Program Director, Full-time

Urban Roots, a Program of YouthLaunch 

Austin, TX

  

Who we are

Now in its fifth year, Urban Roots is a youth development program that uses sustainable 

agriculture as a means to transform the lives of young people and increases the access of 

healthy food in Austin. Urban Roots is a program of YouthLaunch, a non-profit 

organization that empowers youth through service. Urban Roots provides paid internships 

to 38 youth between the ages of ages 14-17 to grow food for the community on a 3.5 acre 

farm in east Austin.  Farming together, young people learn the value of meaningful, hard 

work and gain an understanding of the importance of community service and also 

discover how to eat and cook in healthy ways.

 

We donate 40% of what we grow on our farm to local soup kitchens and food pantries 

and sell the rest at local farmers markets and through a small Community Supported 

Agriculture (CSA) program. We are funded by a mix of government grants, foundation and 

corporate grants, individual gifts, and self-generated funds from events and produce sales.

Urban Roots is now at a moment of change. We are looking for new leadership to 

succeed the founding Program Director.  One of our greatest assets is our program staff 

who are experts in youth development, outreach, and sustainable agriculture. The past 

four years have seen dramatic growth and we are now looking to strengthen and sustain 

our current program model. 

 

The Position

The Program Director (PD) oversees all aspects of Urban Roots’ activities and ensures 

strong systems for staff supervision and leadership development. The PD leads the 

development of strategic plans in a manner that builds unity among all stakeholders, and 

is responsible for evaluating the cost, effectiveness and mission-fit of program activities. 

The PD is the program's primary fundraiser who secures and oversees funding to sustain 

the program. Externally, the PD represents Urban Roots in the community with program 

partners, donors and funders, government agencies, the media, and other organizations.  

 

Who you are

The Program Director of Urban Roots has experience in managing and directing the nuts 

and bolts of a dynamic program.  You are a visionary and up-to-date with issues in the 

fields of youth development and sustainable food systems. You are an analytical thinker 

and a social entrepreneur with superior communication skills. You have a good sense of 

humor who knows how to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment for 

program staff, youth participants, and community members. You are aware of the needs 

and culture in our diverse constituent communities and strongly connect with the people 

and organizations we serve. You are excited to be a part of the evolution of Urban Roots.

 

Required Qualifications

· 2 + years of experience as a Program Director in a nonprofit organization or as the head 

of a major component of a nonprofit, public or private sector organization

· Experienced in youth development, garden or farm-based education, outdoor education, 

or other related field

· Demonstrated success in effective management and supervision of staff 

· Successful fundraising experience, including fundraising events, individual donor 

cultivation and solicitation and annual giving campaigns

· Ability to align key stakeholders and cultivate partnerships with community 

organizations and government agencies around the program mission and vision 

· A self-starter who is able to learn on the job and make tough decisions quickly; a quick 

learner, with excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in 

a fast-paced environment

· Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills as well as experience 

being a spokesperson for an organization

· Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks or similar applications

· Ability to give and receive feedback to and from Urban Roots staff

· Experience working outdoors and a passion for youth, environmental  

  sustainability, food justice, and local food systems.

 

Desired Qualifications

· Masters Degree in Nonprofit Administration, Social Work, Business Administration, 

Public Health or related field

· A successful track record in grant writing, grant cultivation and management, including 

foundation, corporate and government grants

· Demonstrated success in financial management and budgeting for a nonprofit 

organization

· Knowledge of the Austin community; local and regional funding resources,  

 youth development efforts, hunger relief activities, and the local food system

· Experience in engaging community members 

· Experience with public relations or news media

 

People of color, bilingual persons, and applicants with experience working with lowincome communities of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Compensation

This is a full-time position, at a salary range $35,000-$38,000 commensurate with 

experience. Health (including dental), sick and vacation benefits are included. 

 

Applicants should send their resumes and cover letters describing their qualifications and 

interest in the position to jobs@youthlaunch.org by September 30th, 2011. No phone 

calls, please. Please reference Urban Roots Program Director Search in the subject line. 

Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.

 

Approximate start date: November 1, 2011