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 Paulg@Homelessgardenproject.org. 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.

Administrative Assistant

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Compensation: $39,520 - $41,600

Benefits: HGP offers health benefits as well as paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Reports to: Executive Director

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Darrie Ganzhorn, HGP Executive Director, at Darrieg@Homelessgardenproject.org. We will review materials and schedule interviews on a rolling basis, no calls please.

Description of Organization and General Function

The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, that provides job training, transitional employment and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Our programs take place on our 3.5-acre organic farm and related social enterprises.  In complement, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program serving nearly 3,000 people each year.

HGP is currently going through an exciting period of growth, preparing to move our farm from its temporary 3.5-acre site to a permanent 9.5-acre site on City of Santa Cruz Pogonip park land. The transition to Pogonip Farm will triple the organization’s capacity to transform lives and build community connections through a public-private partnership.   Serving as a national model, Pogonip Farm will be the heart of HGP’s dynamic agriculture program to provide job training for people who are experiencing homelessness, volunteer opportunities for community members and land stewardship through organic farming.

We are seeking an individual with enthusiasm, energy, a can-do attitude and the ability to stay focused on getting the job done.  By supporting the Operations, Fundraising and Administration of the organization, the Administrative Assistant will be a key member of the staff, involved in many of the organization’s activities and most importantly, be of tremendous help to our dedicated and very busy staff.  The Administrative Assistant will report to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a smoothly running office including functioning office equipment, sufficient inventory of supplies, building & truck repairs.
• Answer telephones and receive visitors; serve as initial point of contact in agency including receiving and directing general email inquiries to the appropriate person; and mail pickup and distribution.
• Organize and schedule meetings and appointments; manage Executive Director calendar
• Assist in preparation for Board and committee meetings
• Support staff with daily clerical tasks.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry necessary for reports and contracts, including fundraising, program, finance, and enterprise data
• Supervise volunteers performing clerical tasks.
• Assist Business & Finance Manager with bookkeeping, including receipt of deposits, maintaining clear financial records, and the timely payment of bills.
• Assist in production of newsletter, event and other mailings
• Assist in promotional activities, including social media
• Assist in IT issues, including website and hardware updates
• Support operations at the farm and retail store with deliveries and pick-ups as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills—especially with people of varied ages, experience levels and backgrounds
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Excellent Microsoft Office knowledge and English proficiency
• Demonstrated experience in office management systems and procedures
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work independently
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Experience working with nonprofits, preferred

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.

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.