Volunteer Programs Coordinator

About Victory Garden Initiative

Victory Garden Initiative is a non-profit organization that builds communities that grow their own food to create a community-led, socially just, environmentally sustainable, and nutritious food system for all.

We recruit and hire qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply, especially those with a deep connection to the Harambee neighborhood and the greater Milwaukee community.

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, non-exempt
• Salaried at $40,000 with medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous time off package and 10 paid holidays
• General office hours are Mon–Fri, 9–5, with some evening and weekend hours for special events and programs
• Access to seasonal produce from the farm

Job Description

The Volunteer Programs Coordinator is responsible for reaching out to our neighbors, local institutions, and organizations and cultivating ways for them to participate in the life of an urban farm. The coordinator will work with the Executive Director to build a project plan. They will organize the purchase and delivery of supplies, ensuring that they are adequate, on-budget, and paid for.

The coordinator will ensure events are marketed to the community. They will solicit for volunteers, communicate schedules and objectives, and monitor progress. The coordinator will communicate with purchasers and receivers of garden beds to ensure they understand delivery time and expectations. They will monitor project plans, communicate adjustments to the Executive Director, and adjust accordingly.

Essential DutiesProgram Support & Coordination

• Support and engage with all of the programs at Victory Garden Initiative Urban Farm including:
  • Victory Garden Blitz: Coordinate the annual Blitz program, including logistics, volunteer engagement, and outreach
  • Pay-What-You-Can Food Access Program: Support the Farmstand and Kitchen Garden by recruiting volunteers
  • Education & Archiving: Assist with farm-based field trips, Blitz educational activities, and documentation of programming
  • Volunteer Engagement: Recruit, match, and manage volunteers for all farm activities and events

Outreach & Communications

• Promote all community programs and events through social media, website content, newsletters, flyers, and tabling at community events
• Build awareness of Victory Garden Initiative, urban agriculture, and social justice by assisting with presentations and teaching opportunities across Milwaukee
• Represent VGI at local events and collaborate with staff to facilitate meaningful community conversations and expand program visibility
• Help develop and maintain engaging content for the VGI website

Farm & Volunteer Responsibilities

• Maintain strong relationships with individual volunteers and volunteer groups to foster ongoing community engagement
• Contribute to the upkeep of farm facilities as agreed upon with the team
• Perform general garden tasks, including lifting up to 15 pounds and being able to stand, kneel, stoop, and complete physical labor as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of social systems, social awareness, social justice, and oppression through formal higher education or personal experience
• Experience in community organizing or lives in the local community around the Urban Farm
• Self-directed — can plan and implement programs and reports
• Demonstrated ability and interest in working with people of all abilities, races, sexual orientations, and ages
• Strong interpersonal skills with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions and do manual labor
• Willingness to work occasional weekend and evening hours
• High attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative as well as work with a team

Preferred:

• Experience with working on farms or in gardens
• Volunteer management experience

Additional Job Details

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Evenings and weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver’s License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute/Relocate:

• Milwaukee, WI 53212 (Required)
• Must be able to reliably commute or relocate before starting work

Work Location: In person