Associate Director, Seed Growing Program

The Hudson Valley Farm Hub (HVFH) is a non-profit agricultural center dedicated to resiliency in the regional food system. Since the Farm Hub’s founding in 2013, we have converted the approximately 1600-acre farm operation to a multi-year rotation of organically grown grains, cover crops and vegetables with an intensive focus on soil health. We steer our efforts towards the greater community of regional farmers, Hudson Valley neighbors, and the natural environment as we advance field research and innovation, provide training and informational gatherings for growers and community members, and support community resiliency.

The ideal candidate for the Associate Director, Seed Growing Program is an experienced and collaborative seed professional who brings deep expertise in organic seed production together with experience with leading people. They should be able to guide a multi-disciplinary team while translating long-term strategy into daily practice. Grounded in ecological farming and seed systems knowledge, they move comfortably between overseeing fieldwork, administration, and community engagement. This person is a systems thinker who values collaboration, safety, and continuous learning, finds joy in the seasonal rhythms of seed work in the Northeast, and is energized by connecting farmers, neighbors, and nature to strengthen regional seed and food systems. We’re hoping to add someone proficient in Spanish to our team.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Seed Growing Program works closely with and reports to the Director of Seeds & Engagement to bring the Hudson Valley Farm Hub’s long-term seed initiatives to life. This role bridges vision and implementation, supporting a growing team dedicated to strengthening regional seed and food systems through ecological seed farming and community collaboration.

The Associate Director helps translate strategy into daily practice across all aspects of seed work both internally at HVFH and into the surrounding community. The position manages a team that currently includes the Community Seed Manager and Seed Growing Program Assistant. Together, this team tends the full cycle of seed work at the Farm Hub from field to seed to community.

This is both a leadership and stewardship role. The AD, Seed Growing Program ensures that the systems, infrastructures, and relationships that support our seed work are functioning with clarity and care.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Seeds & Engagement to develop and implement the Farm Hub’s strategic plan for seed initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor and support a multi-disciplinary team, fostering collaboration, communication, and professional growth.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the department, including budget tracking, purchase orders, contracts, and expense reports; delegate tasks appropriately and review for accuracy.
• Develop and prepare budget for review by the Director, Seeds & Engagement and monitor expenses
• Manage relationships with contractors and consultants.
• Stay apprised of and in connection with complementary work happening across the Farm Hub (agroforestry, applied farmscape ecology, agronomic research, production); contribute to “mindful coordination” of project management, scheduling, and meeting preparation to support alignment and sufficient capacity across HVFH programs and departments.
• Oversee the Seed Growing Program’s organic seed production; introduce and ensure high standards across production, post-harvest handling, and storage by guiding staff in best practices and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with other HVFH departments to align seed initiatives with the overarching mission and vision of HVFH.
• Oversee recordkeeping and contribute to documentation, evaluation, and storytelling of seed work.
• Represent the seed program in cross-organizational and external partner meetings as needed.
• Actively participate in creating a culture of safety (physical as well as emotional/ psychological safety), including seeking training or resources for themselves or their team.

Required Qualifications

• A Minimum of 5 years of experience in organic seed production and organic farming systems, including specific seed growing, cleaning and storage practices, as well as foundational fertility, weed, soil and pest management.
• Significant experience in variety trials and best practices for identifying and creating regionally adapted varieties
• Familiarity with open-pollinated and hybrid seed breeding techniques
• Advanced computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Google Drive
• Demonstrated experience with seed cleaning and processing workflows and infrastructure.
• Knowledge of regional, national, and global seed systems and networks.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and supervising employees, including with multi-year projects.
• Demonstrated administrative, financial, and organizational skills.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English
• A love of plants, seeds, and the communities that care for them.
• Systems thinker with an eye for detail and commitment to collaboration.
• Ability to move fluidly between strategy and implementation.
• Respectful and grounded in working across cultures and disciplines.
• Excited by complexity, growth, and continuous learning.
• Finds joy in the rhythm of the seasons and the cycles of seeds in the Northeast.
• Invigorated by integrating farmers, neighbors, and nature in seed work.
• Friendly in-person engagement approach with individuals, small groups and comfort giving presentations for larger audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a work environment of mutual respect, team building, and collaboration; ability to develop positive relationships with people across different backgrounds.
• NYS Drivers license and clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

• Verbal proficiency in Spanish

Position Details

The Associate Director, Seed Growing Program is a full-time exempt supervisory position with full benefits. Compensation for this position is $105,000 - $120,000 annually. We offer a competitive benefits package which includes 100% employer-paid health insurance for full-time employees and their families. Some additional perks offered include retirement, life insurance and other benefits.

Typical Schedule

The typical schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm. There may be some periodic weekend work required.

Hudson Valley Farm Hub (HVFH) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status, disability, or medical condition.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $105,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• organic seed production/ organic farming systems: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person