Program Lead – Genesis Gardens

Mobile Loaves & Fishes; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 35,817 - 42,705; Full time

Job summary

Mobile Loaves & Fishes invites a Program Lead for Genesis Gardens to manage a welcoming, volunteer‑driven garden program within Community First! Village.

You will supervise neighbor contractors, design inclusive activities, and ensure a hospitable environment that nurtures growth and participation. The role requires coordinating volunteers, managing schedules and contracts, and partnering with the team to advance the Genesis Gardens model and external collaborations.

Qualifications

• 4+ years coordinating people, schedules, and projects.
• Bachelor's degree and PMP Certification are a plus.
• Driver's license.
• Experience in gardening, landscaping, hospitality, nonprofits preferred.

Responsibilities

• Welcome volunteers and supervise neighbor contractors.
• Design and lead volunteer activities accessible to all ages.
• Oversee purchasing and contract signing for garden.
• Coordinate seasonal planting and greenhouse management.
• Maintain a hospitable presence and foster meaningful connections.

Skills

People coordination

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

PMP Certification

Tools

Asana

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Job description

Program Lead – Genesis Gardens

The Mobile Loaves & Fishes Genesis Gardens program is located at Community First! Village, where we cultivate connections by inviting all to our banquet table, creating opportunities for engagement, dignity, and good food. The Program Lead 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.

Scope & Purpose

The Program Lead leads the Genesis Gardens program, welcoming volunteers, supervising neighbor contractors, designing activities, and ensuring a hospitable presence for all participants.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain a hospitable presence where volunteers and customer 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 and ensure a rewarding experience.
• Train neighbor contractors, volunteers, and staff on safe food handling and tool safety policies.
• Monitor team performance and find ways to optimize efficiency.
• Build lasting relationships with volunteers and contractors that inspire continued participation.
• Collaborate with our Volunteer Team to ensure volunteers have a meaningful experience and are encouraged to continue engaging with our community.
• Maintain a space that inspires abundance 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.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as necessary.

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.

Who You Are

• Committed to serving those who have experienced homelessness and have a personal alignment 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 for 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.

What You Know

• 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.

How You Work

• Proactive problem‑solver who can troubleshoot across plants, equipment, animals, and people.
• Manages projects and people in a changing and fast‑paced environment, anticipating future needs even with limited information.
• Skilled at teaching others and giving guidance.
• Strong, effective communicator with conflict management and de‑escalation skills.
• Strong organizational skills, detail‑oriented.
• Ability to remain poised under pressure.
• Self‑motivated team player who takes ownership of projects and collaborates with others.
• Skilled with emails and spreadsheets for communication and record‑keeping.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Asana preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

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

Legal Statement

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MLF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Personnel are selected 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.

Salary

$26.50 – $30.50 per hour