Seneca Village Program Coordinator

Reports to: Vice President for Planning & Research

Department: President’s Office

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.

Overview

The Central Park Conservancy is planning a suite of programs designed to deepen understanding of the history of Seneca Village—an African American community that existed on the pre-park site—to help people read the landscape and interpret the site, and to encourage new ways of thinking about commemoration. We seek to foster a broader conversation about the value of collectively thinking beyond normative notions of commemoration as we endeavor to honor Seneca Village in a way that highlights its presence in the landscape, celebrates its history, and inspires reflection.

The Conservancy is preparing to implement a robust process of engagement and productive dialogue that bridges the diverse perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders and subject matter experts, ultimately contributing to a commemorative element that is unique, meaningful, and has enduring resonance. We see this process—which reflects what the Conservancy has learned through decades of experience on commemorative and other projects—as a model that can be followed by others working on commemorative projects in the public realm.

We will host discussions and workshops over a roughly two-year period designed to: (1) engage the public in an exchange of ideas about non-traditional commemoration and (2) explore specific aspects of the history and rediscovery of Seneca Village.

The position will participate in the planning of, and be responsible for the administration and execution of, community engagement programs related to planning for commemoration and interpretation of the history of Seneca Village.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with and support the Seneca Village project team on the planning and implementation of engagement events, including panel discussions, workshops, tours, and more;
• Interface with potential partners and speakers, and maintain relationships;
• Help identify venues and speakers for suite of programs;
• Identify and procure program venues and resources;
• Serve as the primary liaison for events;
• Coordinate production of collateral and workshop materials;
• Manage community outreach and follow-up communications
• Ensure programs run smoothly and necessary equipment is procured
• Assist in the documentation of the program’s progress and process through photography and video

Collaboration

• Collaborate with the communications department to ensure programs are promoted to the public; manage email blasts, listservs, and other multiparty external communications
• Ensure key staff are briefed on program/event details; delegate responsibilities to ensure the timely completion of action items
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Department to identify volunteer opportunities; train, coach, and develop volunteers, and monitor performance in collaboration with the Volunteer department
• Provide all content and assets for creation

Program Management

• Assist in the development of program budgets and monitor expenses
• Inspect and monitor work to ensure compliance of organizations standards of methods and practices, safety, and other established requirements
• Use computer-based management systems for budget control, scheduling, timekeeping, and reporting.

Administration

• Oversee the program schedule; help evaluate program success, tracking participant information and program statistics, and surveying participants as needed
• Manage program logistics, attendance, customer service, and financial reporting
• Initiate the purchase of supplies, materials and other related equipment to Manager
• Facilitate the processing and tracking of all required vendor paperwork; W-9, new vendor documents, and insurance.
• Support administrative tasks related to the programs, including the preparation of written material for reports to senior staff and funders.
• Perform other administrative duties, as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in program coordination and program management preferably in the field of programming and/or visitor/public engagement.
• Valid Drivers’ License preferred.
• Ability to interact with the public in a courteous, diplomatic, and professional manner
• Ability to serve as a collaborative and flexible part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e-mail, and Internet applications; experience with point of sale and/or ticketing systems and/or ability to quickly learn new systems
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and/or outdoors as needed
• Ability to lift 30 lbs. and perform work that requires long periods of standing, setting up and breaking down programs, walking to various locations throughout the Park as needed, and driving

Salary range: $65K - $81K (based on level of experience)

Note: This is an in-person position.

This position is funded for a two-year period.

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 potential 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. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.