The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), a regional coalition of organizations, working together to improve the health of the urban forest in the Chicago region, was founded by The Morton Arboretum, a world-renowned nonprofit dedicated to the study and growth of trees. We are seeking an experienced individual who can join our team to help build strong community relationships through outreach and engagement of community leaders and staff. This individual will need to be able to write and manage grants, including implementation of projects at the local and statewide scale. This individual will need to be able to relay complex topics and strategies to a wide range of audiences in small and large group settings in a clear and concise way through written and oral expression. The CRTI is looking for an individual who is well organized and self motivated to help our team succeed.

Position Summary: Provide and coordinate outreach and education to public landowners and managers for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), a regional coalition of organizations working together to improve quality of life through a healthier urban forest. Coordinate communication and database resources for designated constituents. Represent CRTI to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban and community forest and advance the mission of The Morton Arboretum.

Essential Functions:

• Provide outreach and education to 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 with implementation of the CRTI Master Plan and program objectives through coordination of internal and external groups.
• Provide support and coordination for the Trees and Green Infrastructure Work Group to ensure CRTI goals and objectives are achieved.
• Assist with data collection and reporting related CRTI tracking and the IDNR Community Accomplishments Reporting System (CARS) contact database.
• Produce a quarterly newsletter to constituents on funding and resource opportunities.
• Conduct research for projects as needed. Compile, organize, and present data in print and verbal communication.
• Solicit and write grant and funding proposals.
• Organize and maintain community based CRTI files and records, including a contact database.
• Occasionally work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven county region.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, or natural resource management. 2+ years experience in research or grant management required. International Society of Arboriculture certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. Experience in organizing meetings and presenting events or educational sessions preferred. Experience with community and civic organizations and processes preferred. Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis preferred. Good communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and customer service ethic required. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, Salesforce, social media, web content development, and Google applications beneficial.

Success Factors: Effective time-management skills and a positive and flexible approach to the job. 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. Ability to embrace and operate in line with our employee core values to take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: 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.
• Schedule: Work requires occasional evening and weekend hours.

For full consideration, please include resume and cover letter with application.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion of 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. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.