Position Description
Position Title: Nature Works Everywhere Program Coordinator
Job ID:43344
Location:DC Metro Area
Full/Part Time:Full-Time
Regular/Temporary:Regular
WORK WITH US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Nature Works Everywhere Program Coordinator is responsible for a variety of operations activities in support of a program’s approved tactics.
Nature Works Everywhere (www.NatureWorksEverywhere.org) is the Conservancy’s premier digital education initiative that teaches students the science behind how nature works for them – to produce our clean air, water, food and energy. Reaching over 1 million students every year, the program gives teachers and students everything they need to start exploring and understanding nature’s fantastic factory including videos, digital tools, and hands-on lessons that align to national standards.
Nature Works Everywhere includes a school gardens program that gives grants to urban schools to build or amend school gardens. The core principle behind the Gardens program is that gardens model conservation science on a relatable scale. The program empowers students and teachers to work together to create and implement their own solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. Whether that be addressing issues surrounding food deserts, air quality, heat island effect, or storm water collection, youth are empowered as social innovators to model solutions in their school communities through garden design and implementation. These school garden communities can serve as models for new and innovative strategies cities can use to demonstrate the value of nature-based solutions to urban design. Through direct physical engagement in a garden space, combined with curriculum about natural productivity and conservation science, students learn and develop conservation-mindedness.
Starting in Washington D.C. in 2012, the program has funded over 70 gardens in 7 cities across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore and Atlanta. These grants are designed to promote environmental education by providing schools with the funding and instruction to build school gardens and implement interactive, curriculum-based lessons about the environment. The Nature Works Everywhere Program Coordinator will have the opportunity to help the program expand from a local, city-by-city program to a national annual grant program. Primary responsibilities will include managing grant applications and processes, communicating with grantees, and over-seeing grant accountability with site visits to schools across the country.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Nature Works Everywhere Program Coordinator is responsible for performing multiple administrative functions related to the assigned program. S/he may be responsible for scheduling and coordinating logistics for special events and/or meetings, purchasing, central filing, mailroom operations, facility management, telecommunications, and/or reception. S/he may assist with the recruitment and training of program volunteers, and may coordinate the activities of volunteers. In addition, the Coordinator may perform Information Systems, Human Resources, and Finance administrative tasks, including processing forms, preparing reports, and monitoring budgets. S/he uses available systems and resources to maintain, track and research data, and produce and review reports. S/he applies established processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness and documents program procedures for reference by staff. S/he will coordinate activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. The Coordinator may handle inquiries about business unit activities and assist in the development of program materials and correspondence. S/he will work cooperatively with Conservancy staff, providing information necessary to make decisions and solve problems. The Coordinator may communicate on behalf of the supervisor with internal and external sources, including staff, donors, vendors, and business relations in order to coordinate arrangements, convey information, and ensure successful execution of program.
The Program Coordinator provides coordination, project management and other general assistance to the Program Manager. The Nature Works Everywhere Program Coordinator may manage projects, manage grants, support program staff to advance projects and goals, conduct literature-based research, and maintain project records. The position will start with a specific focus on the implementation of the Nature Works Everywhere Gardens program, where the Coordinator will manage school and grant records, communications with grant schools, and grant accountability. The Program Coordinator will be required to travel extensively to conduct school and garden site visits, and interact with educators and school staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPEDemonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.Does not supervise any staff, but may supervise volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.Duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines.Financial responsibility may include purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget tracking.Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, refers difficult questions and problems to supervisor.Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently.Serve as a team member for assigned projects.Willingness to travel, work overtime, and work evenings and weekends as needed.Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree and 1 year experience or equivalent combination.Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.Experience performing one or more administrative processes.Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to analyze information for the purpose of preparing reports, coordinating activities, and solving problems.Ability to apply research skills.Ability to write and edit written materials for use with program communications and special events.Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports.Excellent “customer service” skills and focus.Experience, coursework, or other training in agriculture and/or education.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Experience working within urban school settings and with educators strongly desired.Preference for LEAF or GLOBE alumnus.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
This position has a one-year employment duration
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 43334, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 08/05/15. [Direct link to announcement is https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=43344&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1}
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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.