Program Manager, Camden Parks and Greenways

~ The mission of New Jersey Conservation Foundation is to preserve  New Jersey’s land and natural resources for the benefit of all. ~

We protect threatened natural areas and farmland through land acquisition and stewardship, promote strong New Jersey land use policies and forge partnerships to help safeguard water and other natural resources.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation was formed in 1960as the Great Swamp Committee. Within a few years, a small group of citizens successfully fought a plan by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to build the region’s fourth major airport in the middle of the ecologically-critical Great Swamp near Morristown.

This fight led to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge —New Jersey’s first National Wildlife Refuge, and the first federally-designated wilderness east of the Mississippi.

Position Overview 

The Program Manager for Camden Parks and Greenways is responsible for implementation and revitalization of parks and greenways for the City of Camden and surrounding communities.

Organizational Relationship: Reports to Assistant Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and implement all aspects of land acquisition, land stewardship, park development and community collaboration in Camden City and the surrounding region.
• Acquire key greenway connectors and work with partners and community neighborhoods to establish trails.
• Foster collaborative relationships with Camden community groups, including the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, Camden Greenways, the City of Camden, Camden County, Coopers Ferry, the Natural Lands Trust and other public and private groups working on parks and trails.
• Oversee and implement the establishment, management and programming of the new 25‐acre Gateway Park.
• Manage and implement all aspects of the Wm Penn Foundation grant for Camden, maintaining a strong working relationship with the Foundation.
• Provide stewardship and programming support to Camden community members and organizations including Camden Greenways, Camden City, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, Camden County, Coopers Ferry, Natural Lands Trust and State land managers.
• Recruit, train and oversee volunteers and interns to assist with park maintenance and programming.

Other Responsibilities:

• Work with regional and local coalitions toward sustainable land use policies regarding parks, trails and trail connections. These groups include but are not limited to the Circuit Coalition, the Camden Collaborative Initiative, the Camden Green Team, and the East Coast Greenway Alliance.
• Capitalize on creative opportunities to promote  Camden  parks and greenways and further  NJ Conservation’s mission.
• Advocate for the completion of the Delaware River Heritage Trail.
• Seek out new funding sources to support land protection and stewardship and programs in the area.
• Develop relationships with surrounding towns and counties to encourage better land use planning.
• Provide assistance to local and regional non‐profits with acquisition, trail and stewardship issues.
• Organize and run a variety of public events in the region each year.
• Work with Director of Public Policy on important policy issues emerging within the region.
• Attend regular (at least monthly in person) Land Program meetings and all staff meetings.
• Supervise the Camden Land Steward, volunteers and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Excellent organization skills
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Demonstrated managerial and leadership skills
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a small satellite office
• 4+ years related experience
• Knowledge of and familiarity with Camden and/or urban land conservation
• Experience with real estate transactions, community organizing and government and public agency relations
• Previous experience in shaping public plans and policy and providing technical assistance to public agencies
• Commitment to the mission of NJ Conservation Foundation
• Bachelor’s degree in urban policy or planning, park development, natural resources or a related field 

To Apply

• Qualified candidates should email cover letter and resume to Maria Hauser.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.