The Summer Programs & Marketing Assistant is an essential member of the Programs team in primarily assisting, as well as in promoting, engaging programs and events with the Esplanade Association (EA). Reporting to the Programs Manager, this position will support the Programs team in the execution of high-season public programs and events, with a special focus on marketing production and distribution, in collaboration with the Design & Communications Coordinator. Specifically, this assistant will enhance the organization’s visibility through event promotion via social media, web, list-serv and in-print signage and posters. With direction from the Programs Manager, this assistant will design text, image and video-based content that follows EA’s Communication’s guidelines, with the department’s goal of increasing program engagement by 10%. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the recognition and reach of programs that define EA’s mission of “Making life better on the Esplanade for all.”
About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):
Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of
and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 100 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; 150 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain and the Community Boating docks; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the forthcoming Gronk Playground in 2025; plans underway to introduce a new building and two-acre landscape improvement at Charlesbank Landing that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join a growing, impactful and community-engaged non-profit.
Responsibilities:
Programs & Events (60%)
- Serve as a welcoming, friendly, and helpful representative of EA in the park
- Set-up, staff, and clean-up for public programs (e.g., ensure signage and equipment are in place, manage sign-in sheets and waivers, make general announcements as needed, etc.)
- Assist at a marquee fundraising event: the Summer Dock Party on Thursday, July 16
- Assist at the signature event: Community Day on Sunday, May 31st
- Support Programs Manager in inventory and supply management
- Maintain engagement data collected from participant surveys & in-park engagement collection initiatives, organizing and tracking trends for further analysis
- Research programming opportunities and prospective partnerships for the EA Programs Department
- Develop educational resources and materials, in collaboration with the Volunteer & Sustainability Coordinator
Marketing— (40%)
- Post programs & events to online community calendars and oversee the tracking of coverage for events
- Support physical flyering and outreach to promote programming season and EA including tracking of locations
- Create Facebook event pages for programs and events
- Manage Google Calendar of programs & events
- Develop and maintain event registration pages for programs and events
- Take photos at events and programs for social media marketing use including uploading and organizing
- Maintain collateral at EA info tables
- Develop program collateral and materials that will be used for physical and online promotion
- Support social media channels and content: schedule & draft posts for review by the Senior Manager of External Relations & Culture
- Support in coordinating opportunities for public engagement to promote EA programs & events and the organization; including staffing these opportunities as needed
- Perform other duties as directed or as needed
Qualifications:
- Familiarity with cultural & recreational programs and events, including health, fitness, music and youth is preferred
- Fluency with Microsoft Office suite and Canva or similar software is required
- Ability to take high-quality photos and videos with personal phone is essential
- Exceptional organizational skills, with strong attention-to-detail and follow-through skills
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of responsibilities simultaneously, with a proactive and adaptive approach to problem solving, and a team-oriented and positive attitude
- Comfortable delivering information to large groups and public speaking and a customer service mentality
- Clear and polished writing, editing, and internet research skills
- Environmentally conscious and a passion for parks, recreation, and open space a plus!
Logistics:
- This is a paid position with sick time benefits. Compensation will be $20/hour.
- This is a 15-week seasonal position running from mid-May through August 22, with some flexibility on the start and end dates. There may also be an opportunity to extend the role through September on a reduced schedule.
- From mid-May–July 10, the schedule will generally follow a Monday–Friday workweek. From July 14–August 22, the schedule will shift to Tuesday–Saturday to support weekend programming. Work hours will correspond with programs and events during the high season.
- Must have a valid US driver’s license and be able to drive a golf cart and must be at least 18 years of age.
- Willingness to work in both an indoor and outdoor setting.
- Work will require applicant to bend, reach, carry, climb, and lift 40 lbs. as necessary to perform assigned duties.
- Applicants are subject to a Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life occurrences.
Application Process:
- Follow this link to apply: https://esplanade-association.careerplug.com/jobs/3300773
- Please include a resume, a cover letter that answers this question: “What is one of your favorite public greenspaces and why?” and 3 references from roles withing the past 3 years.
The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.
