Markham Shkode Community Engagement Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Community Engagement Specialist is part of the Chicago Area Conservation Team and implements projects and programs in coordination with the division and business unit leadership priorities. They will become part of a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results.

The Chicago Area Conservation Program focuses on engaging communities in conservation through outreach, aligned stewardship action, education, programming, volunteerism, and other nature-based programs. The Community Engagement Specialist brings enthusiasm to assist program staff on a variety of projects and tasks, including relationship management, leading events, and volunteer program administration in the Chicago Southland Region. They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Working evenings or weekends is occasionally required.

This position reports to the IL Ecological Restoration Director and is based at the Markham Illinois office.

We’re Looking for You:

The Community Engagement Specialist will be responsible for improving and expanding community engagement in alignment with the Midwest Division’s Human Rights efforts. They will lead partnership initiatives in stewardship, communications, science, development, administration, and other program areas at Markham Shkode Prairies and beyond in the surrounding Chicago southland to find collaborative solutions for accessing the benefits of nature.

The role includes both human health and climate resilience, will coordinate with staff, program partners and volunteers, improve the volunteer and community experience, and show leadership in promoting unbiased programming. They will help lead programs and supervise special events run by staff and volunteers, preserve work projects and public outreach. The Specialist will lead community engagement initiatives and will work cooperatively with Conservancy staff and members, as well as partner organizations, agencies and businesses. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select representation and cultivation of partnerships and serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, inspiring people to want to learn more and engage with the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Community Engagement (90%)

• Work in close alignment with the MWD Strategic Partnership & Engagement function to implement a Conservation Framework in the Chicago Southland Region.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with focal communities, organizations that increase trust and rapport, aiming to increase access, decrease barriers and empower communities.
• Lead on-site community engagement opportunities such as volunteer events, youth centric activities, visitor hiking, stewardship field days, recreational use, and other outreach programs at campus facilities or on TNC preserves and partner lands.
• Coordinate and provide support for Markham Shkode Prairies volunteers.
• Lead adaptive project management of values-driven and community-based conservation initiatives such as climate adaptation, access to nature, and related initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Markham Shkode Prairies team to pursue stewardship action planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives including direct support for community-based listening sessions.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) Manager to represent TNC in relationships with Chicago Southland VSN members.
• Collaborate in managing the Markham Shkode Prairies office and other onsite facilities to foster community engagement.

General & Administrative Duties (10%)

• Coordinate multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner and with attention to detail.
• Attend programmatic and business unit meetings.
• Oversee and direct work of volunteers, trainees and interns.
• Assist with program reporting, budget preparation and monitoring.
• Performs daily program implementation under the guidance of supervisor.
• Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by the supervisor.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination;
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks;
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
• Project Management experience managing a variety of activities to meet deadlines;
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams;
• Experience in community relations or relationship building, community organizing, and communicating with a wide range of people.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated;
• Knowledge and understanding of the Chicago Southland’s political, cultural, and environmental NGO landscape;
• Interest or willingness to learn about Illinois prairies, land stewardship, and prescribed fire;
• Strong communication skills including the ability to write and edit written materials for internal and external use;
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation and public relations including the use of social media in community engagement;
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Volunteer management and training experience a plus.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $65,000 to $69,000 (subject to required tax withholding). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.