Director of Operations

Director of Operations The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Santa Cruz, California, providing job training, transitional employment, and support services to people experiencing homelessness. HGP is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Operations to lead a cross-functional team overseeing Farm Operations, Value-Added Enterprise, and Volunteer Coordination. Reporting to the Executive Director, this leadership role manages a team of approximately ten staff members and plays a critical leadership role in guiding the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation. HGP is currently preparing to transition from its temporary 3.5-acre site to a permanent home with multiple buildings. The property purchase is anticipated in late summer 2026, with construction beginning in 2027. This transition represents a pivotal moment for the organization, and the Director of Operations will be instrumental in both managing day-to-day operations and supporting effective change management throughout this process. Full time, Exempt Reports to:

Executive Director Direct Reports:

Value-Added Enterprise Manager Farm Manager Crop Production Manager Volunteer Coordinator Key Responsibilities Leadership & Business Acumen (35%) Foster and lead a collaborative team culture grounded in respect, clear communication, and accountability Develop and implement multi-year enterprise business plans, with annual review and refinement Drive continuous improvement across operations, optimizing both financial and programmatic performance Support implementation of HR policies and systems, including safety protocols, payroll, benefits, and performance management Communicate key outcomes and insights to internal and external stakeholders, including staff, board members, and community audiences (e.g., presentations, reports, and digital content) In coordination with organizational budget development, create and manage annual enterprise budgets; monitor performance and provide regular financial reporting Farm Operations (25%) Lead operational planning and execution to support the transition to the permanent farm site Increase productivity while maintaining strong environmental stewardship and alignment with HGP's mission and values Value-Added Enterprise (30%) Strengthen and scale the retail enterprise to ensure long-term financial sustainability Oversee production efficiency, quality control, and facilities management Volunteer Coordination & Community Engagement (10%) Provide strategic direction for the Community Education and Volunteer Program, ensuring program goals are achieved. Support engagement of 2,000+ annual volunteers by ensuring meaningful experiences and effective alignment of volunteer skills with organizational needs Qualifications & Experience 5-8 years of operations management experience, ideally in a complex or mission-driven environment Demonstrated success managing large-scale or multi-million-dollar projects Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to diverse audiences Bachelor's degree in business, operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience) Experience in the nonprofit sector is strongly preferred Compensation and Benefits The compensation package includes: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience Annual salary range: $79,000-85,000 Health insurance, with access to dental and vision coverage Generous vacation and sick leave Access to a voluntary 401(k) retirement plan Professional development opportunities Meaningful work in a mission-driven organization How to Apply Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director, darrieg@homelessgardenproject.org . The Homeless Garden Project envisions a thriving and inclusive community, workforce and local food system. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to our mission.