ABOUT THE ROLE, as the New England Engagement Specialist, you will assist with the oversight and coordination of Playworks’ administrative, capacity building, development, and impact functions. In addition, you will support implementation of external communications, social media, and events. This position is a key resource in advancing Playworks’ goals and will work with all Playworks New England staff members and AmeriCorps coaches, as well as with external partners, donors, and volunteers to create and grow a sustainable and well-organized community-based organization. The Engagement Specialist reports to the New England Development Director, providing them with capacity building support and implementation in the region. They will also collaborate with the New England Impact team.

Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Development (~50%)

• Impact Reporting: The E.S. will support the creation of mid-year and end-of-year reports for all funding partners and major donors, ensuring reports and supporting documentation are submitted in accordance with deadlines.
• Grant Reporting: The E.S. will support the collection of and reporting on grant compliance metrics, managing the reporting schedule to ensure all grant application and reporting deadlines are successfully met and liaising across the organization to gather (data/information) and compile reports needed for grant compliance.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The E.S. will support volunteer project timelines, including scheduling, coordination with internal/external parties, material preparation, budget oversight, onsite facilitation, and pre/post communications with participants. These include but are not limited to: Playground Paints, Play Days, and Corporate Recess. The E.S. will coordinate internal efforts so all opportunities are donor centric and deliver an increased knowledge and understanding of Playworks’ impact.
• Data Management: The E.S. will enter and maintain accurate information within databases in order to ensure data integrity and efficiency of information pulling. The E.S. will work to gain deeper knowledge of internal systems in order to maximize potential in Salesforce, Marketo, Wordpress, and other platforms as appropriate.
• Analysis: The E.S. will utilize available data and reporting metrics when producing fundraising and communication reports, as assigned. The E.S. will be expected to leverage data to contribute to shaping and strengthening internal strategies.
• Calendar Management: The E.S. will manage and maintain Team N.E. calendars.

Marketing & Communications (~20%)

• Communication: The E.S. will develop and maintain knowledge of Playworks’ mission and programs in order to effectively communicate key messaging to all stakeholders.
• Stewardship: The E.S. will support a stewardship calendar to recognize and steward funding partners, major donors, and other external stakeholders as appropriate, including processing acknowledgment letters and other correspondence.
• Digital Marketing: The E.S. will support an annual digital marketing strategy, including content development for website stories and social media. Content strategy will target diverse stakeholders and focus on program initiatives, development events, and key partner spotlights, aligning to external strategies when/where appropriate.
• E-Communication: The E.S. will serve as the NE Marketo point person and work with the HQ E-Comms Manager to support the build-out and listserv development for email communications, including but not limited to: newsletters, school partner updates, invitations, event recaps, and e-solicitations.

Collateral Development & Graphic Design: The E.S. will support the creation of New England collateral and marketing materials, including impact sheets, sponsorship one-pagers, development partnership components, and other marketing materials.

Impact and Community Engagement Implementation (~15%)

• Impact & Community Engagement Events: The E.S. will support the execution of Impact & Community Engagement Events and will assist in the development and design of new events as appropriate. The E.S. will oversee and project manage event timelines, staff engagement, program development, marketing collateral production, and onsite logistics.

Internal Training & Professional Development: In coordination with the Hub and regional leaders, the E.S. will support the coordination and facilitation of internal training, including but not limited to preservice training, motivation workshops, weekly professional development, and AmeriCorps training.

General Administration (~ 15%)

• General Office Management: The E.S. will be the point person for NE’s in-person office space and will be responsible for answering phones, mail distribution, supplies inventory, and office upkeep. The E.S. will coordinate logistics for staff meetings and training, including securing space, food, etc.
• Hub/HQ Operations Liaison: The E.S. will coordinate with Hub Operations Manager and HQ Operations/Solutions leads to ensure effective office management, including regional technology needs, etc.
• Internal Processing: In coordination with the Hub O.M., the E.S. will be responsible for internal processing, including purchase order and invoicing follow up, cash receipts log monitoring,and regional purchasing of gear and equipment.
• Project Management: The E.S. will organize, prioritize and execute complex projects to ensure successful delivery by agreed upon internal and external deadlines.
• Team Health & Culture: The E.S. will lead the Sunshine Committee and in coordination with the regional leaders., the E.S. will initiate and oversee the execution of team health and morale initiatives including but not limited to group funsies, holiday parties, and end of year celebrations.

You’ll be a good fit for this position if:

• You are flexible and adaptable with the ability to quickly shift from one situation or task to another.
• You are a self-starter with superior organizational skills in addition to excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• You possess the ability to thrive in an environment that is characterized by growth, diversity and change.

Required Skills & Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience, preferably with nonprofits, fundraising and/or education/school/youth development services (significant volunteer and/or student leadership experience may be considered)
• General administrative, office and project management experience
• Strong presentation, group facilitation and communication skills both verbally and in writing with experience communicating effectively with broad and diverse audience
• Advanced computer skills, especially Google Suites with ability to learn new technology quickly. Knowledge of Salesforce is a plus
• Demonstrated database management skills
• Proven ability to problem solve, set priorities and juggle competing demands effectively with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion, professionalism and good judgment and maintain a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity
• Ability to communicate/interact professionally and effectively with a broad and diverse range of individuals (includes executives, business leaders, coworkers, students and teachers, variety of cultures and backgrounds)
• Interest in and commitment to the tenets of AmeriCorps, volunteerism and national service programs. Experience working with an AmeriCorps program a plus!
• Flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment
• Passionate commitment to Playworks’ mission and vision to improve outcomes for children and schools

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full time non-exempt position reporting to the regional Development Director. This position will be based in our New England office with frequent local travel.
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay equity, geographic pay differential and robust external market data. We highly value transparency and equity within compensation and therefore are committed to adhering to established compensation pay points. The Engagement Specialist role is non-exempt with a hiring wage of $25.34 per hour ($52,700 annually).
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) with employer match, life insurance, employee funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.
• Generous vacation, sick and holiday leave.

This is a hands-on, creative, playful and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested if competitive for the position.

Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator and other office equipment.

ABOUT US, at Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships.

We are committed to racial equity, and we make a particular effort to recruit people of color, indigenous people, gender non-binary people, and people with historically more marginalized identities to apply for open positions. Our core values of cultivate play, center equity, continue learning and collaborate within communities are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities or board service on a merit basis.