New York Corps- Volunteer and Event Coordinator

Position Summary

Walkway Over the Hudson is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group that works to activate and improve Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. Originally built in 1889 as an operating railroad bridge and brought back to life in 2009 through the dedicated efforts of the local community, the linear bridge park is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. The park connects the region through several rail trails including the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Empire State Trail and is an outdoor attraction for over 600,000 visitors each year. Through our staff and volunteers, Walkway Over the Hudson activates the unique public space year-round through community events and educational programming. Through our partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation we embark on capital improvement projects that enhance the visitor experience. Walkway Over the Hudson is a small but fast-paced nonprofit organization. Our critical mission depends upon engaging with a diverse community, volunteers, park patrons, members, and donors who share our vision for the park. Currently, Walkway’s volunteer program consists of 150 committed “Ambassadors” who help staff two gift shops that sell merchandise and provide visitor information, run a tram system that provides free rides for those with limited mobility, guide historical walks and educational programs on the bridge, assist with special events, and more. They give back to the community by sharing their time and knowledge of the region to help us enhance the Walkway experience. The Volunteer and Event Coordinator will assist the Volunteer Services Manager at the Walkway Over the Hudson to coordinate and oversee the volunteer program including being an onsite presence at the park on the weekends. This position will also assist with the logistics of organizing events.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Support • Work closely with the Volunteer Services Manager to coordinate weekly volunteer schedules ensuring ample on-bridge coverage. Actively work to fill vacancies by communicating with volunteers via emails, texts, and calls. Provide coverage for unfilled vacancies when necessary. • Participate in volunteer trainings, and assist with updating procedural materials, and creating marketing materials as needed. • Attend monthly volunteer Ambassador committee meetings when available. On-bridge Operations (Merchandise, Pavilion, and Tram) • Serve as the onsite supervisor on weekends, helping to problem-solve issues and provide support to volunteer Ambassadors and Park visitors during assigned shifts. • Check-in throughout the day with all shift volunteers at both pavilions (stores) and the tram. • Maintain effective onsite communication between volunteers and NYS Parks staff during operating hours. • Assist with merchandise fulfillment, including replenishing stock, recommending merchandise selections, and maintaining the space with a sense of order and abundance. • Regularly communicate low inventory and on-bridge needs as well as volunteer and visitor feedback and suggestions to the Volunteer Services Manager. Events Coordination • Act as liaison between Parks and Friends, ensuring all permitting and paperwork is properly completed by and communicated to outside groups. • Assist with event planning and logistics including volunteer recruitment and responsibilities, creating event agendas and maps, day of set up, and more. As Needed • Assist with coordinate aspects of booking tours including tracking inquires, writing up contracts, booking docents, sending reminders, and sending surveys. • Receive training on giving tours and fill in when necessary. • Assist with overseeing the Poughkeepsie Youth Grant- including grant management, developing youth materials, and meeting with the Explorer Committee

Marginal Duties

Goal 1: Assist with scheduling, training, and general oversight of volunteers. Goal 2: Maintain good communication between staff and Ambassadors involving on-bridge and big picture volunteer and organizational needs. Goal 3: Manage event logistics and communication, acting as key point of contact for outside groups and Friends to ensure day of success. Goal 4: As needed, increase the capacity of the Walkway to deliver tour and youth programming by expanding the reach and awareness of the youth programs within the local community.

Required Qualifications

Members must have a four-year degree and/or qualifying experience. Must be able to work outside for long periods of time and be able to assist with the set up and break down of events including the ability to pick up 20 lbs. Successful candidates will thrive within a small, hands-on nonprofit environment and demonstrate a passion for Walkway’s mission. Top candidates will have the following personal qualities and professional capabilities: - Excellent organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills. Ability to work productively in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with frequent changes. - Solid communication skills. Demonstrated ability to defuse challenging situations and work and interact with a positive, calm, and professional demeanor when dealing with volunteers and visitors. - Strong work ethic with the ability to work collaboratively with a team as well as independently. - Experience using database management software, Microsoft Office applications, and point of sales systems. - Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks under adverse weather and field conditions. - Willingness to work weekends, as well as some holidays and evenings As a representative of the Walkway, the member is expected to be friendly and approachable and have the ability to work well with children as well as adults. This person will spend time greeting and interacting with visitors, answering questions, and providing information.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with and enthusiasm for volunteer cultivation and engagement, including working with volunteers of various ages and abilities. - Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and desire to learn - Experience helping organize or assist with events - Experience driving large machinery or a truck - Fluent Spanish speaker.

Age

Adults 18 or older

Compensation

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $400/week, and Free housing provided Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans. Describe professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member: AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation SCA Risk Management Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace SCA Driver’s Safety Training Mental Health First Aid Training Wilderness First Aid & CPR Environmental Education Curriculum Environmental Leadership Institute New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events Hudson River Ecology Leave No Trace Trainer Course Professional Development & Job Readiness

Living Accommodations

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid Training