NY Sun Works is a non-profit organization that builds innovative science labs in NYC public schools. Through our Greenhouse Project Initiative we use hydroponic farming technology to educate students and teachers about the science of sustainability. We envision a generation of environmental innovators empowered to create solutions to global resource challenges.

Summary:

NY Sun Works seeks a School Community Engagement Coordinator to implement and further develop our community engagement strategy in our network of partner schools. We are looking for someone who will collaborate with our team of directors to ensure consistent messaging and help bring our school events to the next level of programmatic needs. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate they can effectively and respectfully work with a variety of school staff, from teachers to administration.

A successful Community Engagement Program will include events that are useful, practical, replicable and accessible to a diverse set of school environments.

These events are meant to ensure the use of fresh and bountiful produce grown in the greenhouse classroom by the immediate community or communities in need. In addition, many of the Greenhouse Classrooms are funded through grants. These events offer the opportunity to connect and engage all parties involved.

Responsibilities:

• Travel to partner schools across all five boroughs.
• Independently design a calendar that will involve one event per school and will include in-person partner meetings and virtual/facetime meetings, in addition to email correspondence.
• Offer timely and effective communication between necessary parties, i.e. school representatives (such as admin, teacher, or parent committee), donors, elected officials, and the appropriate NY Sun Works staff.
• Initial emphasis will center on developing plans for Ribbon Cutting and other events at new partner schools.
• Offer guidance and in-person assistance on events (such as farm stands, cooking demos, and crop donations) at established schools.
• Work under the guidance of the Director of Development and Communications on school events sponsored by donors.
• Coordinate with Director of CEA Operations and Maintenance Team (hydroponic farm specialists) to ensure crop quality, technical support, or other needs are met and lab is ready for presentation at school events.
• Coordinate with Director of Education programs to ensure the age appropriateness and education impact of the materials used in school events.
• Collect information and report on event outcomes to inform future planning.
• Facilitate storytelling efforts as they relate to school events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in a relevant field, Associate Degree will be considered with relevant experience
• Community organizing experience
• Event planning experience
• Passion for sustainability and environmental education initiatives
• Familiarity with NYC public school system is required, familiarity with UFT is a plus
• Strong communication and independent management skills
• Attention to detail with strong organizational, analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic work environment and work where needed
• Willingness to travel to all 5 boroughs