Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter and resume by email to HR@nyrp.org or standard mail to 254 W. 31st Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and shall also follow the requirements of the Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

NYRP improves, maintains, and programs open spaces in communities lacking adequate resources. Working on public and private land citywide, NYRP’s flexible approach to land management serves as a model for non-profit municipal engagement. Together with partners in city agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities, NYRP demonstrates the social and environmental value of building ownership over open spaces.

Position Overview

NYRP’s Director of Community Engagement will engage neighborhood stakeholders, residents, NYRP community gardeners and partners to strengthen the impact of NYRP’s restoration work in community gardens and open spaces in underserved communities of NYC as guided by the objectives of NYRP’s strategic plan.

Principal Duties

• Under general supervision, with latitude for independent initiative, assist the Senior VP and Chief Operating Officer with the planning and implementation of citywide engagement strategy to increase community stewardship and use of public open space in under-resourced neighborhoods;
• Design and lead community engagement services, experiences and initiatives;
• Expand dialogue with schools, NYCHA sites, and other community based organizations within the geographic proximity of NYRP sites to build capacity for garden care and programming;
• Manage asset mapping, community surveys, and other ways for communicating with, and receiving feedback from, neighborhood residents to better understand community interests and identify resources within NYRP focus regions;
• Supervise department staff, track stakeholders, coordinate field coverage and facilitate staff meetings;
• Communicate interdepartmentally in support of fundraising, communication, and programmatic initiatives to successfully integrate community engagement practices;
• Assist in the development and management of a departmental annual budget.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 or more years of community organizing or other related experience;
• Proven relational, leadership and organizing skills;
• Success at managing a wide array of tasks and projects and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment;
• Confident communicator, strong presentation skills both in person and in writing (fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred);
• Supervisory experience;
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently;
• Strong organizational and analytical skills;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends;
• Valid New York State driver license (preferred).