Pathways to Work Program Manager

The Homeless Garden Project is launching Pathways to Work, a new low-barrier workforce development program designed to help people experiencing homelessness build job readiness, stability, confidence, and connections to employment—all while contributing to the vitality of downtown Santa Cruz.

We’re looking for an experienced, compassionate Program Manager to lead this new initiative. This is a hands-on opportunity to build and shape a program from the ground up, combining program leadership, case management, workforce development, training, team supervision, and community engagement.

The Program Manager will:

• Lead day-to-day program operations and supervise Crew Leads and participants
• Provide trauma-informed case management, coaching, and employment support
• Develop and facilitate weekly job-readiness training
• Support participants in building workplace skills, confidence, and stability
• Develop relationships with downtown businesses, service providers, and community partners
• Track outcomes and continually strengthen the program

We’re looking for someone with experience in social services, workforce development, or a related field, who is an excellent communicator and organizer, comfortable supervising and coaching others, and deeply committed to treating every participant with dignity and respect.

This is an exciting time to join HGP as we expand our workforce development work while building toward our permanent farm and community site.

If you’re passionate about creating pathways to employment and helping people build stability, purpose, and belonging, we’d love to hear from you.

Qualifications ● Minimum of two years’ experience in social services, workforce development, or a related field ● Demonstrated experience supervising staff or teams and giving focused, constructive feedback ● Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities ● Experience developing and facilitating curriculum or training ● Familiarity with Positive Psychology and Motivational Interviewing approaches ● Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment ● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) ● Experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to social justice and equity

To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director, at darrieg@homelessgardenproject.org.

• Health insurance, with access to dental and vision coverage
• Access to a voluntary 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation and sick leave (accrual caps apply) ● Professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to engage in meaningful, mission-driven work that creates lasting community impact

Proficient in English, both written and verbal.