Seasonal Waterfront Ambassadors Program Manager - Boston

Description

About The Organization:  

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000 acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.  

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places.  With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties.  Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.   

The Trustees Waterfront Ambassadors is a meaningful youth employment program based in East Boston focusing on engaging the local community on waterfront issues. Ambassadors learn about the mission of The Trustees and the Boston Waterfront Initiative, and how it relates to their neighborhoods and communities. Ambassadors also learn about the work being done in East Boston and across the city on waterfront issues such as climate resilience, green infrastructure, and public access. Each summer the Ambassadors also collaborate with other local harbor-focused and environmental organizations and programs in Greater Boston, as well as completing a variety of job-readiness and other enrichment sessions. The Program Manager has the opportunity to provide input into the program planning process to ensure an exciting mix of experiential opportunities for the Ambassadors.   

Position Summary:  

The Trustees Waterfront Ambassadors Program Manager is a seasonal position that provides training, supervision, and mentoring for young people working on community outreach as well as climate change- and waterfront-related projects in Boston, with a focus on East Boston. We are looking for someone who can begin work part-time in mid-April, switching to full-time in early June through late August. Much of the pre-season work can be done remotely, while the 7-week program run in July and August requires in-person work. The Waterfront Ambassadors Program staff consists of 12 youth, a Program Manager, and an Assistant Program Manager. The ideal candidate is a Boston resident with community outreach/organizing experience, knowledge of climate change and waterfront issues, and experience working with high-school aged youth. The Program Manager will be enthusiastic about the mission of The Trustees and the Boston Waterfront Initiative, and sharing that mission with the youth we employ as well as with the community. The Waterfront Ambassadors program is based primarily in East Boston and at The Trustees Boston office at 200 High Street, but the program will also travel to various waterfront locations and neighborhoods. 

Pay Rate: $23.00-$25.00 per hour 

In This Role You Will:  

Essential Functions: 

• Work collaboratively with and under the direction of Boston Waterfront Initiative (BWI) and Urban Outdoors staff  

• Manage logistics pertaining to Waterfront Ambassador work plan, ie: finalize weekly work schedule, project planning, communication with partners, inventory order of supplies, personnel support and payroll tasks for Ambassadors  

• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard youth as Ambassadors in coordination with BWI and Urban Outdoors staff and Trustees HR 

• Work with BWI and Urban Outdoors staff to finalize program partnership logistics and scheduling, in collaboration with a variety of external partners. 

• Manage Waterfront Ambassadors program budget under guidance of supervisor—including tracking program expenses, purchases, and partner stipend payments 

• Work collaboratively with and provide direction for Waterfront Ambassadors Assistant Program Manager in their role of supporting the program’s facilitation 

• Work collaboratively with and under the direction of Boston Waterfront Initiative staff and other Trustees staff as necessary to refine, expand, create, and carry out community outreach, waterfront, and climate change curriculum 

• Coordinate and lead daily program activities  

• Manage and oversee twelve Ambassadors between the ages of 15 and 18 

• Provide leadership development and mentoring for Ambassadors   

• Set and maintain clear expectations for work attendance, language, and behavior 

• Lead teambuilding, journaling, group discussions and reflection activities  

• Educate youth about the Boston Waterfront Initiative and foster a deeper connection between young people, Boston Harbor, and their community 

• Deliver formal and informal environmental education lessons, or connect with partners and resources to provide this material 

• Serve as a role model by setting a positive example and representing The Trustees, the Boston Waterfront Initiative, and the Waterfront Ambassadors program to the public 

• Work closely with community partners in East Boston and beyond 

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation 

Qualifications

Qualifications:  

• Experience working with and positively motivating youth  

• A background or experience in community outreach/organizing, environmental education, and/or youth development 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and unsupervised, as well as part of a close-knit team 

• Proven success building a team, including conflict resolution and leadership skills 

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills 

• Enjoy working both outdoors and indoors  in fast paced, multi-generational, multi-cultural setting 

• Enthusiastic about the mission of the Trustees’ Boston Waterfront Initiative 

• Preferred candidates will have familiarity with the East Boston neighborhood 

• Spanish-speaking skills a plus 

Other Requirements:  

• CORI/SORI background check required  

• Occasional weekend work required  

Work environment—The Waterfront Ambassadors program is an in-person program that takes place primarily outdoors, with some indoor work. 

Physical demands— Outside work may involve moving over rocks or soil, transporting up to 10 lbs., and positioning oneself low to the ground for activities such as gardening and weeding.  

Position type and expected hours of work— This seasonal position begins part time at 20 hours a week in mid April, and switches to full time at 40 hours a week June through late August. Much of the preseason work (prepping for the program) can be done remotely with somewhat flexible hours. The Ambassadors program itself runs from July 1 – August 17. Program hours are roughly 9am-2:30pm Tuesday-Saturday, with some Wednesday evening work. 

The Trustees offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever. 

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team.  We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.