" The trainees are not the only ones whose lives are touched by the connection to the seeds and soil. HGP affects the lives of all who pass through it. "
- Rosalie Evans, Former HGP Intern
Available Staff Positions
Development Associate
Hours: 25 hours/week
Benefits: Pro-rated vacation and sick time; accrual max applies. No medical benefits are provided for part-time positions.
Reports to: Development Director
Description of Organization and General Function
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), a 501c3 nonprofit based in Santa Cruz, CA, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In complement, HGP operates a vibrant community volunteer and education program. The training, employment, education and volunteer programs take place in a 3.5 organic farm and related enterprises.
HGP is in an exciting period of growth, preparing to move our farm from its temporary 3.5-acre site to a permanent 9.5-acre farm site, within a 20-acre site on City of Santa Cruz Pogonip park land. This new permanent site will allow us to triple our job training capacity, over time, providing 50 positions each year.
Position
We seek an enthusiastic, outgoing, resourceful and organized person skilled in databases, communication, social media, outreach, and building partnerships. The ideal candidate will also have an interest in agriculture and social enterprises and a sincere commitment to ending homelessness. The Development Associate will be an integral part of HGP’s fundraising and communications team, working closely with the Development Director and Executive Director, as well as other members of the staff. The Associate’s role supporting the development and maintenance of our donor community is vital to the success and long-term sustainability of the organization.
Responsibilities
The Associate will report to the Development Director. Our diversified revenue model includes individual support, special events, public and private grants and contracts, and program-related revenue, so the Associate will have opportunities to be involved in a variety of fundraising projects and activities including the current capital campaign.
Donor Stewardship (50%)
The Development Associate will lead gift acknowledgment processing to ensure that donors understand the vital impact their support has on HGP’s work and receive appropriate:
- Documentation and recognition of gifts and
- Pledge payment reminders.
- Support implementation of HGP’s stewardship plan for individual donors;
- Assist with donor research and qualification;
- Support board members in their fundraising work.
Support Donor Cultivation and Special Events (25%)
Currently HGP hosts several major fundraising events each year plus regular events throughout the year at the farm and its retail store in downtown Santa Cruz. This year, events are being pioneered virtually. The Development Associate will lead staff and volunteer special event teams to maintain timeliness and momentum of preparations and follow-up including:
- Identify and invite potential attendees;
- Coordinate communications, both print and social media for events;
- Shepherd attendees through event(s);
- Work with Development Director and Executive Director to support table captains;
- Provide Development Director and Executive Director with follow up materials/communication.
Institutional Communications and Social Media (25%)
Work with the Executive Director, Operations Director, and Development Director to:
- Assist with website management
- Assist with general email communications, including building email drafts and managing a calendar of communications
- Support general donor stewardship communications, to keep supporters informed and involved in support of the HGP annual development plan;
- Update donor information packets;
- Provide program updates via social media, direct mail and the annual report;
- Create and update brochure content.
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone with the passion and commitment to support our programs and help shape HGP for sustainability and future growth.
- Strong computing skills in database, spreadsheet, word processing, cloud-based applications, social media, online research and/or communication tools;
- Excellent organization and administration skills and experience with systems for maintaining personal and team focus and priorities;
- Excellent skills for communicating with diverse audiences, colleagues and partners in writing, by phone, in person and via social media;
- Team orientation;
- A passion for helping others;
- Individual initiative within a collaborative group culture;
- Self-awareness and excellent interpersonal communication;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently;
- Multicultural experience and/or competency;
- Flexibility and a sense of humor.
Desirable skills and qualifications
- At least one year of nonprofit fundraising experience, particularly with individuals, events and grants;
- WordPress experience a plus;
- Experience with fundraising database;
- A passion for farm-based learning and empowerment;
Core Values
HGP values respectful communication, collaboration, connection with people and nature, and open, inquiring minds. The development staff undertake management functions as partners with the rest of the staff, in support of their work toward HGP’s mission. A management team cooperatively assesses strategic choices and organizational direction with the support and partnership of the board of directors. We value individual initiative and cultivate a culture in which it can thrive.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Paul Goldberg, HGP Director of Development, at [email protected] We will review materials and schedule interviews on a rolling basis, no calls please.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, classes, and religious identities to apply.
Volunteer Openings
Our volunteer program is flexible to allow for varied interests and schedules.
Learn more about our current volunteer needs here or contact us if you'd like more information about our volunteer openings.
Social Media Volunteer
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. HGP operates the Homeless Garden Project Store, a social enterprise that supports its programming. The HGP Store sells products that are made by program trainees from herbs, flowers, and produce grown on our 3.5-acre organic farm. Products include bath &body, food & beverage, candles, and more. HGP Store sells products at its two retail locations in Santa Cruz and Capitola, online (shop.homelessgardenproject.org), and through wholesale partners.
HGP Store does a significant portion of its business during the holiday season. Due to COVID-19, it will be more important than ever to engage our community online. As such, we are seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working intern who will support the HGP Store’s online social media presence, particularly in preparation for, and during the 2020 holiday season.
Responsibilities
- Manages the HGP Store social media accounts
- Brainstorms, pitches and implements ideas for social media campaigns and posts
- Creates contents for publication, including taking photos, sourcing photos from HGP staff, developing graphics, and writing engaging photo captions
- Conducts account research to like, follow, and engage with others on Facebook and Instagram to grow HGP’s audience and engagement
- Conducts Instagram hashtag research
- Monitors social media conversations and responds to comments on Facebook and Instagram
- Reaches out to press, influencers and bloggers to promote HGP Store
- Analyzes data to gauge the success of campaigns and posts and assists in creating performance reports
Qualifications
- Experience and understanding of social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram
- Passion for social media and storytelling
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Self-motivated multi-tasker with a strong work ethic
- Highly organized in a fast-paced environment
- Enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn
- Ability to collaborate and be a team player
- Graphic design skills a plus
Work Schedule/Time Commitment
- At least 10 hours commitment per week for at least 3 months
- Weekly schedule can be flexible
- Can be done primarily remotely, but will require some on-site work in Santa Cruz to capture photos at the HGP store, workshop, and farm.
Compensation
This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. We encourage you to use this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, if that is an option. Please include this information in your cover letter.
Application Procedure and Deadlines
Send your resume and a cover letter to Volunteer Manager, Atalanta Kyriazi, at [email protected] Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.
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We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, classes, and religious identities to apply.
Community Supported Agriculture Volunteer
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In complement, HGP operates a vibrant community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5- acre organic farm and in related enterprises, including a Community Supported Agriculture program that runs from May-October, with options for November harvest shares.
We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer who can coordinate our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. CSA members provide crucial support to HGP by committing to buying produce from HGP each week during the harvest season and paying in advance for the produce. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and transitional jobs enhances HGP's planning and financial stability and creates a community of people who are deeply committed to HGP's success.
In return, we seek to provide CSA members with quality and diverse organic produce, tips and recipes for using the produce, and news and stories about the farm, trainees and our programs that enhance their weekly experience. To CSA members the CSA Volunteer is the face of HGP and their primary contact, enriching their experience.
Responsibilities:
- Relationship Building/Communication
- Greet CSA members at pick-up, provide support and information about harvesting methods and crops.
- Write weekly newsletter; research recipes, write interviews, solicit articles from staff, trainees, CSA members and volunteers.
- Help develop an evaluation to be performed at end of season.
- Recordkeeping
- Assist in tracking enrollment and payment plans.
- Create check-in lists for pick up and U-Pick members and track their pick up each week.
- Contact members who do not pick up more than 3 weeks in a row and have not notified us in advance.
- Assist Farm staff in recording weights of produce sold via CSA.
- Solicit and record feedback from members, recipe suggestions, etc.
- Farm activities
- Engage in production and with farm staff and trainees to inform the newsletter and various communications with CSA members.
Position Runs: May - November 2020
Schedule:
Thursday afternoon: Write newsletter based on harvest list from Farm staff, information gathered from time on farm
Friday: 10 am – 6 pm Greet CSA members at farm
Saturday: 9:30 am -3 pm Greet You-Pick CSA members at farm
Rewards of the Position:
- Hands-on learning about small farm operations and sustainable agriculture techniques
- Experience in communication, coordinating 50+ CSA members, developing and deepening a community of support
- Develop awareness of seasonality of and ways to use local produce
Qualifications:
- Basic gardening skills (weeding, pruning, harvesting, planting)
- Demonstrated ability to organize, delegate, give direction, monitor others
- Experience with Excel/database management
- Ability to work with diverse groups of people
- Strong communication skills, ability work well with others in a collaborative environment
How to Apply
Send your resume and a cover letter to our Volunteer Coordinator [email protected]
Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.
Photographer Volunteer
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In complement, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program serving more than 2,000 people each year. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre Organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking a photographer to capture photos at our farm, in our downtown store, and at offsite locations, as well photos that capture the core of our programs which serve folks experiencing homelessness. Telling our story is a core part of our mission, and our farm and programs lend themselves to impactful storytelling through photography.
This position will provide an ideal experience for someone interested in making a big impact in a growing organization that works at the nexus of community building, education and human services.
Responsibilities
- Attend and capture photos at events, including First Fridays, Sustain Suppers, volunteer and community engagement events, etc.
- Capture photos of our daily programming, telling the story of our programs and helping us share the stories of trainees, volunteers, and staff involved in our work
- Capture photos to be used for project-specific needs, such as our Annual Report, etc.
- Store and share images securely and in a timely way
Qualifications
- Experience taking professional quality photographs
- Own a digital camera
- Creativity – you have a good eye and artistic/compositional sense with ideas for eye catching images
- IT literacy
- Knowledge of photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop is desirable but not essential
- Flexibility and ability to work to tight deadlines
- Sensitivity and awareness of comfort level of subjects being photographed
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
- Dependability, flexibility and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Excellent ethical standards and personal integrity
Intern Will Gain
- A platform to showcase your photography skills
- Opportunity to use your skills and passion to support others, and learn and develop new skills
- Opportunity to take on a new challenge and meet new people
- Training and support to successfully carry out your role
- Experience supporting Homeless Garden Project donor cultivation and special events, and
Overall Mission
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Opportunities to interact with professionals in both nonprofit and for-profit sector
Work Schedule/Time Commitment
Flexible – varies depending on needs of the Homeless Garden Project and your availability. As much notice as possible will be given before any events.
Start Date: Ongoing
Compensation
This is a volunteer unpaid position. We encourage you to use this role to gain course credit or seek out grants with a college or other institution, if that is an option. Please include this information when you apply.
Application Procedure and Deadlines
Send your resume and a brief description of why you are interested in this role to our Volunteer Coordinator.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.
People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Social Work Volunteer - Our Next Orientation is Full; Not Accepting Applications Currently
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990, provides job training, transitional employment and supportive services to people who are homeless. In complement, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. HGP's programs take place in a 3 acre organic farm and related enterprises. Social Work Volunteers (SWV) work with HGP's Connecting with Community program. SWV work one-on-one with trainees to promote trainees' full participation in our job training and transitional employment programs by addressing needs such as health care, legal issues, transportation and shelter. With SWV, trainees identify goals that will create and sustain their own well-being. SWV monitor trainee progress toward goals and support meaningful engagement in accomplishing goals. In addition, SWV foster trainee progress toward unsubsidized employment as a key long-term goal related to a career plan.
Schedule:
12-16 hours/week; Tuesday/Wednesday, 9-3 or 9-5
Duration of position:
3-9 months
Responsibilities:
- Assessment
- Service planning
- Advocacy and referrals
- Counseling
Desired Traits and Skills:
- Good listening skills
- Well organized
- Appreciation of diversity
- Commitment to social justice
- Bachelor’s degree in related field
Orientation/Training:
- Work under supervision of Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Training in Motivational Interviewing, service planning and evaluation
Benefits to Volunteering:
- Experience working in nonprofit social service setting
- Familiarity with community resources
- Develop counseling skills
- Gain training in Motivational interviewing and Positive Psychology
To Apply:
Submit resume to [email protected]
Internships
We accept interns on a rolling basis from several colleges at UCSC and the surrounding area. Past internship projects include managing our CSA program, creating and maintaining a kitchen garden, working with trainees on nutritional issues, and building our newest nursery. We are currently seeking interns with web development, marketing, social media, and business and nonprofit administration skills. Email [email protected] with intern inquiries.
Social Enterprise Retail Intern
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. HGP operates the Homeless Garden Project Store, a social enterprise that supports its programming. The HGP Store sells its own products that are made by program trainees from herbs, flowers, and produce grown on our 3.5-acre organic farm as well as some products made by local artists sold on consignment. HGP products include bath &body, food & beverage, candles, and more. HGP Store sells products at its two retail locations in Santa Cruz and Capitola, online (shop.homelessgardenproject.org), and through wholesale partners. HGP Store does a significant portion of its business during the holiday season.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working intern who will support the HGP Store’s operations during the 2020 holiday season. Under the general supervision of the Value-Added Retail & Enterprise Manager, the Social Enterprise Retail Intern will be responsible for the supervision and management of all online orders, wholesale accounts, and consignment relationships.
Responsibilities
- Support the fulfillment of online orders, including packaging and shipment.
- Serve as the liaison between HGP and wholesale accounts, proactively checking in to ensure they have adequate inventory.
- Support the fulfillment of wholesale orders, including packaging, invoicing, and potentially local delivery.
- Serve as the liaison between HGP and consignors, proactively contacting them to replenish their product in HGP’s store.
- Meet consignors at the HGP store to check in their inventory, complete necessary paperwork, and enter into HGP’s point of sale system.
Qualifications
- Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a registered vehicle
- Must be professional and outgoing with strong communication skills
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds and stand for long periods
- Experience in retail preferred
- Experience in computer systems including Google Suite, Microsoft Excel, point of sale systems, and online store systems preferred
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Self-motivated multi-tasker with a strong work ethic
- Highly organized in a fast-paced environment
- Enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn
- Ability to collaborate and be a team player
Work Schedule/Time Commitment
- At least 10 hours commitment per week for at least 3 months
- Requires on-site work primarily at HGP’s Pacific Avenue store location with some local transportation required.
Compensation
This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. We encourage you to use this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, if that is an option. Please include this information in your cover letter.
Application Procedure and Deadlines
Send your resume and a cover letter to Volunteer Manager, Atalanta Kyriazi, at [email protected] Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.
*****
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, classes, and religious identities to apply.
