POSITION SUMMARY 

City Parks Learn has operated interdisciplinary environmental education programs in schools and parks since 1992. Eco-Innovators is a program for 9th - 12th graders that gives students access to environmental STEM learning and introduces them to NYC infrastructure and leaders as they work to invent creative projects that push the environmental resiliency movement forward in their own communities. Students make real change as they explore urban infrastructure and advocacy tools and learn techniques to help solve challenging environmental issues, including expanding green spaces, increasing recycling and reducing waste, and improving energy efficiency. 

City Parks Foundation seeks an experienced environmental educator with deep knowledge of and passion for environmental resiliency and community advocacy. Reporting to the Senior Manager of STEM Pathways, the successful candidate will have a minimum of two years of experience in delivering instruction to and working with adolescents in a project-based, out-of-school time setting. During the school year, the Eco-Innovators Program Manager manages and implements after-school programming for up to 25 high school students at each of 4 locations, using site-specific, inquiry-based lessons to stimulate meaningful learning experiences for students in their own communities. In the summer season, the Program Manager will implement an intensive version of the program for continuing juniors/seniors at one site from July through mid-August, Monday through Thursday (9am - 3pm).

Eco-Innovators After-School Program takes place at sites in Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. The Program Manager will be required to travel to and from our program sites independently and lead field trips throughout the city, most of which will happen during the Summer Institute session The office space provided for the Program Manager is the CPF Education Department offices located at 1234 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10029. The position is hybrid, 2 days in office and 3 days remote, during the non-program season. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery

• Serve as the primary educator for the Eco-Innovators After-school Program and Summer Institute and as supervisor of the program youth staff (College Interns)
• Plan and implement safe and relevant field trips and park visits that incorporate citizen science research, service learning, and guidance by partnering professionals 
• Plan for and implement leadership activities with the Eco-Innovators youth staff, including opportunities for instruction and guidance on basic job related skills

Pedagogy

• Design and/or adapt engaging, inquiry-based, experiential activities, field trips and project-based curriculum for high school students that are scaffolded and include strong science, advocacy and socio-emotional growth learning
• Plan (or adapt as needed) and implement quantitative and qualitative program evaluation including formative and summative assessments
• Continually investigate and incorporate best practices through professional development in topics such as environmental science and justice, child development, and pedagogy.

Administration and logistics

• Ensure accurate, comprehensive records, and statistics 

• Participate in and form partnerships within citywide coalitions and groups that are relevant to the program
• Nurture partnerships with a portfolio of high schools, and strategically and consistently build relationships with key stakeholders, such as after-school administrators and principals
• Lead outreach efforts for the recruitment and retention of student participants
• Collaborate with coworkers and school partners to clarify and execute clear vision, goals, roles and responsibilities; address challenges and problems; and implement clear communication strategies

• Contribute to the fundraising and marketing processes, as needed
• Represent CPF and Eco-Innovators at conferences, DOE events, and other industry events
• Utilize, maintain, repair, and keep inventory of collective educational tools and equipment
• Contribute to the care and maintenance of the CPF Learn living collection
• Provide logistical support and complete general administrative duties, as needed

REQUIREMENTS  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field with a minimum of two years of teaching experience OR at least four years of related experience in the OST field implementing related outdoor, environmental education
• Broad knowledge of environmental education and citizen science; socio-emotional learning and child development and the general abilities and behavior to be expected from high school youth

• Experience facilitating activities and developing program structure that promote youth and socio-emotional development
• At least one year of experience supervising and providing guidance to program personnel, particularly youth interns
• Demonstrated experience in program administration, evaluation/assessment, and partnership development

• A strong background in inquiry-based methods and developing interdisciplinary curricular materials 
• Demonstrated success working with diverse students, especially youth from low-income communities
• Willingness to work in departmental teams and to contribute to general operational and administrative projects as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive throughout New York City a plus
• Willingness to work outdoors year-round in sometimes inclement weather 
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

*This job description is an approximate description of responsibilities and is not inclusive of all or future functions of this position.

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming New York City parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through arts, environmental education, sports, and community building programs for all New Yorkers. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Community engagement includes Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, which supports and champions a growing network of community leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of our neighborhood parks and the Parks and Open Space Partners-NYC coalition of conservancies and alliances. We also administer the NYC Green Fund, a regranting program for parks and open space nonprofits and grassroots organizations.

We produce SummerStage, the iconic free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC, presenting world-class artists from across the globe and our own neighborhoods on our mainstage in Central Park and in local parks in all five boroughs, and our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and roving PuppetMobile present marionette puppet theater throughout New York City.

We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment through progressive, experiential teaching. Using parks as classrooms, we provide learning experiences and hands-on activities in urban forests, coastal areas, and gardens.

Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. City Parks Foundation does not offer visa sponsorship.