Community Program Coordinator

Mississippi Park Connection is seeking a full-time Community Program Coordinator. The Community Program Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Community Program Manager in the overall strategy and execution of Mississippi Park Connection’s public programs. The Community Program Coordinator will advance MPC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, build on MPC’s initiatives to engage BIPOC and other historically excluded communities, and develop long-term relationships and collaborations with local government and park leadership. The Community Program Coordinator will provide engaging and nurturing curriculum to guide the Mississippi River Fellows through and beyond their program providing guidance and resources on how to obtain national park service jobs.  

About Mississippi Park Connection (MPC):  

Our Mission:  

Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by stewarding and enriching the life of the river and all those who experience the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.  

Location: Mississippi Park Connection / National Park Service Office – Saint Paul, MN with occasional work-from-home options 

Reports To: Community Program Manager 

Type: Full Time (40 hours/week) 

Salary: $19-$22/hour  

Benefits: Mississippi Park Connection offers generous benefits such as a 401k match (up to 5%), 50% match on health care coverage for you and dependents, paid time off, a $100/month transportation stipend, professional development, and opportunities to use recreational equipment. 

The primary responsibilities of the Community Program Coordinator include: 

Youth development (50% time) 

• In partnership with National Park Service (NPS) staff, recruit, interview, hire, and train 3 to 4 young adults (18 – 25 y.o.) for the Mississippi River Fellowship Program.
• Create a daily programming schedule in coordination with another Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) and NPS staff in the areas of Formal Education, Natural and Cultural Resources Management, Habitat Restoration, and Visitor Services for the Mississippi River Fellows.
• Oversee daily operations of the Mississippi River Fellows and act as the point of contact and supervisor.
• Provide professional development guidance, create, and foster a positive, supportive,  inclusive space belonging for the Mississippi River Fellows.
• Create networking and educational opportunities for the Mississippi River Fellows with other governmental and environmental nonprofit organizations such as Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Valley Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Friends of the Mississippi River, Urban Roots, etc.)
• Prepare the Mississippi River Fellows to deliver river-related education programs to school groups and the public by providing shadowing opportunities, materials, and resources to prepare programs, and practice time.
• Conduct entrance, mid-season, and exit interviews with the Mississippi River Fellows to build relationships, establish support systems, and give and receive feedback from the Fellows, program and staff.
• Reflect and reports on the successes, challenges, and feedback from the season in a written format for supervisors, funders, and future grantors.
• Train and consult Mississippi River Fellows on resume building, interviewing skills, creating a  USA jobs account, and other skills that will prepare them for a GS-5 Park Guide job or similar.

Program coordination (50% time) 

• Plan, prepare, and lead events for BIPOC community members, including activities such as education, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
• In partnership with community partners, advance BIPOC in the Outdoors network to create intentional spaces and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
• Support and engage BIPOC leaders in the community to fulfill needs and requests of participants through co-creation of programs, contracts/honoraria, and program evaluation.
• Develop and maintain programming partnerships with community partners such as Outdoor Afro, Urban Bird Collective, or other similar affinity groups and individuals in developing programs that serve the BIPOC community.
• Plan and organize periodic gatherings for MPC (and NPS) staff that identifies as BIPOC to foster relationship building, healing, learning, support, etc. between team Members.
• Support the MPC development team with grant applications by assisting with grant writing, reporting, etc.
• Conduct end- of- event feedback surveys to collect information on participants experiences, suggestions, and feedback on the event, program, and staff to improve. future programming and aid in grant making and reporting.
• Recruit for events/programs and job openings from BIPOC in the Outdoors participant list, larger BIPOC in the Outdoors Twin Cities group, and by word-of-mouth.

Required qualifications:  

Candidate must have:

• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Strategic mindset.
• Ability to multitask.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Experience training and mentoring staff.
• Experience leading large group discussions to answer questions and remedy complaints.
• Ability to create and nurture effective communication within the organization.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Experience in managing budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to plan programs from start to finish, including identifying processes, deadlines, and milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets.
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in parks and recreation, art, business administration, or combination.
• Proven experience as program coordinator or other position with demonstrated ability to hire and motivate staff.
• Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods and the ability to teach those skills to others.
• ACA Canoe Safety Certification.
• MOCC Motorboat Operation Certification.
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Skilled in Fishing, Paddling, Foraging or Plant Identification.

To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and references to Devin Brown at dbrown@parkconnection.org by 3/25/2024 to be considered.

The Official Nonprofit Partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area:  

As the official nonprofit organization dedicated to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, we generate private support and build strategic partnerships to connect people and the river. We enhance critical wildlife habitat and provide one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to get to and on the water – so that present and future generations can experience and learn about the Mississippi River’s only national park. 

Mississippi Park Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

At Mississippi Park Connection, we recognize that our effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, operations, culture, and staffing. MPC is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MPC does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.