Community Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy • Chicago, IL

1d • $30 - $32 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator is a support role based in the Chicagoland area that contributes to The Nature Conservancy’s Chicago Urban Conservation Program. The Coordinator is a shared position between the Chicago Park District (CPkD) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) responsible for supporting the implementation of the Community Stewardship Program (CSP) and TNC’s Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN). The CSP is a volunteer stewardship program that aims to connect people and communities through Chicago Park District Natural Areas to inspire engagement, investment, and care for their local natural spaces, complementing the efforts of CPkD’s ecological restoration staff. The VSN is a statewide program that supports the engagement, stewardship, and restoration of natural areas by providing capacity building opportunities to local community conservation efforts to ensure that the benefits of nature are accessible to all people. This position reports directly to the Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement and works closely with the VSN and CSP management staff to develop partnerships and advance community-centered conservation strategies in the Chicagoland area.
The Community Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator is responsible for implementing community engagement strategies that support TNC’s Chicago-based programs to build and foster relationships with local communities and partner organizations. This position serves in a cross functional role that supports volunteer stewardship groups and community-based organizations in strategic areas to build greater capacity for habitat restoration, community-driven conservation, and to improve outdoor access in local CPkD Natural Areas and other public green spaces in the Chicago area. This position supports the CSP and VSN teams with recruitment, engagement, and implementation of stewardship days and other events, managing grants to community partners, and general program administration. This includes working closely with CPkD and TNC staff, stewardship volunteer leaders, and local partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience in conservation partnership building and/or community engagement or equivalent combination;
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
• Experience managing multiple and various activities to meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated experience in partnership development with community groups, non-profit partners, and/or government agencies;
• Experience working with and leading programming for groups of various backgrounds and abilities;
• Experience using common software applications, including but not limited to Zoom, Microsoft Suite, and Google Suites;
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally;
• Knowledge and familiarity with ecological natural systems in an urban context;
• Knowledge and familiarity with ecological land management principles and habitat restoration best practices.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience administering grantmaking and capacity building programs.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in community engagement, conservation, and natural resource management.
• Familiarity with digital creation tools such as MS Publisher or Canva.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e. conservation and land management agencies, community-based organizations, and volunteer groups.
• Project management experience working across various programs to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) and desired outcomes.
• Strong team player who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with program partners.
• Knowledge and understanding of the City of Chicago and Cook County’s political, cultural, and environmental NGO landscape.
• 1 – 2 years related experience in managing volunteers in ecological land management and/or habitat restoration activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist the CSP Manager in supporting CSP’s lead volunteer stewards with implementing, recruiting, and engaging volunteers for stewardship days across the city, in collaboration with Chicago Park District (CPkD) staff, contractors, and partners.
• Stewardship support may include activities such as delivering necessary supplies, providing volunteer oversight, connecting stewards with training/learning resources, providing administrative support, assisting with event promotion, and other logistical support.
• Supervise and lead volunteers and participants of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities in the use of restoration tools, recreation equipment, and implementing stewardship best practices, working alongside partners and staff where appropriate.
• Incorporate community-based conservation strategies to increase access, address barriers, and support capacity building for local partners to support conservation efforts and access to nature projects.
• Assist the VSN Manager in the management and administration of the Thrive Outside grant program and other VSN initiatives, as directed.
• Collect and maintain volunteer and participant data for CPkD and VSN programs.
• Coordinate multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing a timeline;
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
• Work within a budget to complete projects, prepare and administer contracts, invoices and small grants, and assist with budget development;
• Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution and make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments;
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Must be willing to travel frequently to meet with partners across the greater Chicagoland area with some occasional travel to TNC programs and preserves throughout the state; and
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• This is a hybrid position that reports to TNC’s Chicago Field Office and the CPkD Admin Office located in North Park Village in Chicago.
• Two in-office days a week is required, with the exception of when time is spent in the field.
• This position predominantly works a Tuesday through Saturday schedule during the spring, summer, and fall seasons with a transition to Monday through Friday in the winter.
• Access to reliable transportation is a requirement.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees