Community Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator

This job was posted by : For moreinformation, please see:What We Can Achieve Together:The Community Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator is a support rolebased in the Chicagoland area that contributes to The NatureConservancys Chicago Urban Conservation Program. The Coordinator is ashared position between the Chicago Park District (CPkD) and The NatureConservancy (TNC) responsible for supporting the implementation of theCommunity Stewardship Program (CSP) and TNCs Volunteer StewardshipNetwork (VSN). The CSP is a volunteer stewardship program that aims toconnect people and communities through Chicago Park District NaturalAreas to inspire engagement, investment, and care for their localnatural spaces, complementing the efforts of CPkDs ecologicalrestoration staff. The VSN is a statewide program that supports theengagement, stewardship, and restoration of natural areas by providingcapacity building opportunities to local community conservation effortsto ensure that the benefits of nature are accessible to all people. Thisposition reports directly to the Director of Community Partnerships andEngagement and works closely with the VSN and CSP management staff todevelop partnerships and advance community-centered conservationstrategies in the Chicagoland area. Were Looking for You:The Community Partnerships and Engagement Coordinator is responsible forimplementing community engagement strategies that support TNCsChicago-based programs to build and foster relationships with localcommunities and partner organizations. This position serves in a crossfunctional role that supports volunteer stewardship groups andcommunity-based organizations in strategic areas to build greatercapacity for habitat restoration, community-driven conservation, and toimprove outdoor access in local CPkD Natural Areas and other publicgreen spaces in the Chicago area. This position supports the CSP and VSNteams with recruitment, engagement, and implementation of stewardshipdays and other events, managing grants to community partners, andgeneral program administration. This includes working closely with CPkDand TNC staff, stewardship volunteer leaders, and local partners.RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE- Assist the CSP Manager in supporting CSPs lead volunteer stewards with implementing, recruiting, and engaging volunteers for stewardship days across the city, in collaboration with Chicago Park District (CPkD) staff, contractors, and partners. Stewardship support may include activities such as delivering necessary supplies, providing volunteer oversight, connecting stewards with training/learning resources, providing administrative support, assisting with event promotion, and other logistical support.- Supervise and lead volunteers and participants of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities in the use of restoration tools, recreation equipment, and implementing stewardship best practices, working alongside partners and staff where appropriate.- Incorporate community-based conservation strategies to increase access, address barriers, and support capacity building for local partners to support conservation efforts and access to nature projects.- Assist the VSN Manager in the management and administration of the Thrive Outside grant program and other VSN initiatives, as directed.- Collect and maintain volunteer and participant data for CPkD and VSN programs.- Coordinate multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing a timeline;- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;- Work within a budget to complete projects, prepare and administer contracts, invoices and small grants, and assist with budget de elopment;- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution and make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments;- Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.- Must be willing to travel frequently to meet with partners across the greater Chicagoland area with some occasional travel to TNC programs and preserves throughout the state; and- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.This is a hybrid position that reports to TNCs Chicago Field Office andthe CPkD Admin Office located in North Park Village in Chicago. Twoin-office days a week is required, with the exception of when time isspent in the field. This position predominantly works a Tuesday throughSaturday schedule during the spring, summer, and fall seasons with atransition to Monday through Friday in the winter. Access to reliabletransportation is a requirement. What Youll Bring:Bachelors degree and 2 years experience in conservati

Created: 2026-04-20