Community Programs Manager

The Chicago Parks Foundation (CPF) seeks a Community Programs Manager. This is a hybrid, full-time position with full benefits package. Available immediately. The role reports to the Director of Special Events & Partnerships and will work collectively with the entire CPF staff.

The Community Programs Manager (CPM) provides hands-on coordination and support for CPF’s citywide volunteer efforts and additional community-based programming. They will cultivate strong, collegial relationships with the community, corporate donors, Park Advisory Councils, and the Chicago Park District.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Michaele Strauch at info@chicagoparksfoundation.org.

CPF Community Programs Include:

• Pitch In for the Parks – Season-long volunteer effort of independently-hosted citywide park clean-ups. CPM supports recruitment, organizes registration, and coordinates and executes supply delivery. CPM also leads our annual It’s Your Park Day event across dozens of parks to kick off the season.
• Green Teams – Corporate clean-up experiences coordinated and led by the CPM. These are typically team-building giveback events for corporate groups which require a company donation to participate.
• Wellness Walks – Our park walking program led in partnership with local medical schools and institutions. CPM interfaces with the leaders and the community to recruit, train, promote and coordinate the walk events and continue to expand the program.
• Partnership for Parks – CPM cultivates fiscal partner relationships with 75+ Park Advisory Councils (PACs) in our program. This includes tracking PAC finances in our software, DonorPerfect.

Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operations of all programs detailed above as well as serving as the front-facing, friendly representative at in-person events and programs
• Providing creative insight to further develop these programs and increase participation and reach
• Managing our online volunteer software platform, Give Pulse
• Role includes physical tasks with expectation to assist with park clean-up projects, tree mulching, loading supplies in and out of a car, and more
• May assist at additional CPF events/programs and with other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Prior experience working with the public preferred; comfortable speaking by phone, meeting new people, executing well-written communications, and fostering community relationships
• Comfortable with physical work and able to lift 25+ lbs.
• Must be able to drive with valid drivers license and be comfortable driving anywhere in the city of Chicago; access to a personal vehicle preferred but not required
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively and to manage time effectively
• You’re self-motivated, proactive, outgoing, detail-oriented and energetic!

About the Chicago Parks Foundation

For over a decade, CPF has provided support and services to park communities across the city. As an independent nonprofit, we serve as fiscal partner to the Chicago Park District, Park Advisory Councils, and those who wish to raise funds to benefit Chicago parks. Our work includes the first and only citywide parks volunteer initiative, signature programming and events, community engagement, donor-funded park improvement projects, a charity running team, dedicated bench program, and more. Be a part of the positive, productive park energy!