EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Keep Omaha Beautiful (KOB) is a small, environmental nonprofit organization that dates back to 1959. The organization is committed to promoting community and environmental stewardship throughout Omaha and has three primary focus areas: waste reduction, community beautification, and environmental education. Currently, KOB is looking for someone to coordinate the organization’s environmental education and community outreach efforts. This skilled individual will serve as the organization’s environmental education specialist while also providing support for some of KOB’s nonacademic programs and special events. The role is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, and the employee will report directly to the Executive Director.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and conduct interactive presentations/activities with youth and adults in local K-12 schools and at community-based events on topics related to environmental stewardship and sustainability
• Research and incorporate innovative instructional strategies and environmental education curriculum that help satisfy K-12 academic standards
• Design and integrate service learning opportunities to expand KOB’s environmental education efforts beyond the classroom
• Identify and foster partnerships with Omaha schools, neighborhood associations, civic groups, nonprofit organizations, and companies to help improve and expand KOB’s community outreach efforts and programs
• Assist with grant writing and reporting for KOB’s environmental education and outreach efforts
• Coordinate special events and logistics for some of KOB’s nonacademic programs
• Assist with recruiting and coordinating volunteers for KOB service projects and programs

There will also be other duties as assigned. KOB is a small nonprofit, which necessitates employees wearing numerous hats and embracing an all-hands-on-deck approach. Even though this individual will serve as the organization’s environmental education specialist and spend the bulk of his/her time on education and outreach efforts, the ideal candidate will enjoy a diversity of responsibilities and embrace new duties as they emerge.

Required Abilities, Characteristics, Knowledge, & Skills

• Extremely passionate about environmental education and promoting environmental stewardship in Omaha
• Strong understanding of K-12 academic standards, curriculum design, and research-based instructional strategies that address the needs of students with different learning styles
• Able to work effectively with youth and adults in a teaching and training capacity
• Strong grasp of service learning and how to combine classroom instruction with meaningful community service
• Talented at public speaking and comfortable presenting to diverse groups of all sizes and ages
• Skilled at community networking and developing successful partnerships
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with staff, donors, volunteers, organizational partners, program participants, and the public
• Highly organized and incredible attention to detail
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Dedicated to consistently producing professional, high-quality work
• Able to think critically and problem solve independently when issues arise
• Committed to learning new skills, engaging in professional development, and staying up-to-date on developments in environmental education and local sustainability issues
• Tech savvy and willing to adopt and learn new software and digital-based processes
• Flexible and open to change
• Skilled at working cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment
• Able to prioritize and manage multiple duties and tasks simultaneously
• Skilled at using Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
• KOB is committed to active transportation options, but the candidate must have a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle
• Must be able to work in an office environment with potential for long hours in front of a computer, while still being able to stand and work at community events
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in K-12 education, environmental science, sustainability, communication, nonprofit management, or other relevant field
• At least three years working in a professional setting; ideally, this professional experience has involved classroom teaching, community outreach, educational program management, and/or marketing

Additional Preferences (not required, but a definite plus)

• Certified teacher (elementary or secondary)
• Experience working with well-respected environmental education curriculum, such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, and/or Project WET
• Familiarity with writing grants and completing grant reports
• Experience recruiting and managing large groups of volunteers
• Past involvement with special event planning (especially related to educational and community outreach events)
• Familiarity with the local nonprofit sector and community resources
• Knowledge and experience with sustainable landscapes, sustainable horticulture, and/or permaculture
• Specialized training in specific sustainability-related topics

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time (40 hours/week) with periodic evening or weekend work (community events)
• Competitive compensation based on talents, skills, and experience
• Attractive benefits package that includes flexible work schedule arrangements, a health insurance stipend, generous paid time off, an allotment for professional development, and life insurance

Application Process

• Please forward your tailored resume and cover letter to Chris Stratman at HelloKOB@cityofomaha.org with Education & Community Outreach Coordinator in the subject line
• Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled

Summary

We are looking for someone with the right talents, potential, and commitment to our mission – an individual who is passionate about environmental education and committed to promoting environmental stewardship. This individual believes in Omaha’s potential and how it can become a more vibrant and sustainable city. The right candidate wants to work hard, be innovative, and contribute to a team that is committed to having a lasting and meaningful impact on our community and environment. We also expect this individual to be a skilled instructor, highly organized, problem solve independently, demonstrate excellent writing and interpersonal skills, and be eager to continuously learn. Although the primary function of the job is to educate and inspire Omaha residents to be environmental stewards, there is ample opportunity to grow in this position and to take on different responsibilities. Our plan is to tailor the role to the strengths and interests of the selected candidate and modify the position as the individual develops professionally. If this sounds like you, please consider joining our team and helping us grow the organization!