By implementing the Wild Indigo framework for collaboratively designing nature-based educational activities, the coordinator will seek to reestablish lasting connections between communities of color and local natural areas. With guidance from Audubon and local community partners, the Wild Indigo Coordinator will co-design a series of outdoor community events that will target diverse multi-generational audiences. Programs will incorporate community interests and concerns of the community (health, safety, education, and heritage, etc.), to demonstrate links between clean water, healthy fisheries, and birds habitats, while providing opportunities for stewardship and local advocacy. This project builds on Audubon Great Lakes’ wetland restoration efforts. This work focuses on marsh birds – key predators in wetland habitats— as indicators of health and also charismatic species that help visualize for residents environment health in the air, on land, and in our waterways.
This job requires a culturally competent, organized and responsible person who is an excellent communicator that can work effectively as part of a team and independently. The successful applicant must have an enthusiasm for the outdoors a willingness to learn, teach, and share actively with community groups. The position requires travel to community organizations and local natural areas throughout the communities of Detroit, Michigan.
- In collaboration with the Wild Indigo team, design and develop programming that creates strong links between nature, cultural practices, community needs and priorities.
- Facilitate programs, field trips, and stewardship days and presentations that build awareness of Detroit’s natural areas and wetlands. Recruit community members and organizations in priority geographic and cultural communities to engage them in Wild Indigo Nature Exploration programing.
- Build trusting and productive relationships with team members, partner organizations, and community leaders through participation of community events, site visits, field trips, and other activities as defined with the Wild Indigo
- Contribute to messaging materials for priority projects and This includes assisting with content for social media, brochures, handouts, and presentations.
- Maintain organization and participant contact and demographic information in collaboration with Engagement.
- Develop and deliver community presentations that engage individuals and organizations in Wild Indigo activities and goals that connect them to local natural resources and parks.
- Maintain administrative documentation, communicate schedules, use appropriate administrative and program tools, and develop meeting agendas as needed.
- Administer and compile program feedback forms and evaluations.
- Assist with grant writing and reporting and data tracking as requested.
- Connect interested program participants with restoration activities and groups.
- Minimum of one year of relevant job experience in outreach, communication, education or conservation.
- A basic familiarity with birds and native plants of the region.
- An enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
- Excellent communication skills, a professional demeanor, and experience working with diverse cultural communities.
- Must be well‐organized and responsible with the ability to work remotely and independently, as well as part of a team.
- Familiarity with community organizations in Waukegan, North Chicago, and or Zion.
- Travel around Lake County, and within the Chicago metropolitan region is required and occasional travel outside of the Chicago area is required.
- Fluent in Spanish a plus, but not required.