Community Partnerships Manager, Bartram’s Garden

Posted by Bartram’s Garden on June 4, 2018

Bartram’s Garden seeks a highly motivated Community Partnerships Manager to join a team of change-makers working to position this 45-acre Southwest Philadelphia asset as a dynamic civic common and river garden with strong relationships with its local residents. This position will require strong community organizing expertise, with experience in nurturing and growing community based alliances and partnerships. We seek a leader who would be excited at the prospect of growing with our organization, and welcome the opportunity to be a thought partner and team member to a small but exceptional staff in a fast-paced work environment. This position is suited to individuals with experience working in communities of color with lived commitment to racial, economic, environmental and social justice; respect for people of all cultures and backgrounds; openness to personal growth and new experiences; demonstrate a passion for working community members, advocate for developing self-reliant communities and a healthy environment.

This is a full-time position with benefits and core responsibilities include:
• Serve as an ambassador in Southwest Philadelphia; helping to build awareness and extend a warm invitation to the Garden and its programs.
• Work to build and serve the relationships with our core organizational partners in Southwest; and to advance a shared vision of an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative riverfront
• Bring to bear the resources of Bartram’s Garden to support community leadership, and to develop new relationships that will strengthen community use and ownership of Bartram’s Garden and the riverfront
• Work closely with Bartram’s Garden program managers to help develop and promote programming that will advance our partnerships and better serve Southwest audiences

Successful candidate will show the following:
• Professional experience in community organizing/outreach work
• Developed skills in relationship building and partnership work
• Passion for Bartram’s Garden’s mission of diversity and equity in public space
• Ability to navigate a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic contexts
• Ability to work in an open team context to navigate complex and challenging issues
• Patience, determination, and humility to work with issues of gentrification, race, and integration in public space
• Open and clear communication style
• Ability to effectively manage support staff
• Excellent listening skills
• Personal or professional familiarity with Southwest Philadelphia preferred

About Bartram’s Garden
The John Bartram Association’s mission is to enhance and protect the landmark Bartram’s Garden and House, advance the Bartram legacy of discovery, gardening and art, and inspire audiences of all ages to care for the natural world. The garden was founded in 1728 by John Bartram, whose passion for plants and the natural world inspired generations of horticulturists. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, the 45 acre public historic garden is preserved, enhanced, and maintained by the John Bartram Association as America’s oldest botanic garden in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Philadelphia.Today, Bartram’s Garden offers opportunities for visitors to connect with and learn about plants, nature, history, art, and science. It encompasses the 1731 Bartram
house and farm buildings, historic garden, reclamation meadow, tidal wetlands, community farm, recreational trails, and the Schuylkill river front with a public boat dock.

Bartram’s Garden has been working to build its local Southwest focused programs and activities and strengthen its local community partnerships. Continuing to broaden and deepen these relationships and build sustaining relationships with families, local institutions, churches, schools and academic institutions utilizing the Bartram legacy as inspiration for learning and environmental stewardship is at the heart of our vision for a great civic common and river garden. The garden is in the midst of transformation, with unprecedented opportunities for growth and renewal. With the construction of the Bartram’s Mile Trail and first major house and garden restoration in nearly a century, the profile and visitation at Bartram’s Garden has increased immensely. Capitalizing on this momentum, we are about to embark on planning for a riverfront restoration, freshwater mussel hatchery, and a kayak dock expansion among numerous other projects. These opportunities are focused on building our capacity to serve as the outdoor classroom and living room of Southwest Philadelphia, expanding our role as an anchor community open space and cultural asset.

Application Information
To apply please submit your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to jobs@bartramsgarden.org. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please. The John Bartram Association is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.