Community Engagement Specialist in Chicago, Illinois at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
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Job Description
Title: Community Engagement Specialist
Department: Public Engagement
Reports to: Sr Director Public Engagement
Background:
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) was formed in 1995 and incorporated in 1998 as a private, non-profit organization committed to the restoration and revitalization of the Garfield Park Conservatory. While the Conservatory is owned and operated by the Chicago Park District, GPCA is responsible for developing and funding quality programs and events, promoting community engagement and enhancing visitor services. In its 28 years, the Alliance has facilitated exponential growth, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors in 2025.
Position Summary:
The Community Engagement Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Carry out and ensure the continued relevance of the organization’s logic model for community engagement
- Engage current and new community partners in programming utilizing a community-centered model
- Expand current outreach programs
- Lead the Community Advisory Board and carry out recommendations from quarterly meetings
- Collaborate and connect with staff in all departments to improve community connectedness
- Evaluate the impact of GPCA’s community engagement efforts
Position Responsibilities:
Centering Community:
- Serve as staff liaison to the Community Advisory Board comprised of 10 community members with regular meetings to provide a feedback loop for the community and GPCA.
- Maintain and add to the community stakeholder list for communications and updates.
- Build on foundation of established community engagement; work towards short- and long-term goals for continued improvement and growth.
- Communicate with community liaisons about programs and opportunities with GPCA regularly via email, text, and phone.
- Represent GPCA at community events and meetings, work to ensure alignment in scope and timing of community meetings.
- Work with community stakeholders and development department on expanding community membership program.
- Host town halls to update community members and provide open-ended feedback from the community (programs and community partnerships).
- Assess current and potential locations to drop flyers; organize regular drop-offs with support of staff.
- Build upon the outreach event plan and calendar that supports community endeavors and shares GPCA resources; recruit staff to assist at outreach events.
Internal Collaborations:
- Collaborate with leadership to develop strategy for GPC&G space usage for community led events.
- Collaborate with programs staff to create a process for community feedback on current and proposed programming.
- Collaborate with the Exhibits Manager to ensure exhibits and printed collateral represent and appeal to the community.
- Connect community members and staff to collaborate on programming, events, and recruiting for open positions.
- Collaborate with staff to build upon and develop new relationships with local, non-profits, faith-based organizations and other community-led groups.
- Develop a framework to review programs for community inclusivity and accessibility.
- Work with Social Media Specialist to tell stories about community connections and showcase community members, including Community Advisory Board and Youth Advisory Council members.
- Inform grant opportunities for community engagement and/or community elements of programming/events.
Other: Location & Schedule:
- Other duties as assigned
- Some nights or weekends required
- The location for this position is on-site at the Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens
- Working on-site you may be exposed to live insects or critters due to the abundance of living plants housed throughout the Conservatory & Gardens
- Work on select evenings and weekends as needed
- This role involves primarily desk-based work
- During outreach, this role may involve transporting materials (up to 15 pounds)
*** We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support employees in performing essential job functions ***
Qualifications:
- Priority for applicants who currently or formerly reside in Garfield Park for at least 3 years; secondary priority for applicants who currently or formerly reside in North Lawndale, West Humboldt Park and Austin for at least 3 years.
- Experience with community outreach, organizing, or developing community focused programs.
- Strong relationship-building skills; excellent organizational and time management skills required.
- Must be an enthusiastic and charismatic representative of our organization and love working with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
- Experience with Microsoft Office is a plus; training will be provided.
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind.
GPCA is committed to equal employment opportunities for all and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GPCA are based on the organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. GPCA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. GPCA encourages applicants of all ages.