Head of Project Management and Resourcing

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is the leader of a movement to connect everyone in America to the outdoors. A national nonprofit, TPL partners with communities to create high-quality parks and protect public lands—especially in communities that need them most—to improve public health, create social cohesion, strengthen historic and cultural connection to place, and increase climate resilience. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, generated over $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. Trust for Public Land envisions a future where every community has safe, equitable access to a high-quality park within a 10-minute walk of home. The 10-Minute Walk program is one way we work - in collaboration with cities, community-based partners and residents - to address the most pressing questions and challenges to park equity.

The Bay Area Parks for People Community Partnerships Project Manager is a position created to help increase park equity and access in the Bay Area with initial focus on Richmond and Oakland. The Project Manager will be a key member of the Parks for People Bay Area team based in San Francisco.

The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, oversees the Community Services Department, which includes the Recreation and Parks Commission that serves in an advisory role to the City Council. The City manages 54 parks that cover 336 acres of land. regional parks are managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. The operating costs of Community Services - Recreation for FY 25/26 are $110 million.

Oakland’s recreation and parks are governed by the Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development Department (OPRYD), under the control of the City Administrator. OPRYD manages and operates the city’s parks and recreation services; Oakland Public Works (OPW) manages park maintenance and capital improvements. The Community Partnerships Project Manager will be responsible for developing and leading the implementation of a coalition-building workplan to increase park access and equity in Richmond and Oakland. The project manager will be responsible for building and maintaining coalition support with local appointed and elected officials, work with partners and key leaders at City agencies, including Departments of Community and Economic Development, Community Services, Recreation and Parks, Public Works, Planning Departments, etc., as well as closely engaging and collaborating with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and park and equity advocates. Within TPL, the Community Partnerships project Manager will work closely with the Bay Area Parks for People program director, project managers and associates, and in collaboration with the California Government Affairs team in staff meetings, strategic planning sessions, and project strategy in the framework of an urban park system. Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement a robust coalition-building campaign involving diverse team members, partners, and local media;

Research and assist in managing and distributing information on public and private grant opportunities, and manage park activation grants;

Research and analyze park-related policies, master plans, general plans, etc. Use data and analysis gathered through TPL’s GIS team to support and inform the work, and ensure focus on program goals;

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with partner organizations and other community-based organizations, and assist with their community supportive strategies;

In Richmond, participate in meetings, and lead our collaborative work with the existing Richmond Park Equity Project (RichPEP) group;

Manage Parks Funding Roadmap project in Richmond, including coordination of work with TPL’s 10-Minute Walk and Conservation Finance teams;

Support project management of individual park improvements projects.

A degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Design, Urban Planning or other related field from an accredited university;

5+ years experience in successful coalition building and community empowerment, policy analysis, or urban planning;

Understanding local government budgeting and operations;

Experience working with community-based organizations in a collaborative and community lead coalition;

Experience managing partner relationships;

Experience with public speaking to promote a project, or program or organizational goals;

Experience working for or with community-based organizations and public agencies;

Ability to manage complex projects from start to finish with moderate level of supervision;

Ability and willingness to work outside regular business hours with frequent local travel;

Awareness and understanding of environmental justice and park equity issues in disinvested urban communities;

Excellent time management skills;

Fluency in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog or other frequently spoken languages in the East Bay is a plus.

Trust for Public Land is a hybrid work environment, and this role will ideally be located near our San Francisco Trust for Public Land office. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for the Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick pay plus holidays, a year end office closure, and a 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. the anticipated hiring range for this position is $72000-82000. Trust for Public Land’s active goal is to be an inclusive and equitable place to work and build community.