Summer Programs Assistant

Esplanade Association  
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Summer Programs Assistant 

Job Title: Summer Programs Assistant (2) 

Department: Programs 

Reports to: Programs & Culture Coordinator 

Position Status: Part-Time (20 hours/week), non-exempt, July 1 – August 30, with some flexibility 

Position Description:  

The Esplanade Association (EA) is seeking two greenspace-loving, energetic, outgoing part-time Summer Programs Assistants to help EA staff produce a wide range of free educational, recreational, and cultural programs over the busiest season of activity on the Charles River Esplanade. For the selected candidates, this is a competitively compensated opportunity to build skills and gain experience to: present events in a world-class landmarked venue, support talented performers, instructors and facilitators in engaging youth, seniors and audiences of all ages and abilities, track and map public space activity through data-collection, learn about non-profit operations, and much more. 

About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):  

Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 100 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; 150 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.);  repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain and the Community Boating docks; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the forthcoming Gronk Playground in 2025; plans underway to introduce a new building and two-acre landscape improvement at Charlesbank Landing that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join a growing, impactful and community-engaged non-profit.   

Responsibilities: 

Programs & Events (90%) 

Serve as a welcoming, friendly, and helpful representative of EA in the park 

With the Programs & Culture Coordinator: set-up, staff, and clean-up for public programs (e.g., ensure signage and equipment are in place, manage sign-in sheets and waivers, make general announcements as needed, etc.)  

With the Volunteer & Engagement coordinator: support data collection efforts in locations needed 

With development and programs staff: assist at a marquee fundraising event: the Summer Dock Party on Thursday, July 18  

Perform other duties as directed or as needed.  

Administrative (10%) 

Support Programs & Culture Coordinator in inventory and supply management 

Maintain engagement data collected from participant surveys & in-park engagement collection initiatives, organizing and tracking trends for further analysis 

Qualifications: 

Experience with cultural and recreational programs and events, including health and fitness, music and art, and youth education is preferred   

Facility with Microsoft office suite is preferred 

Good organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and follow-through 

Ability to handle a variety of responsibilities simultaneously 

Comfort leading and speaking with groups and working in a “customer-facing” role and public environment  

A positive attitude with a friendly, trustworthy, and team-oriented mentality   

A love for public parks and appreciation for the management of a dynamic, historic public space  

Logistics: 

This is a paid position with sick time benefits. Compensation will be $19/hour 

The position for is 9 weeks, beginning July 1 through August 30, with some flexibility on start and end dates 

This position will work ~20 hours a week, with hours corresponding to programs and events, which will involve flexibility and an ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends. 

The candidate must be available to work the full program summer season, July 15 through August 30.  

In addition, the candidate has the opportunity to work 3 additional events pre-summer season - Sunday May 19th, Wednesday May 29th, Wednesday June 5th . 

Must have a valid US driver’s license and be able to drive a golf cart and must be at least 18 years of age.  

Willingness to work in both an indoor and outdoor setting, in varying weather conditions  

Will need to bend, stoop, reach, carry, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties. 

Selected Candidate will be requested to test negatively for Covid-19 before joining the team in person, or if symptoms arise.   

Applicants are subject to a Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check and Financial Background check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life occurrences. 

Application Process: 

Please email cover letter and resume to: programs@esplanade.org with job title in the subject line 

Cover letter should include the answer to this question: “What is one of your favorite public greenspaces and why?” 

Each file name should include applicant’s last name 

No phone calls, please 

The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.  

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.