Chicago Region Trees Initiative Community Coordinator

Location: Hybrid (The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL) The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is seeking an experienced professional to join the team and help build strong community relationships through outreach and engagement with community leaders and local government staff. The selected candidate will write and manage grants, including the management and implementation of projects at both the local and state levels. The position requires a strong interest in environmental policy and the ability to work directly with government entities across Illinois to support stewardship of their trees. The selected candidate must be able to communicate complex topics and strategies clearly and concisely to a wide range of audiences through both written and oral presentations in small and large group settings. CRTI is seeking a well‑organized, self‑motivated professional who will contribute to the continued success of the team. This is a hybrid‑eligible position. Position Summary Coordinate and assist with the implementation of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Community Program, coordinating grant programs and providing education, outreach, and activities for public landowners and managers to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the State of Illinois, with a focus on the seven‑county Chicago region. Coordinate communication and database resources for designated stakeholders. Represent CRTI to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban forest and advance the mission of The Morton Arboretum. Funding for this position is expected for two years through restricted funding to CRTI, with a potential for extension. Essential Functions Coordinate outreach, education, and community engagement activities for public landowners and managers to improve community policy, advocacy, and skills, and provide resources related to urban forestry grants and special funding. Prioritize and manage special projects related to community activities for CRTI. Assist in implementing the community goals and objectives of the CRTI Master Plan and CRTI Community Program. Assist with writing, managing, and implementing subawards and projects under statewide grants, including data collection and reporting, policy document review and advising, financial tracking, related CRTI tracking, and the IDNR Community Accomplishments Reporting System (CARS) contact database, all to ensure successful delivery of grant outcomes. Solicit and write grant and funding proposals. Review municipal ordinances and public policy for grant compliance and advise communities on how to enhance them. Conduct research for projects as needed. Compile, organize, and present data in print and verbal communication. Assist in the collection and input of community based data and contacts in the CRTI database. Organize and maintain community based CRTI files and records. Provide support for the Trees and Green Infrastructure Work Group to ensure CRTI goals and objectives are achieved. Represent the Arboretum and CRTI at outreach events. Occasionally work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven county region. Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, or natural resource management. 2+ years experience required, with grant management preferred. International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills required with prior experience presenting in front of an audience preferred. Experience with community and civic organizations and processes preferred. Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Google applications, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Salesforce, and project management and grant‑tracking software (e.g., Smartsheet, Submittable, etc.) is beneficial. Success Factors Effective time‑management skills and a positive and flexible approach to the job. Strong collaborative and communication skills especially in terms of cultural awareness. Ability to nimbly manage complex tasks and concurrent projects. Customer service oriented with the ability to relate effectively with persons internal and external to the Arboretum. Physical Demands and Work Environment Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity, i.e., limited lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs.), walking over uneven terrain, regular local travel by car, truck, or train. Work Environment: Office environment and various venues for community events. Occasional outside work is required including digging, pruning, and planting of trees. Equipment: General office equipment, digital camera, shovel, wire cutters, pruners, Arboretum truck and trailer. Schedule: Work requires occasional evening and weekend hours. The expected hiring range for this nonexempt position is annualized at $52,000‑$55,000 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. Our benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 401(k) with generous match Generous vacation, floating holidays, and sick days The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job‑related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mortonarb