Park Partner Program Manager

The Neighborhood Parks Council and San Francisco Parks Trust are now one, combining the best in advocacy and philanthropy to grow, sustain, and enhance parks and recreation for all.

Position Overview:

The San Francisco Parks Alliance (SFPA) seeks a seasoned capital project management professional to administer a highly productive Park Partner Program. The person in this position will play a pivotal part in translating community- initiated programs and projects into successful public park improvements by leading collaboration with City agencies and empowering neighborhood volunteers. In addition, he or she will manage a staff of 2, report to the Director of Policy & Stewardship, and partner closely with every member of the staff, as well as many external stakeholders.

Benefits and Opportunities:

• Participate in developing a Park Partner Program for SFPA with increased capacity and impact, resulting in improved parks and engaged neighborhoods citywide
• Opportunity to build new models for collaboration with City agencies that manage park land or that could develop new park land
• Opportunity to forge close working relationships with park volunteers around San Francisco and help them realize their dreams for their parks
• Opportunity to create meaningful improvements to our public open space through capital projects and programming
• Collaborate with the Director of Policy & Stewardship and the program team to further deepen the connection between the Park Partner Program and SFPA's mission
• Maximize SFPA's potential as a driver of philanthropic support for the City's parks and open space needs through fiscal sponsorship

Responsibilities:

Project Management (60% time allocation):

Manage individual park improvement or activation projects (events, programming, education) in conjunction with Park Partners and the City including:

• Lead contract negotiation and execution on behalf of SFPA with guidance from SFPA legal counsel and senior staff
• Assess projects for risk management issues and ensure proper accommodation occurs
• Ensure Park Partners are successfully leading budget development and management
• Ensure project schedule, approvals, permits and milestones tracking is in place and appropriate
• Support concept design development and review for capital projects, connect Park Partners to professional services as appropriate
• Ensure appropriate outreach and public engagement occurs for projects
• Provide training and support to new and existing park partner groups to navigate complex City processes
• Serve as a coach, mentor, and trainer to our 125 fiscally sponsored Park Partners, and where warranted, coordinate their fundraising activities with those of SFPA proper in conjunction with the Director of Development, Executive Director and other SFPA staff.

Staff Management (20% time allocation):

• Manage the Park Partner staff; the Manager of Park Partner Finance and Park Partner Account Manager
• Coordinate the Director of Policy & Stewardship's involvement in program oversight, with an emphasis on contract negotiations, risk assessment and relationship building

Provide guidance to Park Partner projects overseen by program staff as needed Program Administration (20% time allocation):

• Serve as the primary point of contact and communication within SFPA to ensure all staff are well informed and connected to the program
• Develop and implement effective program systems
• Increase program efficiency and innovate service delivery in order to grow the program

Qualifications:

Skills and Capabilities Required:

• Track record of success in project management, with an emphasis on public projects or capital projects including approval processes
• Track record in managing contract negotiations and execution
• Track record of managing budgets and delivering complete projects on budget
• Seasoned skills in hiring, managing and mentoring staff and volunteers
• Experience designing and producing outreach events and public engagement opportunities or in community organizing
• Experience with risk management strongly preferred
• Experience collaborating with local government and other civic officials strongly preferred

Behavioral Competencies Required:

• Interpersonal skills
• Flexibility
• Staff management
• Building collaborative relationships
• Developing others

Experience Required:

• Experience in the nonprofit sector via employment and/or volunteer service strongly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Self-directed, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to lift 30 pounds from floor to table height
• Ability to move freely in both parks and construction sites
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Strategic thinking
• Problem solving
• Professional judgment
• Public speaking
• At minimum, 3 or more years of progressive experience in project management

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Preference is given to applicants with degrees in landscape design, urban planning or certification in project management

Compensation: Highly competitive salary will be offered. We offer excellent benefits and a collegial working environment. We are committed to workplace diversity. This is a full-time salaried exempt position (flexible schedule).

Location: Park Partner Program Manager is to work out of our office located in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood. Travel: Travel within the City will take place a few times a week.

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please email a PDF document that includes both your cover letter, including your recent salary history, and resume. Please title the email "Park Partner Program Manager (last name)." This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.

SFPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color and military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.