Outreach Program Coordinator

A Little About Us

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 74 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

Your Position with TNC

The Outreach Program Coordinator is the public face of Mashomack Preserve, The Nature Conservancy’s 2,039-acre Flagship Preserve on Shelter Island, New York. The preserve welcomes 25,000 – 30,000 visitors each year with the Outreach Program Coordinator responsible for conveying TNC’s mission and programs to visitors and partner organizations. Working as part of a team, the Outreach Program Coordinator designs, leads, and promotes public programs and activities, including environmental education initiatives. In addition, this role oversees recruiting, training, and management of a multifaceted volunteer program and; participate in upkeep of preserve facilities and grounds.

Essential Functions

The Outreach Program Coordinator is critical to the success of Mashomack’s public-facing programs and community engagement. By helping create, promote, and carry out well-designed programs and visitor experiences, this position builds support for TNC’s conservation and policy work using the Preserve to convey local, regional and global conservation challenges and solutions. The Outreach Program Coordinator manages the daily operations of the Visitor Center and helping to maintain preserve areas frequented by the public. They oversee, train, and lead volunteers, maintain electronic databases and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Create accessible, inclusive and welcoming experiences for all preserve visitors, volunteers, partners and the community
• Seek out and build lasting partnerships with individuals and communities underrepresented in science and conservation
• Work as part of a team to design and carry out environmental education initiatives and programs – tours, hikes, paddles, school programs and other events
• Coordinate/lead programs for diverse groups including the general public, conference groups, researchers, conservation partners, government officials, donors and volunteer leaders, visiting TNC staff and others
• Build public understanding of and support for the Conservancy’s initiatives
• Publicize events and programs, manage enrollment and other administrative responsibilities
• Manage volunteer program, including recruiting, training, scheduling and database
• Ensure professional Visitor Center operations by keeping buildings clean and orderly, maintaining displays and stocking and selling merchandise
• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the public including parking area, trails and open spaces
• Financial responsibilities, working within a budget, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, handling cash and credit card payments
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions using analysis, experience and context
• Works a 5-day work week, including weekends
• May work in variable weather, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree and 1-year related experience working with community members or volunteers or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment and machinery
• Experience with common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers)
• Must have a valid driver's license

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Knowledge of conservation principles and best management practices
• Experience leading group activities in the outdoors
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Some experience managing volunteers and entry level staff
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English
• Appreciation of outdoor experiences and natural systems