Greenway Community Engagement Ambassador

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Position Overview
The Greenway Conservancy is seeking park-based ambassadors who will interact with children and adult visitors, engaging them in art and educational activities and providing them with guidance and information about The Greenway, The Conservancy, Greenway programming and contemporary art. We are looking for people who are passionate about The Greenway and the Boston community, and are comfortable with public speaking. The ideal candidates are playful, professional, and are excited to work with a team to create meaningful experiences for visitors and locals alike!

Community Engagement Ambassadors will primarily be needed from May through early October, though opportunities may be available after that time. We rely on a set shift schedule that provides coverage during busy times of the week and weekend. There will also be some special, one-time shifts that will support special events, activities, and performances.

We are also interested in working with volunteers who would like to take on a larger number of shifts and create a professional experience in the youth development/education field that would be suitable for college credit.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable presence in the park and at events
• Engaging visitors with playful art activities
• Completing measurable observations and visual reporting after each shift to aid the public art program
• Prompt and professional communication with Conservancy staff
• Attendance at training sessions, and understanding of the information provided about The Greenway and our art exhibitions
• Occasionally providing on-site support during events related to our public art program

Qualifications

• Interest in public art, horticulture, community engagement, public spaces, informal education, visitor communication, urban livability, or related fields.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to engage with park visitors; experience working with a range of ages and knowledge of other languages are a plus.
• Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor and a commitment to providing a positive experience for our park guests.
• Ability to work outside in varying climates, to move equipment including a rolling kiosk and program materials, and to stand for an extended period of time.
• Ability to commit to a minimum of 6 hours per month; preference is given to those who can commit to the entire season (3+ months), though shorter-term commitments (2+ months) can be negotiated.
• All volunteers must complete a general orientation as well as specialized and periodic training on our exhibitions, and must follow our volunteer policies at all times.
• Must have email and internet access, as this will be the primary means of scheduling and communication.

Benefits

• Be a part of a great team of volunteers and interact with Greenway Conservancy staff and partners, including artists, performers, and Boston arts professionals.
• Participate in the benefits of the Greenway Volunteer Program, including a summer Volunteer and Member picnic, and other special gifts depending on accumulated hours
• Exclusive opportunities to tour other local organizations and be included in special events and continued education opportunities
• Further develop valuable visitor service, public presentation, and arts education skills as part of an innovative and impactful public art program.
• Opportunity to gain college credit and/or fulfill community service requirements, when applicable.
• Opportunities to develop new relationships and new networks.

Details
This position reports to Isabel Smith Volunteer and Programs Coordinator, and works very closely with Sheila Novak, the Public Art Project Manager and PhuongDuy Tran, Senior Programs Coordinator. Volunteers work in set shift schedules, providing coverage during busy times of the week.

Volunteers are required to attend two in person training sessions, and will be invited to attend additional continued education opportunities throughout the season.

Volunteers will be provided with and asked to wear an apron identifying them as an Community Engagement Ambassador. Otherwise we ask that volunteers wear casual but professional clothing appropriate for the outdoors.

All Volunteers will be asked to sign a Volunteer Waiver and The Greenway Volunteer Code of Conduct prior to volunteering.

Application Process
Recruitment for 2020 will open in March and volunteers will be interviewed starting soon after. Training sessions will happen in the spring and early summer and preference is given to volunteers that can commit to these sessions. To apply, please fill out the online Art Ambassador application available on our website. www.rosekennedygreenway.org/volunteer