Community Connections Coordinator

The Community Connections Coordinator (CCC) advances the outreach and community engagement initiatives of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) and works to build broad-based, sustained local support for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

APBPC acknowledges and values that its success comes from meeting and considering the diverse needs, backgrounds and perspectives of the public. The CCC works towards this goal by regularly facilitating connections and communication within the Capital Region community, and by helping staff understand the best ways to resonate and engage with the people and neighborhoods that we serve. Additionally, the CCC connects and collaborates with the public and APBPC staff to ensure that community attitudes and needs inform and improve the services and resources that the APBPC provides to the community as part of its mission.

The CCC coordinates volunteer activity including identifying projects with staff, recruiting, supporting, training, evaluating, and recognizing volunteers and other members of the public, including private businesses and organized groups with a goal of reaching and recruiting more diverse members of the community.

The CCC is also a liaison between APBPC staff and Friends of the Pine Bush Community, a non-profit organization supportive of APBPC.

Duties:

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
The CCC works with APBPC staff to coordinate all volunteer activities including recruitment, hiring, on-boarding, confidential record keeping, recognition, retention and dissemination of organization wide volunteer communication. The CCC supports staff who manage volunteers, which ultimately helps engage the community in science, stewardship, education, other projects and special events.

The CCC maintains the volunteer database, promotes volunteer leadership, facilitates communication between volunteers and staff and ensures continuity and quality of all volunteer opportunities. This position provides leadership and direction to volunteers and works cooperatively with staff, as well as partner organizations, agencies and businesses. The CCC works with the APBPC Administrative/Operations staff to ensure compliance with volunteer policies and procedures.

The CCC coordinates the administration of volunteer activities, programs and committees of the Friends of the Pine Bush Community board to help them further annual conservation, science, land protection and education objectives within the preserve.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION AND SUPPORT

Work with staff and volunteers to identify and develop volunteer and other public engagement projects and opportunities that support the goals of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Train and support staff on the fundamentals of working with and supervising volunteers.

COMMUNICATIONS

Develop effective engagement strategies to recruit the public and private sectors to support the organizational mission. Work with Executive Director and Communication Director (CD) to promote the involvement of local businesses, civic groups and other members of the public to provide volunteer time, resources or services to increase the supportive constituency for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Work with the CD to coordinate and publicize volunteer events and activities through social media, the Pine Bush e-newsletter and other media outlets.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND RECOGNITION

Provide support to staff who work with volunteers including help with job descriptions, training in various specialized positions and orientation materials. Plan and oversee volunteer appreciation events and other activities, coordinate awards and other forms of appreciation.

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

Work closely with volunteers on the Friends of the Pine Bush Community board, contribute as a committee advisor, help the organization fulfill its annual plan, and act as a liaison between them and preserve staff. Leverage the capacity of the Volunteer Program by developing a structure to encourage and support volunteer leadership, including within the Friends organization.

Communicate with peer organizations to share ideas for creating and maintaining an exceptional volunteer program, including involvement with professional associations and attending conferences or meetings.

SPECIAL EVENT STAFFING

Recruit and schedule all volunteers needed for special events. Day-of point person for ensuring job leaders are empowered to run their respective area(s), supervise their respective staff/volunteers, and assist with trouble-shooting throughout event days (set-up to clean-up).

EVALUATION

In an effort to ensure continuity and quality, the CCC is responsible for identifying how to evaluate and regularly measure the effectiveness of all volunteer opportunities as a tool to reach, motivate, and involve the general public and private and corporate community members in the preserve’s work. Suggests revisions to the program based upon results.

Preferred (or Required) skills:

• Background in customer service, volunteer coordination or general non-profit administration preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills in order to be inclusive of a wide range of groups and individuals, with varying backgrounds, cultures and experience levels.
• Must enjoy and have experience working with a variety of individuals and groups and be able to engage new community members in the work of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and manage projects simultaneously.
• Detail oriented and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Travel locally or regionally and work flexible hours, frequently including weekends and evenings.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, volunteer management and publication software.

Position type (FT/PT/temporary, etc.): Non-Exempt Regular Full-time 37.5 hours/week

Hiring Rate: $51,920

Location: Albany, NY


How to apply (include appropriate mailing address or website):
Please e-mail cover letter, résumé, and 3 references to: admin@albanypinebush.org
Please put Community Connections Coordinator in the subject line
No phone calls please

Closing date: 3/31/2024

For information on the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, visit our website at www.albanypinebush.org

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its employment opportunities or practices on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, hairstyle and hair texture, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information/predisposition or carrier status, age, religion, creed, domestic violence victim status, and any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.
 

Date Posted: 03-02-2024

Expire Date: 03-31-2024

Contact Name: Wendy Craney

Contact Email: admin@albanypinebush.org