Home Ground Habitats is a thriving, award-winning garden and nursery located in the heart of Novato. As a small yet growing, well-funded non-profit, we are dedicated to creating an environment that supports biodiversity, with a special focus on our butterfly sanctuary. Our property features stunning hedgerows, wildflower meadows, a fruit orchard, vegetable garden, and a variety of California native plants—both edible and medicinal—along with pollinator-friendly species and a designated Monarch Way Station. Committed to sustainability, our entire property is a pesticide-free zone, creating a safe haven for pollinators and local wildlife.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Home Ground Habitats seeks an experienced senior leader to serve in the newly created role of Operations Director. As Operations Director, you'll collaborate with the Executive Director to shape this unique space's future. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work hands-on in the garden, collaborate with a passionate team, and help organize events such as plant sales, educational classes, and children's camps. If you’re passionate about gardening, sustainability, and community-building, we’d love to have you join our growing team!
Reporting to the Executive Director and leading a staff of four managers and three grounds/gardening associates, the Operations Director will serve as a team and organizational leader implementing the Organization’s strategic approach in its continuing commitment to creating an environment that supports biodiversity.
The Operations Director will act as a principal advisor to the Executive Director, lead program communications across the organization, oversee learning and evaluation, and participate in quarterly board meetings. This internal role is focused on enhancing program effectiveness and achieving goals, along with community outreach.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Home Ground Habitats is creating an integrated program team that is capable of collaboration across its areas of environmental, the Operations Director will:
o Lead the program team to maximize impact by an integrated approach to communication efforts and other methods.
o Develop cross-program with support and collaboration from the program team.
o Manage program budgets
o Managing Volunteer program
o Managing Inventories
o Supervise the operations, marketing, camps and grounds/garden facilities staff; provide effective management and guidance
o Create an inspiring and creative program team culture with open communication, cross-program impact, and learning.
o Provide excellent proactive management–including team goals, timelines, and delegation, as appropriate–to create the conditions
for a highly effective project-based management.
o Community Outreach
QUALIFICATIONS
o Basic understanding of Botany/Plants and propagation protocols. At least 5-10 years of relevant experience in the nonprofit or
private including experience directly managing others.
o Ability to excel in creating and leading a diverse, energetic staff; ability to motivate individuals and foster team spirit. Excellent
manager with demonstrated success in building and elevating teams and individuals as direct reports, collaborators, or peers.
o Strong team orientation and the demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams to reach common goals.
o Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in
work products including meetings and presentations.
LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
To promote collaboration and a dynamic work experience, Home Ground Habitats operates with a maximum 32 hours hybrid remote and in-office schedule, working out of the Home Ground Habitats in Novato or Petaluma location (3) days a week.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Home Ground Habitats starting salary for this role is $70,000-$78,000, depending on skills and experience. Our salaries are competitive, reflect our geographic location and field, and are commensurate with experience.
We know there are strong candidates who may not have all the qualifications listed above. If you have skills and experiences that would be an asset to the role, please apply.