Community Outreach Coordinator

JOB TYPE: Full Time 

LOCATION: Detroit, MI USA 

START DATE: February 2024

SALARY: Commensurate with experience (includes + health, vision, dental, life insurance)

APPLY: Resume and Cover Letter on Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/job/community-outreach-coordinator-9395978f53b4a0b7

Organizational Description: The Greening of Detroit is a 501(c)(3) environmental non-profit organization working with  residents, block clubs, community development corporations, schools, faith-based organizations and  businesses to grow a greener Detroit. Our mission is to support a healthy urban community through trees,  healthy green spaces, environmental education, workforce development, and building community capacity.  Since 1989, we have worked to increase the tree canopy of the City of Detroit. Today, we plant and distribute more than  2,500 trees during 40+ events annually, throughout Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. We work closely with the City of Detroit, through the departments of General Services, Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Neighborhoods. 

Job Description: Our growing department is looking to add a Community Outreach Coordinator to support the engagement of Detroit residents and community groups in the process and decision making of community tree planting(s) within their immediate neighborhood. Each community planting event requires hours of conversations with 10-100 residents over weeks and months, and culminates into a one day planting day.

As a successful candidate, you have a proven track record of community engagement, the ability to combine organizational best practices, great communication and timely record keeping, a positive, and a can-do attitude that seeks to inform, inspire, and support Detroit residents and community groups with tree resources and stewardship. You are also: 

  • Knowledgeable on the scientific and cultural benefits of trees and native plants (i.e. shade, air quality, stormwater management) in light of socio-economic-environmental conditions (i.e. red-lining, historic disinvestment, climate change) and can translate this to a community audience;

  • Pro-active and work closely with the rest of the Green Infrastructure team to communicate resident priorities and concerns early on; 

  • Thorough and work closely with all levels of engaged residents to manage expectations, communicate timelines, support their outreach efforts, etc. In short, this role helps put the “community” in community forestry!

Working hand in hand with the Director and Community Forestry team, you will report to and work with the Volunteer + Community Outreach Manager to help support a fresh, positive, culture of  environmentalism and sustainability at The Greening of Detroit.  

Work Environment: The Community Outreach Coordinator will be based out of The Greening of Detroit’s office, and will meet with community groups throughout Detroit on a regular basis.  Your activities will include community presentations, event tabling, one on one conversations, keeping track of key conversations in a database and any additional campaign support.  These meetings and community events can be during weekends and evenings. 

This role will also include attending all tree plantings in the Spring and Fall seasons. 

Required Education, Experience, Skills: The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Community  Education & Outreach, Environmental Interpretation, and Environmental Science or a related field, and  minimum 2 years work experience. 

Non-degreed candidates with at least 4 years’ experience in the field and have completed some coursework in Education, Community Development or Environmental Science are encouraged to apply. Please include course names and any relevant certifications.  

Progress and achievement are critically important at The Greening of Detroit and the successful candidate will support the organization’s vision for Detroit’s urban forest, environmental education, and stewardship

by putting vision into action. Candidates must also display professionalism, independent judgment and  decision-making ability, self-motivation, and a team mentality.  

Role and Responsibilities: 

Your role as the Community Outreach Coordinator is to support the Community Forestry Program with your unique understanding of the organization’s mission and matching it with the needs and interests of the community around tree planting and stewardship, at the direction of leadership. The Greening of Detroit works with Detroiters of all ages, education levels, income, and abilities, with special focus  on youth, elderly, and the formerly incarcerated. 

Work tasks include:  

  • Community Outreach (75%) 

    • Building relationships with existing and future community groups through multiple channels, including in person, email, social media, and community relationships.Priority projects will include building out relationships and sites for our Community Tree Planting Program as well as supporting additional city-wide stewardship projects.

      • Being the point of contact for community tree sign ups and organizing information for Foresters

      • Manage community outreach ambassadors program for certain districts 

    • Brainstorming and implementing creative, engaging community-focused environmental  campaigns to reach specific audiences. 

      • Presenting at community meetings about the benefits of trees, our community planting program, and sharing other relevant resources. 

      • Working alongside community groups and block clubs to assist with flyering campaigns for upcoming tree planting projects.

      • Keeping up to date for different tabling events to attend and leading the tabling efforts

      • Designing education and outreach materials to support our programs and pushing them out through different communication channels. Experience in design and social media is a plus.  

    • Providing excellent and timely customer service. 

    • Attending community tree planting events and acting as a liaison between staff, community attendees, and volunteer groups.

    • Support day of registration event logistics at plantings.

  • Communication and Administration (25%) 

    • Attending all weekly GI department meetings in-person.

    • Maintaining detailed records (i.e. Google doc) and expenses for volunteer and community outreach and engagement for grant reporting. 

    • Promote volunteer and community events with community partners. 

  • Additional tasks, as directed by the Director of Green Infrastructure