Inclusive Program and Event Coordinator

Description
• Are you passionate about creating inclusive experiences that engage diverse populations?
• Do you have experience coordinating programs and events and ensuring they are accessible to all participants?
• Are you a big picture thinker that enjoys collaborating with colleagues and partnering organizations to develop new programs?

If this sounds like you, the Program Access office of Montgomery Parks is the place you want to work! We are currently seeking a dynamic, creative, passionate, and highly organized Inclusive Program and Event Coordinator, in Wheaton, Maryland.

The Program Access Team is a small but mighty group of professionals dedicated to developing innovative and award-winning programs and events for people of all ages and abilities. We are committed to creating meaningful and engaging experiences that foster inclusivity and connection. Program highlights include adaptive paddling adventures, adaptive mountain biking experiences, and BirdAbility celebrations that making birding accessible for everyone.

The Inclusive Programs and Events Coordinator will assist in leading the Montgomery County Department of Parks in the development of day programs tailored for transition-age youth, adults, and adults 55+ with disabilities. You will collaborate with internal subject matter experts to develop new programs with a specific focus on nature-based programming. You will build partnerships with various disability advocacy groups to expand access to our parks and amenities. The coordinator will have a healthy balance of office responsibilities and direct interaction with participants with disabilities in our beautiful parks and unique facilities.

Visit our website to learn more about Parks’ commitment to accessibility, including current programs, accessible spaces, and available adaptive equipment: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/accessibility

Montgomery Parks is part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Montgomery Parks has a career staff complement of over 800 employees, 41+ parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area.

Examples of Important Duties

What the job will involve:

Program Development and Support
• Effectively plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate leisure programs such as social clubs, recreational activities, and adaptive sports for transition age youth, adults, and adults aged 50+ with and without disabilities.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of special and commemorative events.
• Support various collaborative and partnership opportunities with community organizations.
• Develop creative marketing and promotional strategies.

Administration, Human Resources and Fiscal Management
• Provide exceptional customer service and respond effectively to internal and external customers; collaborate with outside community groups.
• Recruit, train and schedule the work of qualified volunteers and staff to be placed in appropriate work programs and coordinate work schedules to effectively and efficiently meet demands for programs
• In collaboration with the Parks Foundation, solicit sponsorships and grants to support the longevity of new programs.

Important Skills and Characteristics
• Knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation, Adaptive Recreation, or related field.
• General knowledge of disabilities and disability characteristics.
• General knowledge of legislation and regulations affecting individuals with disabilities (i.e., Americans with Disabilities Act).
• Experience in developing and implementing leisure programs and events.
• Strong project management skills; organize work efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to solve complex problems involving many variables.
• Ability to develop creative marketing and promotion strategies.
• Possess strong public relations skills.
• Ability to work with highly confidential documents and data while ensuring confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills, superb written, verbal, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and make effective presentations to large groups.
• Respond immediately and effectively to crisis situations.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with a Parks Department or other government organization.
• Skills and proficient in MS Office, collecting and reporting data, preparing presentations, researching, document control and performing other computer functions for data management and retrieval.
• Ability to communicate in another language a plus.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in therapeutic recreation or closely related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
• Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is preferred.
• A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
• Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.
• Pass Commission medical examination.