Catalyst Organizer

City Parks Foundation•New York, NY

7d•$50,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Catalyst Organizer, you will (1) support the start-up, launch, and/or development of an active community park group in up to 4 community park sites, and (2) support the leadership development of local partners as ongoing, sustainable green space stewards. Through asset mapping and onsite/neighborhood outreach, events, and other activations, the Organizer will identify stakeholders interested in caring for their park and community, facilitate communication and collaboration among interested partners, support the leadership development of local partners as programmers and stewards of their parks, and guide the group as they develop into an independent, sustainable “Friends of” group. Typical project timelines for our work as we support and help groups develop is 18 - 30 months. The Catalyst Organizer will be required to conduct in-person work in Manhattan and other boroughs as directed, in parks, community settings, and NYC Parks offices. Ability to work on location in Manhattan and other boroughs as needed on weekdays, nights, and weekends is required.

Requirements

Motivated, resourceful, and creative self-starter with a passion for sustainable community engagement who is confident working both individually and as part of a team
Experienced in community organizing, coalition-building, public service/administration, and/or programming - degree in related field helpful and preferred, but not required
Experienced in outreach, flyering, and / or door knocking
Experienced in planning community-led events and/or collaborative projects that feature multiple stakeholders and interests
Experienced with qualitative and quantitative data collection
Demonstrable ability to work with diverse constituencies
Strong public speaking, writing, and listening skills
Comfort and facility with office software and Google apps
Responsible, detail-oriented, and strong project management skills
Adaptable and flexible
Understanding and ability to effectively represent and advance NYC government programs and policies. Clarity at all times we are working with and at the behest of NYC Parks and NYC government
Willingness and ability to consistently engage with stakeholders through in-person and digital engagements, including frequent travel around NYC and regular, on-site work.
Flexibility to work significant hours during evenings and weekends in addition to regular business hours
Physical ability to lift up to 40lbs and participate in physical activities required in the job. This includes the ability to provide direct support in leading stewardship, landscaping and beautification projects in parks plus a range of community and park events, including transporting, setup and breakdown of event materials
Driver’s license required
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. City Parks Foundation does not offer visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

degree in related field helpful and preferred, but not required
Bi or multilingual strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop a thorough understanding of assigned Catalyst parks and local issues, demographics and opportunities
Conduct onsite/neighborhood outreach to identify stakeholders interested in caring for their park and community
Conduct outreach, canvassing, flyering and door knocking in the park and surrounding neighborhood
Coordinate and facilitate public & community group meetings
Facilitate communication and collaboration among interested partners
Build consistent, effective, and collaborative relationships with key stakeholder groups, starting with these core groups: Community members/partners; Partnerships for Parks team members; and City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks agency staff members.
Build community connections to Partnerships for Parks and other hands-on park projects, events, skill building, and engagement opportunities
Connect and leverage local and regional resources to support and amplify community partner efforts
Serve as a visible, in-community and park presence, acting as an effective liaison between community partners and NYC Parks, CPF and other organizations, mindful of the needs and interests all all parties
Encourage and support community members with planning and execution of stewardship events in the park including It’s My Parks clean-ups and plantings
Support community members with planning community events like health fairs, mutual aid, yoga classes, and art classes that reflect their vision of thriving activity for the park and neighborhood.
Support the leadership development of local partners as ongoing, sustainable park and waterfront stewards
Conduct ongoing coaching for partners in alignment with Catalyst goals
Track Catalyst work in database - maintain individual and organizational records, input outcomes and other important details as determined by the Catalyst Director and develop internal and external reports as needed
Participate in work plan development and strategic planning
Work closely with Catalyst Director and CPF fundraising team to inform fundraising plans and reporting
Support ongoing Partnerships for Parks/City Parks Foundation/NYC Parks initiatives as needed, working collaboratively and effectively as needed. Tasks and assignments will come from all three areas of our organization. Catalyst team members are accountable to and receive direction/assignments from each area of our public/private program