Youth and Schools Education Coordinator - St Catharines

About GrowBuildLearn · GrowBuildLearn (GBL) is a social impact enterprise combining smart hydroponic technology, AI-powered education support, and immersive STEM curriculum to address food security and educational engagement challenges. Our mission is to empower individuals and c ...

Job description

About GrowBuildLearn

GrowBuildLearn (GBL) is a social impact enterprise combining smart hydroponic technology, AI-powered education support, and immersive STEM curriculum to address food security and educational engagement challenges. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to grow food, build sustainable systems, and learn together.

We're creating innovative solutions that make year-round food production accessible while delivering engaging hands-on STEM education to schools and communities across Ontario.

OJCP Funding & Eligibility

This position is funded through the Ontario Job Creation Partnerships (OJCP) program. To be eligible for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be an Ontario resident

• Currently unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week

• Actively seeking full-time employment

• Meet ONE of the following criteria:

  • Currently receiving EI benefits, OR

  • Received EI benefits within the previous 60 months, OR

  • Has paid EI premiums (deductions taken off your pay stub) in at least 3 of the last 10 years

Position Overview

Build school board partnerships and deliver hands-on STEM programming to expand GrowBuildLearn's Mars Farmer Academy across Ontario. This outreach-focused role combines relationship building, program delivery, and consultative sales, working directly with school administrators, educators, and students to bring sustainable agriculture education into classrooms.

This role is perfect for educators with entrepreneurial skills, former teachers interested in educational sales, or business development professionals passionate about education and environmental sustainability who want to drive institutional partnerships and program adoption.

Key Responsibilities

School Board Partnerships & Business Development (30%)

• Develop and maintain relationships with school boards across Ontario (Catholic and public boards)

• Conduct needs assessments and discovery meetings with school administrators

• Present GBL's value proposition to principals, superintendents, and curriculum coordinators

• Navigate school board approval processes, procurement requirements, and budget cycles

• Represent GBL at EcoSchools Ontario events, educational conferences, and networking opportunities

• Build partnerships with curriculum consultants, STEM coordinators, and environmental education leads

• Qualify leads and identify schools aligned with GBL's mission and program capacity

• Negotiate program packages and secure contracts with schools and boards

• Follow up with decision-makers through strategic touchpoints to advance partnerships

• Develop skills and become comfortable with outreach strategies through work on other Social Impact Enterprises accounts

• Maintain detailed CRM records and manage partnership development pipeline

• Track sales metrics, conversion rates, and partnership progress

• Collaborate with marketing team on school-focused campaigns and collateral

School Program Delivery & Demonstrations (30%)

• Deliver Mars Farmer Academy immersive experiences (90-minute Grade 3 programs, extended Grade 7-8 programs)

• Facilitate hands-on STEM lessons that demonstrate curriculum value to administrators and teachers

• Lead student "Launch Team" training to create peer-to-peer leadership models

• Conduct demonstration lessons for school administrators considering program adoption

• Guide harvest celebrations and connect food production to health and nutrition education

• Adapt programming for diverse learning needs including neurodivergent students

• Provide school site visits that showcase program effectiveness

• Collect testimonials and success stories from participating schools

Curriculum Development & Alignment (20%)

• Design and develop Mars Farmer Academy curriculum materials aligned to Ontario expectations (Grade 3 "Growth and Changes in Plants" and Grades 7-8 "Engineering Design Process")

• Create comprehensive lesson plans, student activities, and hands-on STEM learning experiences

• Develop assessment rubrics and learning outcome tracking tools aligned to Ontario achievement standards

• Write teacher implementation guides and classroom resource materials

• Integrate Indigenous perspectives and environmental stewardship principles into curriculum

• Adapt and refine content based on teacher feedback and pilot program results

• Create cross-curricular connections (Math, Language, Science)

• Stay current with Ontario curriculum updates and educational policy changes

• Develop differentiated materials for diverse learning needs including neurodivergent students

Teacher Support & Professional Development (20%)

• Deliver teacher professional development workshops on Mars Farmer Academy implementation

• Provide onboarding and training for teachers adopting the program

• Offer ongoing support and troubleshooting for participating schools

• Model effective instructional strategies for hands-on STEM education

• Gather teacher feedback to inform program improvements

• Create champions among teachers who can advocate for program expansion

• Support teachers in integrating hydroponic systems into daily instruction

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, science, environmental science, or related field

• 2-3 years experience in sales, business development, account management, or educational program delivery

• Valid Ontario driver's license and reliable transportation for regular travel in Niagara Region and Greater Toronto Area

Core Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills

• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities with diverse audiences

• Consultative sales approach with ability to identify needs and provide solutions

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with educators and administrators

• Self-motivated and driven with entrepreneurial mindset

• Comfortable with cold outreach, networking, and business development activities

• Strong negotiation and closing skills

• Account management and pipeline management capabilities

• Resilience and persistence in face of rejection

• Cultural competency and commitment to inclusive education

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of Ontario K-12 curriculum (particularly science and STEM)

• Knowledge of school board structures, budget cycles, and approval processes

• Familiarity with CRM systems and sales tracking tools

• Strong organizational and time management abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and presentation software

• Understanding of food security, sustainability, and environmental education concepts

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple school relationships simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have, But Not Required)

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) with Ontario teaching certification (OCT)

• Strong understanding of K-12 education systems and school decision-making processes

• Experience working with schools, school boards, or educational institutions

• Experience with EcoSchools Ontario programs or environmental education initiatives

• Track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets

• Experience with Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar CRM platforms

• Familiarity with grant programs and educational funding sources

• Knowledge of hydroponic growing or sustainable agriculture

• Background in educational product sales or EdTech

• Experience presenting to school boards or educational decision-makers

• Established relationships with Ontario school boards

• Bilingual (English/French) an asset

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience (minimum $18/hour at 40 hours per week)

• Flexible hybrid/remote work arrangement

• Professional development opportunities

• Equipment provided as needed

• Access to AI tool subscriptions and digital marketing platforms

• Meaningful work with direct social impact

Work Environment

This role requires significant travel to schools and school board offices, with primary focus in the Niagara Region and Greater Toronto Area, and occasional travel to Hamilton and Ottawa. Expect to be on the road regularly for school visits, presentations, and relationship-building meetings. Hybrid office time at the GBL office is used for CRM management, planning, and team collaboration. Schedule aligns with academic calendar (September-June peak activity for partnerships and demonstrations). Evening meetings may be required for school board presentations or parent information sessions. Physical requirements include frequent driving, standing during presentations and classroom delivery, and setting up demonstration materials.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

GrowBuildLearn is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and individuals from underserved communities.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Empowering communities to grow food, build sustainable systems, and learn together.