Summary: Friends of the Chicago River is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic professional to serve as conservation program manager for our award-winning environmental organization.
Position Overview: As a key member of the education and outreach team, the conservation program manager is the lead organizer for Friends of the Chicago River’s comprehensive volunteer and restoration efforts that are dedicated to improving and protecting the Chicago River. The conservation program manager is responsible for strengthening Friends’ relationships with our diverse group of supporters, including other organizations, corporate and community groups, and individuals. Working with the director of outreach and community relations, the conservation program manager organizes Chicago River Day, manages River Action Days (volunteer and corporate workdays), manages and coordinates volunteer outreach and restoration, and works to broaden Friends’ impact by engaging volunteers on multiple levels across Friends’ programs.
As the only organization exclusively dedicated to improving the Chicago River, Friends seeks an individual who is committed to the environment and views the river as an important part of the history, culture, and future of the Chicago region.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management and Leadership
- Manage grant funded restoration projects focused on improving habitat and engaging volunteers
- Coordinate with program staff on cross program initiatives that utilize volunteers
- Develop RFPs and identify potential contractors for restoration projects, examples include gully fixing and habitat restoration
- Coordinate with FPCC staff to implement projects and secure permits for work adjacent to Chicago River and within Forest Preserves
- Lead and inspire volunteers and Friends’ staff on conservation and volunteer objectives and provide cohesion and strategic direction for Friends’ volunteer restoration activities
- Supervises staff as projects require
- Serve on Friends’ restoration team, which includes director of watershed planning, director of outreach and community relations, outdoor education coordinator, and policy and planning specialist
River Volunteer Stewardship Program (RVSP)
- Manage and lead River Action Days (corporate and community group workdays), such as ensuring permits, field activities, volunteer and staff duties are in place and effective
- Manage on-the-ground projects, such as habitat improvements and restoration projects using volunteer efforts
- Foster relations with allied organizations and individuals and develop leadership within the river system and aligned with conservation programs
- Participate in organization-wide planning, fundraising, and program activities
- Responsible for grant reporting on grants pertaining to conservation, such as REI and Chi-Cal Fund
Chicago River Day
- Manage the planning and implementation of Chicago River Day, a highly visible level event that is broad in outreach and critical to RVSP and outreach goals
- Recruit volunteers and groups to participate in Chicago River Day
- Look for opportunities to broaden Chicago River Day through new activities and structure
- Solicit in-kind donations of gloves, trash bags, and other supplies for the event sites
- Coordinate permits and site logistics for over 65 sites along the river
- Coordinate communication and recruitment for the event and post event evaluation and wrap up
- Recruit and manage site captains to meet goals of Chicago River Day
- Recruit and manage Chicago River Day intern
- Work with director of development and director of outreach and community relations to manage sponsorship and donor opportunities
Volunteer Coordination
- Recruit and manage volunteers for all Friends’ events and office needs, including Chicago River Day, Friends’ award winning day of service, the Big Fish Ball, the Chicago River Student Congress, Canoes for A Cause and work days.
- Responsible for all aspects of volunteer management including recruitment, training, tracking, and evaluation
- Coordinate Chicago River Eco-Warriors to build a program that supports Friends’ volunteer efforts
- Coordinate and recruit volunteers for special restoration projects, such as Centennial Volunteers or turtle habitat maintenance
- Develop and execute volunteer communications
- Coordinate with executive director to hold the annual meeting and volunteer recognition event
- Coordinate volunteers at Friends’ restoration sites and other locations Develop local volunteer structures and protocols for Friends’ completed restoration sites
- Work with fellow staff to institute best practices for across-program volunteer management
- Work with the Restoration Team to ensure that all goals of projects and grants are being met
Qualifications:
- B.S. in natural resources management, environmental studies, education or related field, master’s degree preferred
- Five years related work or volunteer experience
- Interest in and commitment to improving and protecting natural resources and the Chicago River
- Knowledge of the Chicago River system and the Forest Preserves of Cook County a plus
- State of Illinois herbicide license (may be obtained during employment)
- Native and invasive plant identification experience, especially in relation to activities
- Experience managing volunteers or large groups
- Demonstrated ability to manage programs, develop, and implement plans
- Highly organized with experience managing multiple events or volunteer workdays
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Marketing and/or outreach experience helpful
- Excellent oral and written communication, computer, and organizational skills
- Ability to work efficiently and prioritize tasks to meet program and organizational goals
- Proven ability to work well with a diverse group of people
- Valid driver’s license and access to a car to travel throughout the Chicago River watershed
- Ability to work occasional evenings and regularly on weekends
- Interest and commitment to environmental issues
- Willingness to serve with alacrity
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Friends of the Chicago River is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing a collegial professional environment that provides the tools necessary to be successful and flourish in which to work.
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.
To apply please send a resume and cover letter by e-mail to:
Address: jobs@chicagoriver.org
Subject Line: ATTN Conservation Program Manager
OR via USPS
Betsy Hands, Director of Outreach and Community Relations
Friends of the Chicago River
411 S. Wells St., Ste. 800
Chicago, IL 60607
Please visit our website www.chicagoriver.org to download the job description and learn more about Friends of the Chicago River.
No phone calls please.
Position open until filled with priority for applicants before February 12, 2015
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