Senior Programs Manager

About Mobile Loaves & Fishes

Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) is a social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless since 1998. Founded in Austin, Texas, the organization serves its homeless neighbors through three core programs: Truck Ministry, Community First! Village, and Community Works. Often referred to as the most talked about neighborhood in Austin, Community First! Village is a 51-acre master planned development that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. We are now embarking on a new phase of community expansion, adding more than 1400 new neighbors over the next 5-10 years.

About the Role

At Mobile Loaves & Fishes, our Community Empowerment Programs provide spaces where Volunteers and Guests can build meaningful relationships with our Neighbors living in Community First! Village through purposeful and dignified work. These programs-Genesis Gardens, the Community Art House, and the Community Market-each look different in their daily operations, but they share a common "why" (community) and "how" (hospitality). The Sr. Programs Manager will lead these programs in their execution of our Vision to empower communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless by cultivating a culture of radical hospitality, strengthening the operational systems that support the work, and empowering staff to create meaningful opportunities for Volunteers, Guests, and Neighbors to connect in dignified and purposeful community.

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Assistant Director of Community Empowerment. Due to the nature and requirements of the position, hours are flexible to fit need, but typically include 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Some nights and weekends may be required. The Sr Programs Manager will office at Community First! Village located at 9116 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Partner with the Senior Director of Empowerment, Assistant Director of Community Empowerment, and other Empowerment leadership to provide strategic leadership and guide the overall direction of the department.
  • Lead the program staff with a philosophy of operational excellence, emphasizing process development, project management, and strategic planning to support a rapidly scaling organization.
  • Assist in the development and execution of strategic initiatives to increase capacity and efficiency across programs, ensuring alignment with MLF's mission, vision, culture, and long-term goals.
• Team Management
  • Lead, mentor, and support Community Empowerment program staff, promoting professional development, strong leadership, and long-term staff retention.
  • Provide direct supervision to staff within Genesis Gardens, the Community Art House, and the Community Market, fostering a culture of hospitality, collaboration, and excellence.
  • Oversee team performance, conduct evaluations, and ensure adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
  • Ensure staff have the resources, tools, and training needed to perform their roles effectively.
• Hospitality & Community Building
  • Build and sustain a foundation of radical hospitality across all programs, focusing on exceptional service to Volunteers, Guests, Neighbors, and internal partners.
  • Promote an environment and processes that considers the unique population of Neighbors living at the Village and the Volunteers who come to serve, recognizing the unique needs and strengths of individuals emerging from chronic homelessness.
• Operations & Program Management
  • Manage program operating budgets to ensure healthy and sustainable financials.
  • Lead program staff in collaborating across MLF departments to strengthen teamwork and unified service delivery.
  • Coordinate multiple projects and priorities, ensuring timely and efficient completion.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to meet the evolving needs of a growing organization.
  • Review and maintain effective record-keeping systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Develop and implement annual program goals for each area of responsibility.
• Other
  • Utilize data storytelling tools to build a framework for tracking program performance and regularly reporting outcomes, connecting quantitative measures to mission impact.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Principles

• MLF is a faith-based organization whose ideals and philosophy come directly from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As an organization, we strive to reflect this precept in our communications, both internally and externally.
• Commitment to serving those who have experienced homelessness and personal alignment with MLF's vision, mission, core values, and goals.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related discipline).
• 5+ years of diverse professional experience managing large teams of direct reports.
• Strong leadership skills, including strategic decision-making, team development, and cultural alignment with organizational values.
• Proven ability to lead programs, manage operational systems, and implement sustainable processes.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, financial reporting, and complex program operations.
• Expertise in fostering a culture of hospitality and customer service, with the ability to model and teach these principles to staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with comfort using data to inform decision-making and storytelling.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including written, verbal, and public speaking.
• Highly skilled in relationship building, cross-departmental collaboration, and engaging external stakeholders.
• Proficient in conflict resolution, coaching, and fostering positive team dynamics.
• Ability to multitask, manage shifting priorities, and adapt creatively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, emotional intelligence, and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Leads with a balance of empathy and accountability, consistently modeling radical hospitality.
• Able to manage change and growth in a scaling organization while maintaining team effectiveness.
• Passionate about developing staff, promoting professional growth, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Demonstrates curiosity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking when identifying opportunities for process improvement and program impact.
• Basic knowledge of event and volunteer management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications a must; experience with Asana or similar project management software strongly desired.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for a prolonged period.
• Ability to work at a computer for a prolonged period.
• Ability to move about all phases of Community First! Village properties.
• Ability to drive a golf cart.

MLF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetics, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in accordance with federal and state law.

Benefits

• Day one 100% Employer paid, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD & LTD Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Matching 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Corporate Discount Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Partnership Benefits