Associate Outreach Coordinator / Parks Ambassador

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs.

We are committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

In Community Development, we have set the following goals to guide our work:

• Our Division builds competency, takes meaningful actions, and creates the necessary infrastructure to advance racial equity.
• Our Division's workplace culture is diverse and inclusive, and empowers employees of color.

The Council plans and helps fund the regional parks system, and ten (10) regional park implementing agencies own, operate, and develop individual parks, park reserves, regional trails, and special recreation features. The position includes working with the regional park implementing agencies, community groups, park system partners, and interested parties to advance park and trail use by all residents of our region.

• Collaborate on inclusive community engagement efforts by partnering with park agencies, BIPOC-led organizations, youth groups, and outdoor affinity groups to increase equitable access to the Regional Parks and Trails System.
• Partner with other Met Council departments-including Communications, Transportation Services, and Community Development-to integrate the Parks Ambassador Program with broader Council initiatives.
• Support monthly meetings with outreach, communications, and director-level staff from regional park agencies to align on strategy and share opportunities for coordination.
• Collaborate with Council and agency communications staff to develop social media campaigns and public messaging aligned with Ambassador Program goals.
• Raise public awareness of park benefits, events, and engagement opportunities through creative and inclusive communications strategies.
• Assist the Parks Ambassador Manager in growing and sustaining the Parks Ambassador Program, supporting planning, research, and reporting needs.
• Contribute to key initiatives such as the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan Update, equitable community engagement, and helping ensure our regional trails are welcoming and easy to use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of completed education in social work, environmental education, outdoor recreation, art, history, political science, planning, or a related field, and experience in community engagement, outdoor skill building, public policy, public relations, marketing, or communications.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Knowledge of racial equity and how it relates to reaching new communities that do not have a history of park and trail participation.
• Skilled at communicating orally, in writing, and through the use of visual media.
• Knowledge of how to use social media and create content for a social media program.
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks concurrently, handling critical deadlines, and maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Skilled at community engagement, including working with diverse populations, listening and talking to new people, and facilitating group conversations.
• Ability to view differences between individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education, and lifestyle) as an asset. Demonstrate an appreciation of diversity and inclusion.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Council members, staff, and others to ensure a high degree of cooperation and efficiency.
• Ability to set priorities and organize time efficiently.
• Skilled at communicating orally, in writing, and through the use of visual media.
• Knowledge of how to use social media and create content for a social media program.
• Ability to work as part of a team, maintain effective relationships with coworkers, Council members, and others to ensure a high degree of cooperation and efficiency.
• Ability to set priorities and organize time efficiently.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees/Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

You would perform your work in a standard office setting, with a possible option for hybrid work (on-site and virtual). Work may occasionally require travel between your primary work site and other locations.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.