The Tiger Creek Preserve (TCP) Outreach and Volunteer Specialist (Specialist) is part of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Stewardship and Field Department’s (SAF) Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). The position works under the supervision of the Tiger Creek Preserve Manager and is based at the 4,980-acre TCP in Babson Park, FL but will support programs throughout Central Florida (CFL). They are part of SAF’s CFL Conservation Program team. SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species control, wetland/upland restoration) across Florida and stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves.

The Outreach and Volunteer Specialist will be responsible for maintaining existing and creating new volunteer initiatives and community outreach programs and supporting other functions and conservation priorities of CCI/TCP. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select and strategic venues and partnerships, may serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, and inspire people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways. Although this position supports educational events such as class visits and training, their primary focus is on outreach experiences associated with TCP.

The Specialist will help develop and/or support community outreach activities including the volunteer program and educational activities for Tiger Creek Preserve in Babson Park, Florida. The specialist will join a cohort of Specialists at Disney Wilderness and Blowing Rocks Preserves to build programs across the campuses. This opportunity has a full-time work schedule of 35 hours per week, Tuesday – Saturday, and will involve occasional evening and holiday work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Outreach and Volunteer Specialist will be responsible for maintaining existing and creating new volunteer initiatives and community outreach programs and supporting other functions and conservation priorities of CCI/TCP. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select and strategic venues and partnerships, may serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, and inspire people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways. Although this position supports educational events such as class visits and training, their primary focus is on outreach experiences associated with TCP.

The Outreach and Volunteer Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of a strategic community engagement program aimed at:

• increasing the Conservancy’s visibility,
• increasing the impact of the Center for Conservation Initiatives,
• engaging a broader constituency in support of conservation,
• engaging those who are interested in conservation but not yet familiar with the Conservancy, and
• inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders and supporters.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Community Outreach (40%) – Develop and facilitate on- and off-site community outreach programs

• Coordinate existing on-site community engagement such as visitor hiking and buggy tours, recreational use, and other outreach programs.
• Work with supervisor to develop new opportunities for on-site community engagement at TCP.
• Represents CCI/TCP and TNC at community cultural events.
• Develop temporary and permanent interpretive signage and displays for the TCP office and visitor use areas such as preserve trails.
• Coordinate use of TCP site and meeting room for meetings, trainings, and other events.
• Willingness to travel for outreach and education events as needed.
• Documents/photographs outreach events for reporting/presentation needs and develops metrics to determine outreach impact.
• Works with supervisor to identify and seek funding grants to enhance outreach programs for CCI/TCP.
• Works as a team member with other CCI preserve campuses’ outreach/volunteer staff on increasing CCI’s outreach efforts and programs.

TCP Volunteer Program (35%) – Coordinate a comprehensive volunteer program at TCP

• Manage all aspects of a volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, reporting, volunteer appreciation, and enrichment opportunities.
• Supervise volunteers engaged in outreach and administrative activities.
• Coordinate with other TCP staff such as the Land Conservation Manager and Maintenance Specialist regarding stewardship, science, and maintenance-based volunteer opportunities.
• May supervise part-time or seasonal staff, live-on-site volunteers, and interns.
• Ensure that the administrative requirements of the volunteer program comply with TNC policies and procedures.
• Responsible for oversight of volunteers’ youth safety program qualifications.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Manage activities within budget, evaluate results, and develop corrective or adaptive strategies as needed.

General Duties (15%) – Assist with general preserve operations and office duties

• Assist with preserve operations.
• Answer general visitor questions in-person and over the phone.
• Serve as main point of contact and coordinator for TNC’s and external parties’ meetings and events at TCP.
• Ability to develop and manage projects and budgets and report and analyze results.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and physical exertion and/or strain.
• Willingness to travel and work select evenings, holidays, and/or weekends, as needed.

Education support (10%) – Provide support for educational & training events at TCP

• Provides support with other TCP staff for school visits and training events which may involve tours, presentations, and logistical assistance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, environmental education, business or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
• Experience writing and editing.
• Experience in marketing arena.
• Experience in communication and public speaking.
• Project Management experience.
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
• Experienced in community relations or relationship building

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience serving as “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
• Experience developing mission-based programs for a range of ages and demographics.
• Experience working with communities conservation organizations have failed to previously engage.
• Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring strategic outreach plans and programs.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation and public relations.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteer management and training experience.
• Facility in English and Spanish