Program Lead – Genesis Gardens

About the role

The Program Lead position in Genesis Gardens is a key member of the team responsible for hosting large numbers of volunteers and neighbors who work together to cultivate and care for the gardens and host the weekly farmer’s market. The right candidate is a hospitable, creative, and adaptable team player who takes initiative, loves supporting others, and is energized by building meaningful relationships with the neighbors and volunteers who work and serve in Genesis Gardens. This is a non-exempt position reporting to the Sr. Programs Manager. Due to the nature and requirements of the position, hours are typically 7 am–4 pm Tuesday–Saturday; some nights and weekends may be required. The Program Lead will office at Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a hospitable presence where volunteers and neighbor contractors feel welcomed and valued.
• Welcome volunteers, providing a clear overview of the program, its purpose, and the volunteer shift structure.
• Recruit, orient, and lead neighbor contractors, serving as their primary day-to-day supervisor.
• Design and lead volunteer activities accessible to all ages and abilities.
• Connect with volunteers during their shift to foster meaningful connections with contractors and ensure they are having a meaningful experience.
• Train neighbor contractors, volunteers, and staff on safe food handling and tools safety policies.
• Monitor the team’s performance and find ways to optimize their efficiency.
• Build lasting relationships with volunteers and neighbor contractors that inspire them to return working in the garden.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Team to ensure volunteers have a meaningful experience and are inspired to continue engaging with the community.
• Maintain a space that inspires abundance, connects people human to human, heart to heart, and transforms stereotypes about homelessness.
• Coordinate seasonal planting for the vegetable garden, fruiting trees, vines, and greenhouse.
• Oversee quality control and record keeping for the farmer’s market.
• Manage the proper care of garden animals including chickens, guardian dogs, and barn cat.
• Lead space repurposing initiatives to optimize the use of garden resources and infrastructure.
• Drive Genesis Gardens forward as a model program in the Community First! Village.
• Own the purchasing process from planning to submission.
• Submit support and work order forms when equipment, infrastructure, or resources are not functioning.
• Coordinate contract signing for contractors working in the garden.
• Own the creation and maintenance of all policies and procedures specific to the garden.
• Identify and coordinate opportunities to establish external partnerships that support the Genesis Gardens program.
• Represent Genesis Gardens and MLF in outward-facing presentations and relationship building.
• Collaborate with the MLF Team to fulfill program goals and create new opportunities within Genesis Gardens.

Requirements

• Committed to serving those who have experienced homelessness and aligned with MLF’s vision, mission, core values, and goals.
• Creative in designing welcoming spaces where volunteers and contractors connect and grow.
• Takes ownership and strives for excellence.
• Adaptable to perform in a fast-paced, high-interruption environment.
• Fast learner who takes initiative to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a garden role.
• Highly skilled in relationship building with diverse populations.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team.
• Emotionally intelligent and able to navigate the natural dynamics of a diverse and vibrant community.
• Able to articulate how the program supports the vision of MLF.
• 4+ years of experience coordinating people, schedules, and projects.
• Demonstrated experience in gardening, landscaping, hospitality, nonprofits, or related fields is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree and PMP Certification are a plus.
• Driver’s license.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to frequently lift, move, and transport up to 50 lbs throughout the day.
• Ability to move about all phases of Community First! Village properties freely and comfortably.
• Must wear attire that is presentable but suitable for messy, outdoor, hands-on work; close-toed shoes required for safety.
• Ability to learn how to operate a golf cart, ATV, and heavy machinery.