About the role#
The Research & Development (R&D) Fellow for the NYC Green Fund will work with the Technical Assistance department to support networking and peer-exchange initiatives. This six-month fellowship focuses on grassroots leaders who manage parks and open spaces. You will help build a collective knowledge base by facilitating discussions, researching best practices, and evaluating the impact of community-led public space programming across New York City.
What you'll do#
- Research and develop best practices for peer-knowledge exchange, including facilitation methods and documentation.
- Coordinate all aspects of networking events, including project tracking, invitations, space reservations, and run of show.
- Facilitate peer-to-peer discussions and serve as a liaison between grantees, staff, and partner organizations.
- Attend grantee-funded events to evaluate community impact and interview local leaders.
- Develop recap documents, assessment reports, and surveys to inform future programming.
- Assist the Technical Assistance Department with ongoing projects and team meetings.
What you'll need#
- Graduate students or professionals with at least 12 graduate credits in urban placemaking, city planning, education, public administration, management, or a related field.
- A minimum of three years of work experience.
- Knowledge of public space programming in New York City.
- Ability to research, synthesize, and recommend best practices.
- Effective public speaking and active listening skills.
- Experience in outreach, community event promotion, and event management.
- Ability to travel across New York City and work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.
Location & details#
- Location: New York, NY
- Term: Summer 2026 (6-month duration)
- Work Modality: Hybrid
- Status: Full-time, paid position
- Note: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.
About City Parks Foundation
City Parks Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization based in New York. It operates programs across all five boroughs of the city. The organization focuses on arts, environmental education, sports, and community initiatives in public parks. It manages the SummerStage festival, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, and the PuppetMobile. The staff size ranges from 51 to 200 employees.
How to get in at City Parks Foundation
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