Community Relations Coordinator

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $53,000-$67,000

Reports to: Manager of Community Relations
Department: Community Relations
Status:   Full-time/Non-exempt

About Central Park and the Central Park Conservancy
Central Park is one of the most famous and beloved urban public spaces in the world. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1857, the 843-acre park was the first purpose-built public park in the country and is a National Historic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since that time, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of approximately $1 billion in the restoration of the Park, and now hosts over 40 million visitors a year.

The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of the its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. Committed to sharing the best practices in urban park management, the Conservancy also serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public- private partnerships around the world. The Conservancy employs roughly 400 people and has an operating budget of $80 million.

The Position
The Community Relations Coordinator provides support to Conservancy staff by monitoring and assisting in all aspects of Park use by visitors and concessionaires, and through establishing cooperative relationships with Park users. The Coordinator ensures compliance with Park policies and practices and works closely with user groups and surrounding communities to motivate Park stewardship. This position collaborates with field staff across Operations as well as with City agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Parks and Recreation, New York Police Department, and Emergency Services.

Salary range:  $53K to $67K (based on experience)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all.

Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the park.

In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.

Safety Requirements
Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately. 

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Assist in developing and implementing management plans for safe and appropriate Park use.
  • Provide daily support to field staff managing Park use; address and resolve space-use conflicts.
  • Respond to emergency situations as they occur in the park.
  • Cultivate and maintain positive and cooperative relationships with the public and surrounding communities.
  • Communicate with ease and diplomacy across all staff levels and with park patrons.
  • Specialize in all matters, policies, and procedures of NYC Park Rules and Regulation; educate Park visitors about proper use of landscapes and park features.
  • Track and compile Park use statistics.
  • Review permit applications; maintain data and maps necessary to organize permitted activities
  • Conduct regular site visits to permitted event areas and landscapes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Central Park’s history and landmarks and share information with Park patrons, contractors, and vendors.
  • Conduct check-ins at Conservancy visitor centers and public programs.
  • Attend park operations meetings and external agency meetings as necessary.
  • Participate in community relations outreach and stewardship programs and campaigns.
  • Report on all issues and concerns related to in-park concessions.
  • Although not part of day-to-day tasks, the Coordinator may be called upon to perform other operations tasks as needed and/or required by the department or organization.

Qualifications/Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; 1-3 years of experience working with the public, Park Operations, or a field related to community relations.
  2. Excellent organizational, planning, time management, and communication skills
  3. Valid Drivers’ License that must be maintained for the duration of employment.  

Abilities

  1. Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.
  2. Ability to engage in critical thinking skills that allow for prioritizing issues, coordinating multiple projects, and solving problems.
  3. Knowledge of computer equipment and Microsoft Office applications; proficiency in Word and Outlook
  4. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
  5. Ability to make critical decisions and manage emergency situations.
  6. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions year-round.
  7. Ability to lift 50 lbs. and to perform heavy physical labor.

Contact Information

Central Park Conservancy
Website: Apply Online