Events Coordinator

Save the Sound, Inc.•New Haven, CT

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The 2026 Seasonal Events Coordinator supports Save the Sound’s largest seasonal volunteer and fundraising efforts, including shoreline and river cleanups and our signature peer-to-peer Paddle for the Sound fundraiser. This role provides hands-on coordination, outreach, and event support during the busy late spring through early fall season. The coordinator works closely with cleanup staff and the membership and events team to strengthen community engagement, volunteer participation, and fundraising outcomes across Connecticut and New York. This position is based in our New Haven office reporting to the Member Engagement Manager. In this role you will be working closely with Connecticut and New York Cleanup Coordinator, Member Communications & Events Specialist, and Membership Team.

Requirements

Interest in communications, community engagement, fundraising, cleanup efforts, coastal and river conservation, and Save the Sound’s mission
Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders with minimal supervision
Comfortable engaging with volunteers, event participants, partners, donors, and members of the public as a representative of Save the Sound
Strong oral and written communication skills, including outreach via email, phone, and in person
Ability to carry up to fifteen pounds of event and cleanup supplies and transport materials between vehicles and event sites
Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
Willingness and enthusiasm for working outdoors in varied weather conditions
Ability to navigate to event and cleanup locations and support or lead group activities
Availability to work occasional weekends to support cleanup and fundraising events; Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 are required
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Nice To Haves

Experience creating promotional graphics using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
Experience with peer-to-peer fundraising, volunteer coordination, community organizing, or event planning
Familiarity with paddling, kayaking, outdoor recreation, or environmental programs
Experience supporting or promoting events through outreach, communications, or social media

Responsibilities

Assist in planning, staffing, and executing cleanup events
Support corporate, community, and partner-hosted cleanup events throughout the season
Recruit, communicate with, and support Cleanup Captains, cleanup volunteers
Identify, assess, and visit potential cleanup sites, including rivers in inland Connecticut
Purchase, organize, distribute, and track cleanup supplies
Coordinate with Ocean Conservancy in support of the International Coastal Cleanup
Tally cleanup data and assist with data entry into internal databases, spreadsheets, and Ocean Conservancy reporting tools
Attend and support weekend events as needed, including transporting supplies and assisting with on-site logistics
Assist with promotion of the peer-to-peer paddling fundraiser, including participant recruitment and team captain support
Help develop and share outreach materials and messaging that motivate participation and fundraising
Research and engage potential partner organizations for team-based paddling participation, including recreational clubs, businesses, fitness groups, and environmental organizations
Support the recruitment and recognition of in-kind prize sponsors and partners
Assist in planning, staffing, and executing seasonal fundraising activities from late spring through early fall
Coordinate with municipalities, partners, and external organizations to secure approvals and ensure smooth event operations
Conduct direct outreach to schools, youth groups, inland communities, and community organizations to expand participation
Serve as a primary liaison between volunteers, participants, partners, and Save the Sound staff
Help tell the story of how cleanups and paddling connect to clean water, healthy habitats, and community impact
Maintain organized records related to outreach, participation, partnerships, and event outcomes