Community Engagement Manager

Posted:  April 30, 2024

Organization Overview

Capital Trees strives to make Richmond a greener, more livable city by creating, managing, and advocating for public landscapes that foster community, environmental stability, economic investment, transformation of neglected spaces, and healthier lifestyles.  (https://capitaltrees.org/)

Job Title: Community Engagement Manager/Full-time

Job Summary:  The Community Engagement Manager is the key connection between Capital Tress and the community.  Through program design and implementation, partnership building, and communications they grow visibility, knowledge of, and investment in Capital Trees so it can continue to build, manage, and advocate for public landscapes in Richmond (VA).

Reports to:  Executive Director

Essential Functions: 

Engagement 

  • Increase visibility and awareness of Capital Trees in greater Richmond including setting an annual calendar of on and off site outreach, volunteer, and education initiatives
  • Build connections with community organizations by serving as liaison on assigned community task forces, committees, or attending community events, etc (for example, RVA Bee City Working Group, Invasive Species Task Force, East End Green Infrastructure Working Group)
  • Build relationships in communities with project stakeholders

Educational Program

  • Develop Capital Trees’ educational program and initiatives
  • Identify and establish educational partnerships, resource opportunities, and relationships to further Capital Trees’ educational initiatives  
  • Oversee sustainability blog with Education and Engagement Committee
  • Manage all inquiries for tours, speaking engagements, and community events including 
    • managing the annual engagement calendar
    • designing presentations
    • leading the engagements 
    • training staff and volunteers
    • delegating engagements to staff, volunteers, and.or trustees

Volunteer Program

  • Manage volunteer program of Capital Trees 
  • Coordinate garden workdays with Landscape Consultant/Project Manager 
  • Track volunteer hours 
  • Maintain a database of volunteer requests and follow up regularly 
  • Plan and implement volunteer appreciation initiatives throughout the year 

Marketing and Communications

  • Collaborates with communications contractor and staff to plan, contribute, and review web and social media
  • Creates print and digital materials as  needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

A passion for building a greener and more livable community is essential.  

  • Experience working in a non-profit is a plus
  • Skilled at building community partnerships
  • Comfortable presenting and interacting with persons of varying backgrounds including donors, volunteers, government staff, and community leaders and stakeholders.  
  • Self-starter and comfortable working with minimal supervision. 
  • Energetic and creative 

Candidates should be highly organized, hard-working, be digitally-skilled and proficient in social media platforms as well as data management systems. Multi-tasking, ability and willingness to work independently and take responsibility for projects and tasks are key components to this position. References required.

Education & Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience in similar fields such as education, sustainability, parks and recreation, wildlife management, volunteer programs, outdoor recreation, forestry, or non-profit preferred.  

Physical/Environmental Conditions: 

Capital Trees is an urban greening organization whose programming takes place in the public landscapes they develop, manage, and program.  Persons working for Capital Trees must be able to complete functions in outdoor settings year round, lifting up to 50 lbs, including setting up for events and moving landscape materials. 

This position is expected to work 40 hours a week with evening and weekend work required for programs. Operating hours are generally 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.  Reliable transportation is necessary to travel to and from work, program and project sites.

Capital Trees employs  a hybrid work model including field, virtual, and office work negotiated with Executive Director; our office is located in downtown Richmond, VA.

Salary and Benefits: 

$40,000 – $50,000 depending on experience.

Training and certification opportunities as appropriate along with membership in professional organizations.  

Responsible leave policy including all City or Richmond holidays and last week of December.  

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected] attn: Community Engagement Manager by May 15, 2024 for priority consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be open until filled. No phone calls, please.