NRPA believes in the power of parks and recreation to increase the health, wellness, vitality and resilience of communities everywhere. Rooted in social equity, NRPA advocates on behalf of all people, delivering funding, resources and innovative solutions to the issues impacting our communities.
NRPA is currently seeking a Program Specialist to join our Health and Wellness team in the Programs & Partnerships department.
The Program Specialist will provide detailed program support of key projects that further NRPA’s goals of advancing community health and well-being by transforming parks and recreation into community wellness hubs that connect every member of the community to essential programs, services and spaces that advance health equity, improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life.
At NRPA you will be an instrumental part of advancing the organization’s strategic priorities focused on building healthy communities, ensuring equitable access, and climate resilience. You will report to the Program Manager and work with a group of passionate, creative, and fun leaders dedicated to creating more equitable, healthy, and resilient communities through parks and recreation.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Project coordination, including supporting grant-funded projects within the Programs & Partnerships portfolio centered on food access and food systems, health equity, mental health, youth development, and partnership building to support community health and well-being. Responsibilities to include providing training and technical assistance, data collection, grant reporting, resource development, and communications.
Customer service, including the provision of superior technical assistance to grantees and regular communications with members.
Network and grantee cohort management to ensure engagement, resource sharing and active dialogue.
Communications support, including content collection for articles, blog posts, presentations, website updates, etc.
Budget support, to include assisting in the management of project budgets, tracking and projecting expenses and revenue, processing payments.
Representation of NRPA at conferences, meetings and site visits with local park and recreation agencies.
Collaboration with all NRPA departments to maximize the value of each project within the Programs & Partnerships portfolio and contribute to the strategic goals of the organization as a whole.
Undertake special projects and assignments as directed.
Monitor trends across the park and recreation field and emerging health threats related to NRPA’s health and wellness priorities.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma + 2 years of continuing education or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree or industry certification equivalent preferred; minimum of 2-6 years in related field; 2-4 years position specific experience preferred; Association or park and recreation experience preferred
Passion for parks and recreation, health equity, health and well-being, emerging public health threats, and/or social justice
Excellent communication (oral, written) to effectively and politely communicate with individuals at all levels, including members, partners and donors
Excellent organizational, time and project management skills
Interest and willingness to facilitate meetings, trainings and professional development opportunities, and present on behalf of NRPA at conferences, meetings
Knowledge of/interest in public health strategies, evidence-based health and well-being programming, equity-driven human centered approaches
Candidate Work Style
Excels in dynamic, fast-paced work environment
Self-directed and detail-oriented with a collaborative and professional team spirit to contribute to a collegial, team-oriented environment
Willing to travel up to 20 days per year
NOTES:
Telecommuting is allowed.
Additional Salary Information: Discover the Benefits at NRPA!
To promote healthy lifestyles, at work and away, we have established programs like Teleworking, FlexTime Schedules, 37.5-hour workweek, Employee Assistance Programs, Educational Assistance Programs, Lunch-and-Learn sessions, and more. NRPA also offers a competitive Heath benefits package, generous PTO program where employees accrue 26 days of paid time per year, parental leave, and retirement and savings benefits.
About National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association
NRPA is a national, non-profit service organization devoted to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all Americans. The Association works to extend the social, health, cultural, and economic benefits of parks and recreation. Through its network of over 21,000 recreation and park professionals, NRPA encourages recreation initiatives for youths in high-risk environments, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and the conservation of natural and cultural resources. NRPA works closely with national, state and local recreation and park agencies, corporations and citizen groups in carrying out its vision.
NRPA is committed to improving public understanding of leisure¡¦s significance in a full and meaningful life. Its long-range plan embraces the following goals.
„h To promote public awareness and support for recreation, park and leisure services, the constructive use of leisure, and the physical and mental health of the individual. NRPA also strives to promote public awareness of the environmental and natural resource management aspects of recreation and leisure services.
„h To facilita...te adoption of socially progressive and environmentally appropriate public policy for recreation and leisure services.
„h To strengthen professional and citizen skills and effectiveness, thus enhancing services to the public.
For more information, contact NRPA headquarters at phone: 703-858-0784, fax: 703-858-0794 or e-mail: info@nrpa.org.
