Community Green Spaces Coordinator

COMMUNITY GREEN SPACES COORDINATOR

REPORTS TO: Community Green Space Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

City Blossoms is a nonprofit that cultivates the well-being of our communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. We envision cities with abundant, accessible green spaces where communities thrive and children build lifelong connections to the natural world. Applying our unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, we "blossom" in neighborhoods where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green spaces.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

City Blossoms strives to create a work environment and programs based on our values:

• EQUITY. Strive to ensure access and inclusion for all
• DIVERSITY. Celebrate everyone's strengths and experiences
• RESPECT. Nurture compassion and consideration for all living things
• COLLABORATION. Enhance our impact by joining together
• CREATIVITY. Cultivate open-mindedness and experimentation

All City Blossoms programming aligns with our mission and strategic plan. City Blossoms staff work as a team to embody the values of the organization to carry out all aspects of our work.

OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY GREEN SPACES PROGRAM

The Community Green Spaces (CGS) program aims to foster an environment where program participants of all ages but primarily children and youth, particularly from dense urban settings, can have access to and develop relationships with nature, food, and each other through garden and nature and art-based education and activities. This program works directly with neighborhood residents, other organizations, and some government agencies to provide independent and semi-independent safe green spaces managed by City Blossoms, where free activities, field trips, organizational partnerships and trainings occur regularly from approximately April through November.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Green Spaces Coordinator in collaboration with the Community Green Spaces Manager, is responsible for program implementation based on guidance from the City Blossoms Strategic Plan, the Community Green Spaces Program Manager, and the Deputy Director. Program implementation includes leading CGS programming, collaboratively creating program quarterly work plans, managing data collection, collaborate in the maintenance of CGS sites, support partner activities and relationships. The Community Green Spaces Coordinator is expected to have a strong understanding of project goals, approaches, and partnerships, and will represent City Blossoms to local stakeholders and partners. With support from the Community Green Spaces Manager, they will also guide a Community Green Spaces Fellow whose work will include qualitative and quantitative data collection, garden maintenance, facilitating open times and overall program support.

Additional responsibilities will be to support the rest of the City Blossoms team and organizational needs, including but not limited to participation in Workdays, community events, and fundraising efforts.

The position will be based at the City Blossoms Studio but will require regular travel to four other CGS sites throughout the Washington D.C. area. The position requires a Monday through Friday schedule between December-March, Tuesday through Saturday schedule otherwise, and with the ability to work between 9am-5pm and 10am-6pm depending on a predetermined schedule with their Manager. On occasion, this position may be asked to work outside of these hours for specific events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Administration and Coordination
   • Have a complete understanding of the program’s goals, objectives, target groups, and approaches;
   • Apply strategic and innovative vision to drive program progress, ensure stakeholder engagement, and overcome any implementation obstacles that the program may encounter;
   • Adhere to a detailed implementation plan, including ensuring division of tasks, definition of roles and responsibilities, and program oversight;
   • Assist in the guidance of a CGS Fellow with the CGS Manager;
   • In collaboration with the CGS Manager, establish and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to obtain their fullest participation;
   • Support the timeliness and quality of partner meetings to guide the planning and implementation of programming, workdays and events;
   • Maintain close communication with City Blossoms staff to support successful program implementation;
   • Ensure accurate and timely reporting (written and verbal) to staff on project processes, deliverables;
   • Support the program budget and expenditures;
   • Ensure accurate and timely data collection and input into evaluation trackers;
   • Keep the CGS Manager and the Deputy Director updated on material and supply needs.
2. Program Delivery
   • Lead Open Times with children, youth, and volunteers at Community Green Spaces;
   • Lead field trips at City Blossoms Community Green Spaces;
   • With the guidance of the CGS Manager, test and develop activities that align with the City Blossoms existing curriculum and focus on nutrition, science, art, and cultural connections between gardens and communities;
   • Support the development and implementation of shareable resources and materials;
   • Collaborate in managing of City Blossoms five Community Green Spaces including co-leading workdays and taking part in regular maintenance of the spaces
   • Support the implementation of garden projects and procurement for Workdays.
   • Support in managing fellows in assisting with all of the above activities.
3. Representation, Networking, and Collaboration
   • Maintain good working relationships with team members, outside partners, and implementing organizations;
   • Represent City Blossoms in relevant forums and develop/maintain relationships with implementing partners and other stakeholders.

Other tasks in line with the essential functions/responsibilities mentioned above may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Education or relevant field of study.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an MPD and DCPS background check

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience (or equivalent experience) working with children, youth or in a community-based grassroots organization;
• Minimum one year of experience gardening, farming or working in a nature education organization;
• Experience working in diverse settings, on community-based initiatives, and directly with community members;
• Experience with educational lessons, activities, and resources;
• Basic program monitoring and evaluation experience;
• Experience developing and managing relationships and communication with multiple groups at a time.
• Passion for City Blossoms’ mission

Skills

• Ability to work in the office or at home in a collaborative, fast-paced professional setting virtually and in-person as needed;
• Strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to document and articulate program progress and needs with a diverse audience;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and other computer applications (e.g. Google applications and documents);
• Proficiency in either Spanish and/or Amharic strongly preferred, but not required;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and self-starter mentality;
• Preference for a highly collaborative and creative work environment; Comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting 30 pounds;
• CPR Certification