Northeast Ohio Partnerships and Engagement Specialist

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Northeast Ohio Partnerships and Engagement Specialist is part of TNC’s Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program and implements projects and programs in coordination with the Northeast Ohio Program Manager and others to engage people with nature. 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 Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program focuses on engaging communities in conservation through outreach, aligned stewardship action, education, youth specific programming, volunteerism, and other nature-based equity programs. The Northeast Ohio Partnerships & Engagement Specialist brings enthusiasm to assist Program staff on a variety of projects and tasks, including relationship management, event organizing, and volunteer program administration duties involving youth engagement and safety, leading events across northeast Ohio, and expanding community engagement throughout Ohio. 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 must be based in Northeast Ohio.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Partnerships and Engagement Specialist will be responsible for improving and expanding community engagement and partnership initiatives in stewardship, communications, science, development, administration, and other program areas at the GRCC and beyond to inspire people to be advocates for the environment. They will coordinate with staff, program partners and volunteers, improve the volunteer and community experience, and show leadership in promoting equitable programming. They will collaboratively develop promotional materials for the program and be responsible for communicating them externally to communities and partners. They will help lead programs and supervise special events run by staff and volunteers, including youth focused engagements, preserve work projects and public outreach. The Specialist will provide guidance and direction to 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 at strategic venues 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 in meaningful ways.
RESPOSNSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Community Engagement (90%)

• Maintain and administer sensitive program paperwork and confidential program information including youth safety SOP compliance. 
• Collaborate with the NEOH Manager and teams to achieve engagement and stewardship action plans. 
• 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. 
• Assist with aspects of the volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, communications, reporting, evaluation, training, recognition and enrichment opportunities and other duties as assigned. 
• Adaptive project management of values-driven and community-based conservation initiatives. 
• Coordinate and provide support for Bissell Nature Center volunteers.
• Collaborate in managing the Bissell Nature Preserve Center and other onsite facilities to foster community engagement.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with focal communities, organizations that increase trust and rapport, aim to increase access, decrease barriers and empower communities. 
• Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives including direct support for community-based listening sessions. 

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. 

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today! 

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in 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. 
• Experience working with youth. 
• Writing and editing experience. 
• Experience in the marketing arena. 
• Communication and public speaking experience. 
• Project Management experience.  
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams. 
• Experienced in community relations or relationship building. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Experience serving as a “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
• Ability to promote events and communicate with individuals and communities through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
• 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 a plus.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!