Volunteer Events Coordinator

Riverside Park Conservancy is the non-profit conservancy that supports the New York City Parks Department in the care and restoration of Riverside Park, one of New York’s flagship parks and a registered Scenic Landmark.

Riverside Park Conservancy is looking for an enthusiastic coordinator to provide both administrative and on-the-ground support to bolster our group volunteer programming. This coordinator must be highly organized and be able to manage a dynamic and full calendar of volunteer events, interact well with external partners, participate in park projects, and be positive, flexible, and an excellent communicator.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Create and carry out work plans, as directed by Director of Volunteer Initiatives.
• Manage a dynamic calendar of 80+ annual field projects for external partners (including 40 spring projects), working with internal field staff to ensure appropriate tasks are assigned to each group based on horticultural, restoration, and maintenance priorities of both RPC and NYC Parks.
• Coordinate field walkthroughs prior to each event with all pertinent staff, identifying staff roles, priority projects, back-up projects, safety measures, vehicle needs, tool lists, prep tasks, and debris removal plan. Provide a run of show for events two days before projects. Collaborate with volunteer department staff as needed to ensure the above is completed.
• Manage communication with community partners for volunteer project requests at Riverside Park. Collaborate with Director of Institutional Relations on communications with school and corporate partners.
• Update the field calendar with any proposed or confirmed projects with external partners. Input details about the group and project to easily share with field staff.
• Compose and send out a Volunteer Project Overview document to external partners two weeks prior to planned events with logistics, agreements, and project task details.
• Create a QR-linked waiver form for each event and record impact data fro m events for follow up communications and internal record keeping.
• Create RPC website calendar events with corresponding Eventbrite registration pages for Community Volunteer Events and manage recruitment.
• Train staff in leading events. Lead/run support on large group partner events and on Community Volunteer Events. Deliver the welcome/introduction; must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups and giving clear directions. Instruct volunteers in proper techniques, successful project outcomes, and tool usage.
• As needed, support park projects that may include the following: collect and remove trash and debris; sweep paths and stairs; install and maintain temporary fencing; remove snow and ice. Operate and properly maintain tools and equipment including driving a truck with a trailer.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience/Education:
  • Two years’ relevant work experience that demonstrates transferable skills to this role, with experience coordinating volunteer projects preferred;
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience. 30 credits, at least 15 of them in environmental science, horticulture, or a related field, from an accredited college or community college, or education and/or experience equivalent.
  • Passion for environmental restoration or horticultural work.
  • Familiarity working in a public and outdoor space. Demonstrated experience in working with volunteers and public speaking. Additional areas of specialization in environmental science, landscaping, and volunteer stewardship a plus.
  • Facility with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Slack, Eventbrite, and Canva, with a particular emphasis on calendar management.
• Communication Skills: Must have a professional and positive demeanor and work well with the public and large groups of volunteers. Required excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Collaboration: Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to be very hands-on with the performance of a variety of assigned tasks. Must have a can-do attitude. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and new opportunities.
• Characteristics: The ideal candidate is honest, a team player, a good listener, calm under pressure, outdoorsy, and is accountable for their tasks. Must have strong organizational, time management, and communication skills with excellent follow-through to get the job done. Must be able to work both collaboratively and independently, and balance a hybrid office-field schedule.
• Values & Culture Fit: Demonstrated passion for Riverside Park’s mission and values. Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time, in-person position with a hybrid office/field schedule. Typical breakdown is 4 office/1 field day per week, with flexibility for 2+ field days as needed.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds with proper tools, stand for long periods of time and perform physical event support and restoration tasks. Must be able to maneuver outdoors (in all weather conditions) on the 400-acre property’s often difficult terrains in various weather conditions.
• Must have a valid New York State driver’s license. Preferred experience driving with a trailer.

Schedule

• Default schedule is Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Flexibility for schedule shifts for infrequent evening events (one or fewer per quarter).
• Tuesday-Saturday schedule for mid-April through May and mid-September through October. 7:00am-3:30pm schedule for major event days. Flexibility for additional Saturdays throughout the year, approximately one monthly.
• Local travel within NYC occasionally required.

Riverside Park Conservancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all applicants and employees. We recognize the importance of diversity and offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We offer a competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, 401(k)+match, commuter benefits, flexible spending, and generous paid leave.