visitor situations, calling upon supervisory and safety staff as needed in a timely, calm and clear manner.
• Serves as part of the larger Events & Visitor Experience Team in various visitor experience capacities to extend hospitality to guests at public and private events at Grace Farms including, but not limited to: greeting, registration check-in, wayfinding, and providing necessary information to guests to ensure a welcoming and meaningful event and experience for all.
• Always maintains a positive and professional image, reflecting pride in the position and enthusiasm for the Foundation.
• Constantly contributes positively and enthusiastically as part of a team-oriented department with a “can-do” and joyful attitude.
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills/Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s, or course work related to obtaining a degree preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience in customer-service related positions required.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and effectively with computers and other visitor facing technology. Experience with Point-of-Sale systems greatly preferred.
• High energy, enthusiastic, customer centered intelligence and acumen is essential.
• Must possess superior interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to extend kindness, grace and joy with every interaction.
• Proven experience as a team player with a “can-do” attitude, highly organized, adaptable and flexible to meet time, priority and workload demands as well as shifting schedules and unexpected circumstances that come with working with the general public. Must be able to maintain a calm exterior presence during periods of high volume, high stress or unusual events.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and efficiently with computers, electronic communications, and other technology.
• Punctuality is key, as well as the ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and some holidays. This position will work both indoors and outside depending on season and weather. Hours are subject to change on a weekly basis due to events and circumstances.
• Must have transportation, valid background check, and ability to work weekends and evenings.
• This position must work on site at Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk or stand, sit, see, read and speak English clearly, hear and use hands to reach, handle or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift, push and/ or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: $20 per hour

Benefits

Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match. We encourage our staff to take time-off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays. All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd. New Canaan, CT

Responsibilities

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

The Role:

The Lead Visitor Experience Associate will lead the way in making Grace Farms Foundation (GFF) a welcoming place for all who visit, ensuring high quality customer service, and assisting with the administrative functions for the department. The Lead Visitor Experience Associate will be part of a 3-person supervisory team, overseeing and working alongside the Visitor Experience Associates stationed in various locations on the property, including, but not limited to the Welcome Center, Sanctuary, Library and Court.

Your Day-to-Day:

• Model outstanding customer service and visitor-centered best practices for the Visitor Experience Associates, ensuring that visitors receive prompt, efficient and pleasant attention whether it be in person, on the phone or via e-mail.
• Conduct morning meetings with the Visitor Experience Team to disseminate site-wide information about daily events and programs. Available to serve as on-site primary point of contact to respond to questions from visitors and the Visitor Experience Team.
• Assist with training new and current Visitor Experience Associates to enhance the skills and competencies of each team member. Provide guidance and support when needed to the Visitor Experience team.
• Ensures that the site is ready to receive visitors and the Visitor Experience Team is equipped with information and collateral in their assigned spaces.
• Greet and orient school and tour groups, as well as partner organizations, prior to opening for on-site experiences with our Education & Engagement Specialists.
• Monitor and manage inventory of retail items and books for Welcome Center & Library.
• Assist with maintaining and managing our Guest Relations email inbox.
• Authors and updates Standard Operating Procedures, Events & Visitor Experience handbook and other training manuals, as needed.
• Continuously expands personal knowledge about GFF, its grounds, offerings, exhibitions, events and initiatives by active participation in training, staying abreast of news, events, and programs through team meetings, verbal, written and electronic communications, asking questions of staff and supervisors, and observing on-site activities.
• Anticipates and responds to visitor needs by providing accurate and helpful information about Grace Farms and all its offerings. Provides suggestions for personalized visit itineraries based on the visitors’ needs, interests, time, and other visitors attending with them (family, children, adults).
• Promotes and educates visitors to the benefits of membership and processes membership applications including upgrades and renewals.
• Solicits and records visitor feedback, suggestions, complaints and compliments about their experiences at GFF and make the supervisory team aware of such feedback for use in continuous improvement and quality control initiatives and efforts. Alerts supervisory team to potential issues, problems and possibilities in a timely manner.
• Follows all safety protocols when greeting and processing visitors, guests, staff and members at the Welcome Kiosk upon arrival. Provides helpful and friendly guidance and direction to each arriving guest and member to start their visit to GFF in an exceptional manner.
• Using best judgement, respond to visitor situations, in a timely, calm and clear manner.
• Serves as part of the larger Events & Visitor Experience Team in various visitor experience capacities to extend hospitality to guests at public and private events at Grace Farms including, but not limited to: greeting, registration check-in, wayfinding, and providing necessary information to guests to ensure a welcoming and meaningful event and experience for all.
• Always maintains a positive and professional image, reflecting pride in the position and enthusiasm for the Foundation.
• Constantly contributes positively and enthusiastically as part of a team-oriented department with a “can-do” and joyful attitude.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to direct, coach and mentor a team.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and effectively with computers and other visitor facing technology. Experience with Point of Sale systems greatly preferred.
• High energy, enthusiastic, customer centered intelligence and acumen is essential.
• Must possess superior interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to extend kindness, grace and joy with every interaction.
• Proven experience as a team player who is highly organized, adaptable and flexible to meet time, priority and workload demands as well as shifting schedules and unexpected circumstances that come with working with the general public. Must be able to maintain a calm exterior presence during periods of high volume, high stress or unusual events.
• Proven ability to work comfortably and efficiently with computers, electronic communications, and other technology.
• Punctuality is key, as well as the ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and some holidays. This position will work both indoors and outside depending on season and weather. Hours are subject to change on a weekly basis due to events and circumstances.
• Must have transportation, valid background check, and ability to work weekends and evenings.
• This position must work on site at Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s, or course work related to obtaining a degree preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as a team supervisor, leader, or key holder is required.
• Previous experience in customer-service related positions required.
• Previous experience in supporting and representing the organization in programming and events.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk or stand, sit, see, read and speak English clearly, hear and use hands to reach, handle or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift, push and/ or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation range based on experience $21/hour

Benefits

Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match. We encourage our staff to take time-off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays. All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.