at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), a regional coalition of organizations, working together to improve the health of the urban forest in the Chicago region, was founded by The Morton Arboretum, a world-renowned nonprofit dedicated to the study and growth of trees. We are seeking an experienced individual who can join our team to help build strong community relationships through outreach and engagement of community leaders and staff. This individual will maintain and continue to build the priority partnership with the City of Chicago through the Tree Ambassador Program. This individual will need to be able to relay complex topics and strategies to a wide range of audiences in small and large group settings clearly and concisely through written and oral expression. The CRTI is looking for an individual who is well-organized, self-motivated and who can connect with diverse populations to help our team succeed.
Position Summary:Coordinate the Tree Ambassador Program (TAP), providing education, outreach, and activities to private landowners, community organizations, and partners to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the Chicago region. Assist in maintaining and continuing to build the priority partnership with the City of Chicago through TAP. Work closely with team members to cultivate and manage strong, ongoing relationships with existing and potential community and municipal partners. Represent CRTI to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban and community forest and advance the mission of The Morton Arboretum. Funding for this position is expected for 3 years with potential for extension.
Essential Functions:
Expand TAP to new communities. Support existing TAP partners and help in recruiting new partners for the program.
Facilitate in planning and implementing TAP trainings, advocacy, and workshops as well as outreach, education, activities, and events for current and potential TAP partners to improve community advocacy, urban forestry skills, and advocacy for urban trees.
Lead inventory projects, which include partner communication, site and mapping analysis, data collection, follow-up communications and support, and recording through the CRTI Canopy Counts Program; integrate data into the contact database for constituents as time allows.
Collaborate in implementing the Stewardship goals and objectives of the CRTI Master Plan, CRTI Stewardship Program, and TAP. Occasionally work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven-county region.
Coordinate with TAP partners. Respond to and provide information and assistance regarding TAP and related programs and opportunities in urban and community forestry. Compile, organize, and present TAP materials and communications in print, verbally, and visually.
Assist in writing, implementing, and reporting on grants.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum's employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and make the Arboretum exceptional.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:Bachelor's degree preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, natural resource management, community engagement and development. 2+ years experience in research, urban forestry, stewardship,community engagement, research, grant management, or project management preferred. Organizational and program development experience required. Experience working with under-resourced communities and organizations is required. International Society of Arboriculture certification is preferred. Written and verbal fluency in a second language preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Experience developing and presenting programs and educational materials preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Salesforce, social media, web content development, and Google applications beneficial.
Success Factors:Effective time-management skills and a positive and flexible approach to the job. Strong collaborative and communication skills especially in terms of cultural awareness. Ability to nimbly manage complex tasks and concurrent projects. Customer service oriented with the ability to relate effectively with persons internal and external to the Arboretum.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: limited lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs.), walking over uneven terrain, regular local travel by car, truck, or... For full info follow application link.
