Director of Operations

Full-time, exempt/permanent positions

About Urban Sprouts

Founded in 2004, Urban Sprouts has since created opportunities for over 17,000 youth and adults to connect with the natural environment through, research-tested, garden based, environmental and social justice. We are a food justice organization working primarily in the Excelsior, Mission, Mission Bay, and Visitacion Valley Neighborhoods. In these communities, our work is based in five garden sites and includes garden-based education programs, job training, a neighborhood farmers’ market stand, and community nutrition and cooking classes.

We feel the outdoors – specifically safe and beautiful outdoor environments -- are the best conduit for advancing healthy and economically thriving, and socially connected communities; they should be accessible to all. We leverage our gardens as interactive classrooms, welcoming places for meditation and physical activity, sources of fresh and nutritious food, and as incubators for a 21st-century workforce that understands the importance of environmental stewardship and social justice.

Job Description

The Director of Operations is responsible for organizing, developing, and implementing Urban Sprouts’ internal and external operational systems. This position has a wide area of responsibility but a singular goal of institutionalizing efficient and productive long term operational strategies that best support staff, participants, partners, and funders.

Responsibilities

Operations Management

  • Conduct extensive & ongoing analysis, implementation & oversight of necessary restructuring of current operational systems to maximize staff efficiencies and usability.

  • Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and productivity including identifying and/or leading trainings for staff.

  • Act as first point of contact for communication received via main phone line, general email, & online volunteer workday requests.

  • Facilitate MOU process with new community partners, ensuring clear expectations, program goals, and responsibilities

  • Manage Operations at Parklab Community Garden

    • Lead community outreach and act as first point of contact for Parklab Community Garden membership inquiries, and manage waitlist

    • Manage membership administration, including orientation, renewals & related payments

    • Manage current members, including sending regular communication, as needed (at least monthly) & responding to member inquiries & concerns

    • Oversee all on-site operations, keeping the garden in working order for new and existing members [INTERIM]

Human Resources

  • Oversee hiring for all full-time, part-time & temporary positions, including directing outreach and structuring interview and review processes.

  • Onboard new positions including directing Zenefits enrollment and drafting contracts.

  • Act as the liaison with the Fiscal Sponsor on matters relating to human resources

  • Conduct monthly one-on-one check-ins with program staff

Budget and Reporting Oversight

Budget

  • Serve as primary contact for invoicing, providing information about program expenditures and reviewing invoices.

  • Manage program budgets, ensuring spend downs and flagging problems in partnership with Program Managers and in coordination with Advisory Board

  • Working in coordination with the Advisory Board & ED, ensure time annual budget is drafted and approved

Reporting & Program Oversight

  • Create and submit program and financial reports and reimbursement requests to funding organizations in coordination with SFPA Finance Team. (Public/gov funding)

  • Review weekly program reports to ensure program delivery, track participation, track lesson successes and challenges.

  • Complete monthly and annual program reports as needed for government agencies.

Organizational Development

  • Assist Executive Director with fundraising: attend meetings with funders, work with ED and Development consultant on development planning and proposal submissions.

  • Lead strategy and implementation of individual donor campaigns

  • Collaborate with staff in the development of organizational policies and procedures not limited to performance reviews; diversity, equity, and inclusion; codes of conduct; and community agreements.

  • Promote the Urban Sprouts Mission wherever possible; represent Urban Sprouts in public meetings and forums, and support organizational communications, as needed by the organization.

Events & Outreach

  • Manage Urban Sprouts’ external communications: schedule all social media posts, create and send newsletters & email correspondence, update website, and advertise all events.

  • Act as the lead on events, including volunteer workdays, workshops & fundraisers

  • Lead development of Urban Sprouts’ marketing and collateral material in collaboration from Executive Director and consultants.

  • Lead the creation and distribution of Urban Sprouts Annual Report highlighting program success, evaluation reports, program partners, and organizational & individual funders, work in coordination with staff for content.

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Knowledge of or interest in issues relating to small-scale food production, urban gardening, equitable food systems, farm/food policy, health and nutrition, youth and their families, urban schools, and social justice.

  • At least 3-5 years of experience in operations coordination, marketing, and/or volunteer management.

  • Bilingual/Biliterate preferred (languages include Spanish, Tagalog, Cantonese). Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations including youth and adults.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills including public speaking skills. Computer, social media, Dropbox, Google Drive, and spreadsheet experience required; Squarespace, Mailchimp, and Canva/graphic design experience preferred

  • Strong skills in interpersonal communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

  • Ability to work independently and flexibly strive for excellence and be a creative thinker.

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt position with generous vacation and sick time policies, and participation in 401(k) plans. Salary range $66,000 - $70,000. Urban Sprouts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

To Apply:

This position reports directly to the Executive Director. Please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@urbansprouts.org

Notes on COVID-19: Until further notice, everyone is required to wear a face mask while working and follow Urban Sprouts’ current health and safety rules. All Urban Sprouts staff will be required to report their COVID-19 Vaccination status confidentially to Human Resources.