Community Relations Coordinator

About the Central Park Conservancy:

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by

Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the

country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark

and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private,

not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had

fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the

investment of over $1.5 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts

over 40 million visitors a year.

 Community Relations Coordinator

Job Description

Department: Community Relations

Reports to: Manager of Community Relations

Status: Full-time/Non-exempt

About the Central Park Conservancy

Central Park is one of the world's most famous and beloved public spaces. Designed by

Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858, the 843-acre Park was the

country's first purpose-built public park and is a National Historic Landmark

and a New York Scenic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private,

not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park, which had

fallen into serious disrepair. Since then, the Conservancy has overseen the

investment of over $1.5 billion in the restoration of the Park, which now hosts

over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy is one of the largest and most successful public private

partnerships in New York City and is considered a major civic institution given

its impact on the health and vibrancy of both the Park and the City.  The

Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary

from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the

Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care,

including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor

experience. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an annual

operating budget of $100 million.

The Position

The Community Relations Coordinator provides support to

Conservancy staff by monitoring and assisting in all aspects of Park use by

visitors and concessionaires, and through establishing cooperative

relationships with Park users. The Coordinator ensures compliance with Park

policies and practices and works closely with user groups and surrounding

communities to motivate Park stewardship. This position collaborates with field

staff across Operations as well as with City agencies, including but not limited

to the Department of Parks and Recreation, New York Police Department, and

Emergency Services.

Essential Duties

• Assist in developing and implementing management plans for safe and appropriate Park use.
• Provide daily support to field staff managing Park use; address and resolve space-use conflicts.
• Respond to emergencies as they occur in the park.
• Cultivate and maintain positive and cooperative relationships with the public and surrounding communities.
• Communicate with ease and diplomacy across all staff levels and with park patrons.
• Specialize in all matters, policies, and procedures of NYC Park Rules and Regulation; educate Park visitors about proper use of landscapes and park features.
• Track and compile Park use statistics.
• Addresses ongoing homeless activities and reports to other agencies and organizations
• Review permit applications; maintain data and maps necessary to organize permitted activities
• Conduct regular site visits to permitted event areas and landscapes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Central Park’s history and landmarks and share information with Park patrons, contractors, and vendors.
• Conduct check-ins at Conservancy visitor centers and public programs.
• Attend park operations meetings and external agency meetings as necessary.
• Participate in community relations outreach and stewardship programs and campaigns.
• Report on all issues and concerns related to in-park concessions.
• Although not part of day-to-day tasks, the Coordinator may be called upon to perform other operations tasks as needed and/or required by the department or organization.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor’s
2. Degree from accredited college in a related field; 1-3 years of experience working with the public, Park Operations, or a field related to community relations.
3. Education and or experience equivalent to 1. Above. However, all candidates must have demonstrated the ability to work well and collaborate with others.
4. Excellent organizational, planning, time management, and communication skills
5. Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for the duration of employment.  

Abilities

1. Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content. 
2. Ability to engage in critical thinking skills that allow for prioritizing issues, coordinating multiple projects, and solving problems.
3. Knowledge of computer equipment and Microsoft Office applications; proficiency in Word and Outlook
4. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
5. Ability to make critical decisions and manage emergency situations.
6. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions year-round.
7. Ability to lift 50 lbs. and to perform heavy physical labor. 

 Salary range:  $55K to $67K (based on level of experience).

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief

that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected

as an inclusive and democratic space for all.

Working closely with our New York City partners, we will

always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all

visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the park.

In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a

workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself

and the dynamic city it serves.

Safety Requirements

Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is

the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level.

The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in

compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are

expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work

activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards which could

cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an

employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other

employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately. 

 Disclaimer - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.