Playground Outreach Associate

About Us:

The Riverside Park Conservancy works in partnership with the City of New York to maintain and improve Riverside Park for the enjoyment and benefit of all New Yorkers. We support the preservation of the park’s historic landscape, structures, and monuments, engage the community in active stewardship of the park, and provide a wide range of public programs.

Position Summary

The Playground Outreach Associate is a new position and a great opportunity for an outgoing, energetic individual looking to explore a career in non-profits or community organizing. Under the guidance of the Director of Public Programming and the Programming and Facilities Coordinator, the Associate will serve a key role in developing the Conservancy’s new visitor services and Playground outreach program. The Associate’s responsibilities will range from maintaining an information and outreach booth, promoting the Conservancy’s free public programming and volunteering opportunities, and acting as the on-site contact for space rentals of the Hippo Playground Park House. The ideal candidate remains calm under pressure, possesses strong interpersonal and customer service skills, and has excellent follow-through on tasks.

Duration: 6 months, Flexible Start Date, May – October 31, 2025

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• Maintain an outdoor information and outreach booth at Hippo Playground in Riverside Park. Engage with playground patrons and promote Conservancy programming and volunteering opportunities with the goal of encouraging sign-ups.
• Liaise with the public, answer questions, and cultivate relationships with regular playground patrons.
• Administer merchandise sales using Square Point of Sale (hats, t-shirts, and other souvenirs).
• Act as greeter and on-site contact for weekday evening and weekend daytime space rentals at the Hippo Playground Park House. Perform basic cleaning duties before and after rentals.
• Set up and break down various equipment, including folding tables and pop-up tents.
• Maintain an inventory of all Conservancy equipment, merchandise, and Hippo Playground Park House materials.
• Create and distribute flyers and posters throughout the community and in the Park.
• Perform administrative duties, including post-rental record keeping.
• Provide additional assistance at free Hippo Playground community events (concerts, festivals, art classes) as needed.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred,
• Relevant experience in community outreach/engagement, or in a customer service capacity at a community center, arts facility, or public park setting.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills both internally and in public settings.
• Willingness to be hands-on with the performance of a variety of assigned tasks.
• Ability to show flexibility in the midst of changing priorities and new opportunities.
• Ability to create positive relationships with the public, collaborators and NYC Parks Department.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with Square Point of Sale.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule during peak event season including evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds and operate outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Local travel within NYC for outreach opportunities required.