Oakland Planning & Development Corporation Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) builds a better Oakland through job placement services, neighborhood preservation and investment programs, resident volunteer efforts and community engagement. LEADS Program Overview OPDC supports a variety of greening initiatives throughout the neighborhood. For the 2011 growing season, OPDC will implement a Summer Youth Greening Program. This program will be called LEADS: Learning Environmental and Developmental Sustainability. Out of this program will come the Oakland Green Team, a group of youth whose focus will be on the planning and maintenance of various Oakland green spaces. The Green Team will be made up of a group of 10-12 motivated Oakland youth, ages 14-17. The goals of the LEADS program are for participants to gain skills and expertise in greening and to teach them how good greening practices impact community health. LEADS Program Coordinator Position The OPDC Program Coordinator will be responsible for the organization of the LEADS program, communication between partner organizations and OPDC, communication with the Oakland community at large, as well as the attendance of youth and any other general administrative tasks. This is a part-time, temporary position starting at no more than 10 hours a month in the Winter/Spring and increasing to 25 hours a week in the summer. The Program Coordinator will report to OPDC’s Community Organizer. Duration and Compensation: February – November; 10 hours a month in the Winter/Spring and 20-25 hours a week in the Summer. The Program Coordinator will be paid $11 an hour; this is a part-time position with no benefits.
Qualifications: -
Past experience working with youth in a leadership, educational or mentoring capacity Be flexible, self-motivated, able to problem-solve and work independently Strong organizational and leadership skills Able to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including local residents and partner organizations Has demonstrated ability of project management Basic knowledge of gardening and greening practices Enjoys working outdoors; not afraid to get dirty Interested in learning more about program development, management and evaluation Knowledge or interest in community organizing; awareness of social and economic barriers Familiarity of Oakland is preferred, but not required Must have or be willing to get Act 33/34 Clearances
Tasks: -
Outreach and build relationships with local partner organizations; coordinate with partner organizations to build LEADS 2011 curriculum and workshop schedule Communicate and build relationships with the youth, their families and the Oakland community at large Facilitate youth leadership development through various activities, modeling good leadership skills and encouraging the youth to take on various roles and responsibilities Manage the day-to-day administrative tasks of the Greening Stewards Program including taking youth attendance and any needed paperwork Accompanying youth on all field trips, be present at every activity; ensure the youth’s safety in all situations.
Training: OPDC will provide free First Aid and CPR training through our JobLinks program. The Program Coordinator is also required to attend the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Urban EcoStewards Crew Leader Training in February; can attend additional workshops through this program as needed throughout the season. How to apply: Please address the cover letter to Tara Sherry-Torres and send it, along with a resume, to staff@opdc.org; we will be accepting applications until the position is filled.