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.

• 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

• English--Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to diverse audiences