Position: PROGRAM COORDINATOR
About: An exciting opportunity to work for the Forest Preserves of Cook County in the department of Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) to fulfill the department’s mission to connect people to nature through experiences that build lifelong relationships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the natural world. The Program Coordinator works under supervision and direction of the CEP Management Team and assumes responsibility for all aspects of the District’s engagement offerings, including seasonal events, outdoor nature-based recreation, youth development programming, partnership development, community outreach, and campground programming around the County. The Coordinator Provides leadership and mentorship to an engagement team of five and their work planning, implementing, and evaluating nature-based and outdoor recreation programs and partnerships in a specific zone (e.g. north, central, or south) or program area (e.g. campgrounds or outreach) or other work location as assigned. In addition, is responsible for assisting with the development of a recruitment process and supervision of year-round and seasonal staff. Serves as a Team Lead and works with other team leads and leadership of the CEP Department to develop systems, processes, and activities that help the District deliver community engagement and programming to further the Forest Preserves mission. Serves as a District liaison to the community and programming partners, and other contractors. In addition, performs delegated tasks in managing the delivery of recreational and nature-based programs and services and partnership development and liaison work throughout the District and exercises initiative and independent judgment in the general management and supervision of assigned duties. This specific posting is for the Program Coordinator of the South Zone Team.
Requirements: Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 4 years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, or other similar programming OR an associate’s degree in education, natural or environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, business or arts administration, urban planning, communications or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 6 years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation or other similar programming OR a high-school diploma or GED AND at least 10 years of work experience in education, nature education, outdoor recreation, or other similar programming. Must possess valid driver’s license.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, Basic Term Life Insurance, Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time, You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
