About Us
North Branch Nature Center’s mission is Connecting People with the Natural World. We envision a world where people of all ages learn, teach, and play together in nature, supporting healthy, resilient communities and ecosystems. More than 15,000 people visit North Branch Nature Center (NBNC) annually to be immersed in the natural world through environmental education, natural history, and community science programs. Our 28-acre preserve of forest and fields is nestled in a gentle bend of the North Branch of the Winooski River, just two miles from downtown Montpelier, Vermont, and is also popular as a year-round place to walk, ski, swim, or simply to do nothing beside the river.
The Position
NBNC is adding a new full-time position, Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC). We believe that all people deserve access to nature and nature education, and are actively working to address the barriers that exist to making that a reality.
The CEC will play a central role in expanding NBNC’s relationships with the wide range of diverse communities that make up Central Vermont. Historically, NBNC has under-engaged Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, rural, immigrant, disabled, LGBTQIA+, and other communities and organizations. The ideal candidate for this position has existing relationships with the communities above and is excited to build new ones with other communities.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with members of the program and administrative teams, the CEC will focus on increased community engagement, program development and growth, and access, equity, and inclusion in all our nature-based programs and organizational initiatives. The CEC will deepen NBNC’s existing external community partnerships and develop new collaborations locally and beyond. The CEC will play a key role both administratively – in program development and design – and in the field and community, implementing those programs and doing community outreach.
Responsibilities will include:
- Cultivate and deepen relationships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, rural, immigrant, disabled, LGBTQIA+, and other communities and organizations we haven’t engaged historically.
- Develop and launch innovative new nature connection programs, events, and volunteer engagement opportunities designed to reach, welcome, and meet the needs of new participants across our service area.
- Attend community and organization events to cultivate relationships with existing and potential NBNC partners.
- Work with NBNC board and staff to increase outreach, access, and representation across board, staff, programs, and participants.
- Support and inform organizational strategies and initiatives to reach JEDI goals identified during and since the creation of NBNC’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan.
Qualifications
- A passion for NBNC’s mission of Connecting People with the Natural World.
- 3+ years of experience in project/program coordination and/or 3+ years of experience working with marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, rural, and historically under-resourced communities. We recognize lived experience as part of this experience.
- Demonstrated ability to engage communities; motivate, collaborate, and negotiate with diverse individuals and groups; and develop and maintain reciprocal and respectful relationships and partnerships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to utilize computers and technology efficiently.
Compensation and Benefits: $45,760 starting salary. Benefits package includes health insurance, paid holidays, paid sick time, and paid leave. It also includes a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, NBNC program fee waivers, pro deals, and a flexible work-from-home/office policy.
Job status: Full time, exempt, year-round position.
Reports to: NBNC Executive Director.
Supervises: No supervisory duties.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Naomi Heindel, naomi@northbranchnaturecenter.org. Position open until filled, with an ideal start date on or before January 1, 2023.
JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) at North Branch Nature Center
We are committed to making our natural areas, our organization, and our entire community a more inclusive and equitable place. Steps taken to date are detailed here. Welcoming a new Community Engagement Coordinator marks a key moment of strategic growth for NBNC. We are excited to take our JEDI work to the next level together.