Rooftop Gardens Program Coordinator (56681)
Summary
Leads daily operations of YSS's Rooftop Gardens Program in Des Moines, overseeing hydroponic and greenhouse growing while supervising and mentoring young adults (18-24) through a six-month workforce development program covering job readiness, financial literacy, and housing stability.
YSS is looking for someone who sees potential—in people, in plants, and in what’s possible to join us as our Rooftop Gardens Coordinator!
This is more than a job in urban agriculture. It’s an opportunity to combine sustainable growing, workforce development, and youth empowerment in a program designed to help young adults build skills, confidence, and pathways to thriving futures.
Reporting to the Director of Lived Experience Programs, as the Rooftop Gardens Coordinator, you’ll lead the daily operations of our innovative Rooftop Gardens Program, overseeing hydroponic and greenhouse growing while helping young adults grow their own potential along the way.
You’ll work alongside Participants ages 18–24, many with lived experience in foster care or the juvenile justice system, as they build job-readiness skills, explore career opportunities, and work toward greater stability and independence.
What you'll do...
- Lead Program Operations: Oversee the daily maintenance, growing, harvesting, and operation of hydroponic and greenhouse systems.
- Grow Participant Potential: Supervise, mentor, and support young adults throughout a six-month workforce development program focused on job readiness, financial literacy, and housing stability.
- Teach & Engage: Facilitate curriculum-based learning and create a safe, supportive environment where Participants can learn, contribute, and build confidence.
- Keep the Program on Track: Maintain accurate records, track program data, complete required reporting, and ensure compliance with funding and organizational requirements.
- Build Community Connections: Develop relationships with local businesses and community organizations that strengthen the program and create opportunities for Participants.
- Help Build the Cohort: Support outreach, marketing, and recruitment efforts to attract strong and diverse groups of Participants.
- Showcase the Program: Coordinate and participate in special events, community activities, and internal meetings that highlight the program and its impact.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
Who You Are...
You’re a hands-on, adaptable leader who can balance program operations with building meaningful relationships. You’re organized, collaborative, and comfortable solving problems and supporting young adults. You understand that growth takes time, patience, consistency, and opportunity—and you’re excited to help young adults build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to grow.
What We Provide...
Supportive Culture & Work Environment
- Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
- Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Voluntary dental and vision insurance
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
- Flu shots and mental health support resources
Time Off & Work-Life Balance
- Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
- Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
- Volunteer time off
Financial & Retirement Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Supplemental compensation award
- 403(b) retirement savings plan
Professional & Career Support
- Professional liability insurance coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer