JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Outreach and Volunteer Specialist
JOB FAMILY
Operations
JOB NUMBER
570015
SALARY GRADE
5
STATUS
Salaried
DATE
September 16, 2021
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Tiger Creek Preserve (TCP) Outreach and Volunteer Specialist (Specialist) is part of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Stewardship and Field Department’s (SAF) Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). The position works under the supervision of the Tiger Creek Preserve Manager and is based at the 4,980-acre TCP in Babson Park, FL but will support programs throughout Central Florida (CFL). They are part of SAF’s CFL Conservation Program team. SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species control, wetland/upland restoration) across Florida and stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves.
Tiger Creek Preserve has been protected for its rare uplands habitats, including longleaf sandhills, and freshwater habitats, including two blackwater streams, which harbor rare endemic species along the ancient islands of the fire-dependent Lake Wales Ridge. From the TCP office, staff manage satellite preserves and collaborate with TNC’s Disney Wilderness Preserve. TCP is home to hiking trails serving 10,000+ visitors each year. TCP is one of four flagship preserves the Florida Chapter has included as part of the newly developing CCI. CCI preserve ‘campuses’ will be managed and developed to increase the Chapter’s on-the-ground stewardship, education, outreach, and science efforts to connect nature and people. The Specialist will help develop and/or support community outreach activities including the volunteer program and educational activities. The specialist will join a cohort of Specialists at Disney Wilderness and Blowing Rocks Preserves to build programs across the CCI. This opportunity has a full-time work schedule of 35 hours per week, Tuesday – Saturday, and will involve occasional evening and holiday work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Outreach and Volunteer Specialist will be responsible for maintaining existing and creating new volunteer initiatives and community outreach programs and supporting other functions and conservation priorities of CCI/TCP. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select and strategic venues and partnerships, may serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, and inspire people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways. Although this position supports educational events such as class visits and training, their primary focus is on outreach experiences associated with TCP.
The Outreach and Volunteer Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of a strategic community engagement program aimed at:
• increasing the Conservancy’s visibility,
• increasing the impact of the Center for Conservation Initiatives,
• engaging a broader constituency in support of conservation,
• engaging those who are interested in conservation but not yet familiar with the Conservancy, and
• inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders and supporters.
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RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Community Outreach (40%) – Develop and facilitate on- and off-site community outreach programs
• Coordinate existing on-site community engagement such as visitor hiking and buggy tours, recreational use, and other outreach programs.
• Work with supervisor to develop new opportunities for on-site community engagement at TCP.
• Represents CCI/TCP and TNC at community cultural events.
• Develop temporary and permanent interpretive signage and displays for the TCP office and visitor use areas such as preserve trails.
• Coordinate use of TCP site and meeting room for meetings, trainings, and other events.
• Willingness to travel for outreach and education events as needed.
• Documents/photographs outreach events for reporting/presentation needs and develops metrics to determine outreach impact.
• Works with supervisor to identify and seek funding grants to enhance outreach programs for CCI/TCP.
• Works as a team member with other CCI preserve campuses’ outreach/volunteer staff on increasing CCI’s outreach efforts and programs.
TCP Volunteer Program (35%) – Coordinate a comprehensive volunteer program at TCP
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 people of all genders with diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
• Manage all aspects of a volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, reporting, volunteer appreciation, and enrichment opportunities.
• Supervise volunteers engaged in outreach and administrative activities.
• Coordinate with other TCP staff such as the Land Conservation Manager and Maintenance Specialist regarding stewardship, science, and maintenance-based volunteer opportunities.
• May supervise part-time or seasonal staff, live-on-site volunteers, and interns.
• Ensure that the administrative requirements of the volunteer program comply with TNC policies and procedures.
• Responsible for oversight of volunteers’ youth safety program qualifications.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Manage activities within budget, evaluate results, and develop corrective or adaptive strategies as needed.
General Duties (15%) – Assist with general preserve operations and office duties
• Assist with preserve operations.
• Answer general visitor questions in-person and over the phone.
• Serve as main point of contact and coordinator for TNC’s and external parties’ meetings and events at TCP.
• Ability to develop and manage projects and budgets and report and analyze results.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and physical exertion and/or strain.
• Willingness to travel and work select evenings, holidays, and/or weekends, as needed.
Education support (10%) – Provide support for educational & training events at TCP
• Provides support with other TCP staff for school visits and training events which may involve tours, presentations, and logistical assistance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, environmental education, business or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
• Skilled writer and editor.
• Experience in marketing arena.
• Communication and public speaking skills.
• Project Management skills.
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
• Experienced in community relations or relationship building
• Facility in English and Spanish
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience serving as “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
• Experience developing mission-based programs for a range of ages and demographics.
• Experience working with communities conservation organizations have failed to previously engage.
• Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring strategic outreach plans and programs.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation and public relations.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteer management and training experience.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES
Builds Relationships
Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
Collaboration & Teamwork
Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
Communicates Authentically
Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.
Develops
Others
Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
Drives for
Results
Sets challenging goals and objectives based on a strong sense of purpose and high-performance standards and steadfastly pushes self and others for tangible results, while ensuring work-life balance.
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 people of all genders with diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
Leverages Difference
Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self-awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholder. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives.
Systems
Leadership
Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long-term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large-scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.