Director

About the Organization:

Garden for the Environment (GFE) is a small nonprofit organization in San Francisco, and a fiscally sponsored project of Earth Island Institute. GFE teaches people about the environment—soil, water, plants, creatures, and climate—so together we can grow a resilient, more beautiful world. Started in 1990, GFE is a public teaching and education garden located on one-half acre in the middle of the city. Primary programs educate 3,000 people per year through twice-weekly volunteer hours, youth field trips, adult workshops, experiential tours, and the Get Up! garden training program. Located on public land, GFE works closely with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) on garden maintenance and grant funded programs.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a new Director to steward and lead this beloved community space with local historical significance. The Director serves as the organizational leader for Garden for the Environment. This role is responsible for the project's commitment to our mission, fulfillment of organizational obligations, and sound financial management — while ensuring full compliance with Earth Island Institute's policies and procedures. The Director works in close partnership with Earth Island Institute staff and serves as the primary liaison between the project and its fiscal sponsor.

This is a hybrid work from home/in garden position. The ideal candidate is collaborative, community oriented, flexible and able to think quickly on their feet.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Management: Supervise, and support a team of full time staff and part-time educators and contractors recruiting and hiring new staff as necessary.

Advisory Board Management: Cultivate and maintain an active, engaged Advisory Board that supports the project's mission and expands community reach.

Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day organizational operations, ensuring efficiency and alignment with mission including serving as the primary liaison to Earth Island Institute.

Financial Management: Track and create an annual budget and ensure adequate funding is in place to support the project's ongoing operations and programs.

Fundraising & Development: Manage the full lifecycle of government and foundation grants as well as cultivate individual donor programs.

Program Direction: Provide vision and leadership for all programs ensuring they advance the mission and serve the community effectively

Marketing & Communications: Oversee the project's external communications and serve as a public representative of the GFE’s mission and values

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit or related field, with 5 years experience managing staff and contractors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in donor communications, grant writing, and public outreach
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development, monitoring, and fiscal oversight
• Proven success with grant management including compliance and reporting requirements
• Hands-on experience in garden operations, urban agriculture, environmental education, or demonstration of a deep commitment to environmental work
• Demonstrated deep commitment to the mission and values of Garden for the Environment

Preferred

• Experience working with or serving on an Advisory or governing Board, including facilitating meetings and supporting Board engagement
• Background in developing or overseeing educational programs, ideally in a community or garden-based setting
• Government grant management experience
• Familiarity with nonprofit marketing tools including website CMS platforms, email newsletter systems, and social media
• Experience working within a fiscally sponsored or complex organizational structure

This is an exempt position with generous benefits including medical, vision, dental, paid leave and potential for 403(b)