Community Green Spaces Fellow

NOTE TO APPLICANT: City Blossoms will only consider candidates for up to two fellowship positions maximum. To be considered for multiple fellowship positions, candidates should submit separate applications (resume and short essay responses) for each position they would like to be considered for through the Idealist portal.

CITY BLOSSOMS FELLOW - COMMUNITY GREEN SPACES FOCUS

REPORTS TO: Community Green Spaces Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Part-time

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 space 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 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, 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. Out of these green spaces we hold Open Times (free weekly after-school drop-in hours) when we offer different garden and art-based activities. We also host school field trips, organizational partnerships, and training at our CGS sites. CGS core programming runs approximately April through November.

POSITION SUMMARY

City Blossoms fellowships are designed to support the professional development of young leaders interested in community and youth engagement, non-profit management, outdoor education and/or environmental and food justice. Fellows work side-by-side with the City Blossoms team, receive training and coaching, and are provided the opportunities to lead their own projects within program areas.

The City Blossoms Fellow - Community Green Spaces provides critical support to the City Blossoms Community Green Spaces Program. Throughout the year the Fellow receives mentorship and coaching from City Blossoms that cultivates their professional skills and nurtures the Fellow’s career path. The Fellow is responsible for assisting in program development and implementation based on guidance from the City Blossoms Strategic Plan, the CGS Manager, CGS Coordinator and the Deputy Director. Program assistance includes but is not limited to co-leading Open Times, field trips with school and early childhood partners, garden workdays, garden maintenance, co-managing large garden projects such as implementing art and signage installation, and fostering community partnerships.

The Fellow will collaborate with a team of staff, other fellows, volunteers, and high school youth staff involved in running the Community Green Spaces program. The Fellow will receive mentorship and professional development to guide them in their career path and next steps after the Fellowship.

The position is 20 hours per week beginning March 18, 2024 and ending November 22, 2024.

The Fellow must be able to:

• Work in-person at the City Blossoms Studio, travel to School Garden Partner sites, Early Growers sites, and Community Green Spaces in Washington DC (locations found on our website). Travel reimbursement will be offered for travel to and from the studio to partner sites.
• Flexibility to work between the hours 8:30am and 6:30pm, with some extended hours, Tuesday through Saturday. City Blossoms will plan with Fellow to ensure the work schedule is as consistent as possible.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1- Program Administration

• Have an understanding of the program’s goals, objectives, target groups, and approaches;
• Work with Program Manager to drive program progress, ensure engagement, and overcome any implementation obstacles that the program may encounter;
• Follow quarterly programmatic work plans;
• Maintain close communication with City Blossoms staff and partners to support successful program implementation;
• Participate in programming meetings to support planning and implementation;
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting (written and verbal) to staff on project processes;
• Support accurate and timely data collection and input into evaluation trackers.

2- Program Support

• Co-lead with another City Blossoms staff member Open Times at multiple Community Green Spaces throughout the week; guide children, youth, and volunteers in garden maintenance, garden-based activities, nature play, art, and more;
• Co-lead field trips at City Blossoms Community Green Spaces;
• Support in the management of Community Green Spaces;
• Support with regular garden maintenance in all weather conditions;
• Prepare garden signage and art installations in collaboration with all programs;
• Support during garden build workdays.

3- Representation, Networking, and Collaboration

• Maintain good working relationships with team members, partners, and implementing organizations;
• Provide City Blossoms with photos and material for social media, website, newsletters, and email correspondences.
• Communicate with team members around upcoming events and collaborations
• 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 & Experience

• High School Certificate or equivalent;
• Experience working with youth preferred;
• Experience in landscaping, farming, or gardening preferred;
• Experience working in diverse settings, on community-based initiatives, and directly with community members;
• Passion for City Blossoms’ mission.

Requirements

• Successful completion of background checks including DC MPD Clearance.

Skills

• Spanish and/or Amharic language proficiency preferred but not required;
• At home working in a collaborative, fast-paced professional setting;
• Strong active listening, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Google applications;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• High attention to detail and self-starter mentality;
• Preference for a highly collaborative and creative work environment;
• Comfortable with moving items up to 20 lbs.