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Background:
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) was formed in 1995 and incorporated in 1998 as a private, non-profit organization committed to the restoration and revitalization of the Garfield Park Conservatory. While the Conservatory is owned and operated by the Chicago Park District, GPCA is responsible for developing and funding quality programs and events, promoting community engagement and enhancing visitor services. In its 28 years, the Alliance has facilitated exponential growth, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors in 2025.
Position Summary:
The Public Engagement Programs Lead is a part-time hourly (25 hours), year-round, onsite position. In this role, you'll work within the department of Public Engagement, and primarily be focused on facilitating nature-based and art-based, drop-in style programs aligned with GPCA's mission, vision, and values for adult learners.
Position Responsibilities:
- Own the execution (ideation to facilitation) for art & nature based monthly Wednesday evening drop-in programs for adults
- Assist with facilitation and hosting of additional drop-in and music programs hosted by the Public Engagement Team
- Host programs with external facilitators and organizational collaborators (U of I Extension, Midwest Bonsai Club, Openlands etc.) including pre-program logistics, day-of logistics, and and hosting duties
- Ensure GPCA's accessibility standards are met and accommodations requests are folded into program planning. This includes coordinating ASL and CART services for specific programs and ensuring physical accessibility for programming
- Oversee ticket sales and waitlists for fee-based and free programs
- Administer surveys to get program feedback and incorporate it into future program planning
- Assist and help facilitate additional programs and special events hosted by GPCA
- Other duties as assigned
Location & Schedule:
- The location for this position is on-site at the Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens
- Wednesday 12-8 pm, Saturday 8-4 pm, Tuesday/Thursday/Friday work hours are flexible and will be determined upon hire (25 hours total)
- Working on-site you may be exposed to live insects and/or critters due to the abundance of living plants housed throughout the Conservatory & Gardens
- Due to the nature of the Conservatory, you will also be exposed to varying/inconsistent temperatures throughout the space
Who We're Looking For:
- High School diploma or equivalent, with at least 1 year of working experience in education, preferably with adults
- Interest in museum-based or informal adult education, with a background in art, gardening, science or environmental education
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to oversee many moving parts
- Clear and consistent communicator and able to convey information to a wide range of audiences including external partners, guests, programming staff, Chicago Park District staff, janitorial staff and security guards
- Enthusiastic and charismatic demeanor, enjoy and excel at direct service, and love working with adults from a variety of backgrounds
- Demonstrated commitment to prioritizing inclusive and equitable programming
- Ability to work Wednesdays 12-8, Saturdays 8-4, and flexible scheduling Tuesday/Thursday/Friday (all onsite hours)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Resident of West Side Chicago (Garfield Park, Austin, North Lawndale, West Humboldt Park)
- Experience in creating or facilitating programming for people with disabilities
- Spanish language fluency
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind.
GPCA is committed to equal employment opportunities for all and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GPCA are based on the organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. GPCA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. GPCA encourages applicants of all ages.
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