Park Catalyst & Community Leadership Builder

City Parks Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City Parks Foundation in New York City seeks a Catalyst Organizer to launch and grow active community park groups across up to four sites, and to develop local partners into sustainable park stewards. This role involves outreach, relationship building, programming, leadership development, data reporting, and strategy, with in-person work across Manhattan and other boroughs, including evenings and weekends.

The position requires travel around NYC, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift

Qualifications

• Motivated, resourceful, and creative self-starter with a passion for sustainable community engagement who is confident working both individually and as part of a team
• Experienced in community organizing, coalition-building, public service/administration, and/or programming - degree in related field helpful and preferred, but not required
• Experienced in outreach, flyering, and / or door knocking
• Experienced in planning community-led events and/or collaborative projects that feature multiple stakeholders and interests
• Experienced with qualitative and quantitative data collection
• Demonstrable ability to work with diverse constituencies
• Strong public speaking, writing, and listening skills
• Comfort and facility with office software and Google apps
• Responsible, detail-oriented, and strong project management skills
• Adaptable and flexible
• Understanding and ability to effectively represent and advance NYC government programs and policies. Clarity at all times we are working with and at the behest of NYC Parks and NYC government
• Catalyst is traditionally a place-based, on-the-ground engagement effort and requires:
• Willingness and ability to consistently engage with stakeholders through in-person and digital engagements, including frequent travel around NYC and regular, on-site work.
• Flexibility to work significant hours during evenings and weekends in addition to regular business hours
• Physical ability to lift up to 40lbs and participate in physical activities required in the job. This includes the ability to provide direct support in leading stewardship, landscaping and beautification projects in parks plus a range of community and park events, including transporting, setup and breakdown of event materials
• Driver’s license required
• Bi or multilingual strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Outreach & Facilitation: Develop understanding of assigned Catalyst parks, conduct onsite outreach, canvassing, flyering and door knocking, coordinate and facilitate public & community group meetings, and foster collaboration among partners.
• Relationship Building: Build relationships with community members, Partnerships for Parks team, City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks staff; connect to resources and act as liaison.
• Programming & Events: Support stewardship events like It’s My Parks clean-ups and plantings; plan community events such as health fairs, mutual aid, yoga, and art classes.
• Leadership Development, Group Development & Coaching: Support leadership development of local partners and provide ongoing coaching.
• Data & Reporting: Track Catalyst work, maintain records, input outcomes, and develop reports as needed.
• Program Strategy: Contribute to work plans and coordinate with Catalyst Director and CPF fundraising team; assist with cross-program initiatives.

Skills

Community organizing

Public speaking

Multilingual

Project management

Communication

Flexibility

Education

Related field degree (preferred)

Tools

Google Apps

Office software

Job description

City Parks Foundation in New York City seeks a Catalyst Organizer to launch and grow active community park groups across up to four sites, and to develop local partners into sustainable park stewards. This role involves outreach, relationship building, programming, leadership development, data reporting, and strategy, with in-person work across Manhattan and other boroughs, including evenings and weekends.

The position requires travel around NYC, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift