Employment Opportunities
Austin Parks Foundation envisions a community in which the lives of all people are enriched through access to well-maintained public parks, trails and green spaces. Our core values are collaboration, dependability, inclusiveness, innovation, nimbleness and positivity.
These guide our decision making and define our internal culture. These values shape what matters to us how we work with each other and our community. Interested in joining our team? Check out open positions below.
Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. A non-profit established in 1992, APF fills the city’s funding and resource gap needed to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s 300+ parks, trails and green spaces.
We value collaboration, innovation, dependability and inclusiveness. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. Come join us!
Associate Director of Development
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Full-Time, Salaried
Date Available: January 2020
Opportunity
Austin Parks Foundation (APF), a non-profit organization focused on preserving, improving and activating parks throughout Austin, is seeking a dynamic and experienced full-time Associate Director of Development to lead two major fundraising programs as part of a thriving development team. APF is making a significant investment in growing its fundraising team, offering a distinct opportunity to join not only this powerful team of dedicated park lovers but to also play a meaningful role in advancing APF’s progressive mission.
The Associate Director of Development position is a unique and exciting role for an individual passionate about the outdoors, healthy lifestyles and protecting and enhancing Austin’s park, trail and green space ecosystem.
About Austin Parks Foundation
Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.
Established in 1992, APF works closely with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department to help fill the city’s funding and resource gap needed to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s nearly 300 parks, trails and green spaces.
APF fosters innovative public/private partnerships and since 2006, has given over $3 million in community-initiated grants in service to the greater Austin community. APF is known for its annual flagship volunteer event, It’s My Park Day, and is the presenting partner and beneficiary of the popular Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Job Description
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for the vision and execution of two flagship development programs, Party for the Parks and Groundbreakers. The ideal candidate will be a polished fundraiser who can persuasively communicate the goals and vision of APF to key external and internal partners.
This position will manage and ensure revenue goals are met at Austin Parks Foundation’s annual fall fundraising event, Party for the Parks. The candidate is also responsible for leading Groundbreakers, our leadership giving society.
This function includes curating a membership experience for current members and actively soliciting and securing new members annually. The Associate Director of
Development will employ strategic thinking in adapting and evolving fundraising programs to respond to any new strategic plans and unforeseen market trends. The successful candidate will be a team player and participate in the implementation of a strategy to raise vital funds for APF in the most cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee Leadership Giving Program
- Oversee portfolio of donors and prospects, developing cultivation strategies and personally making solicitations to individuals to join leadership annual fund membership program.
- Work alongside Chief Development Officer to implement goals and strategies to build a major donor pipeline from annual fund leadership giving.
- Create a vision for how to expand annual fund leadership giving to include annual gifts of up to $9,999.
- Develop program content and execute direct mail and email solicitations of Groundbreakers.
- Coordinate all Groundbreaker acquisition and cultivation events, assisting in the production of event and meeting collateral materials including invitations and handouts.
- Develop robust year-round communication and engagement events to provide an enriching membership experience for Groundbreakers.
- Work collaboratively with Senior Marketing Manager to design and coordinate Groundbreaker marketing materials, including program and web content.
- Evaluate donor data and make informed recommendations for segmented and targeted individual appeals.
Fundraising Event Management
- Serve as the primary project manager for Austin Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, Party for the Parks, including event committees, auctions, ticket sales, paddles up and oversight of contracted event management company.
- Own reaching set overall revenue target for Party for the Parks and manage expense budget.
- Manage vendor coordination and serve as main point of contact for event production.
- In partnership with other members of the development team, discover, qualify and cultivate corporate and individual sponsors.
- Recruit and activate Host Committee for sponsorship, silent auction and ticket sales.
- Create Host Committee working groups to meet revenue goals in sponsorships, silent experience auction and ticket sales.
- With the marketing team, coordinate event publicity, promotion and event website.
- Work collaboratively with marketing team to design print and email invitations as well as website and mission-driven event materials.
- Develop project timeline and monitor progress to goal monthly and/or weekly, as needed.
- Ensure all sponsorship benefits are fulfilled.
- Implement pre- and post-event planning and communications to ensure effective results and donor relations.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Strategic Leadership
This position will be responsible for working with the Chief Development Officer to design and execute the Austin Parks Foundation’s yearly fundraising revenue goals. As part of a growing development team, contribute to new special projects and administrative duties designated by the Chief Executive Officer. Ensure that all relevant donor portfolio information, including that pertaining to Party for the Parks, is recorded and maintained in donor database.
Knowledge/Skills Required
- Overall work experience of 7+ years required, with 3-5 years of direct development related experience.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Personal and professional confidence with demonstrated track record of engaging executives and senior leaders.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven abilities in managing and stewarding key internal and external partnerships.
- Must have exceptional organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accomplish both broad, visionary assignments as well as complex, detailed projects.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines under pressure, listen carefully, learn quickly and work effectively in a small, mission-driven organization.
- Donor database management experience required.
- Positive attitude, highly motivated and driven to excel.
- Honesty, integrity, and enthusiasm; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.
- Some evening and weekend work required.
APF offers a robust and competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, an IRA with company match, generous time off and much more. The position is full-time with compensation commensurate to the skills level. We value collaboration, innovation, dependability and inclusiveness. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.
To apply, please submit the following:
- Your resume,
- A cover letter that tells us who you are, what you want to achieve in your career and why APF should strongly consider having a deeper conversation with you
- 3 – 5 professional references
We are always accepting applications, just let us know which semester(s) you are interested in applying for! Check out the About Our Intern Program section for more information on our Intern Program. No phone calls please.
Programs Internship
Reports to: Outreach Manager
Part-Time, Paid
Non-Exempt, Must be an Austin-area Resident
Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.
Job Description:
Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented intern to support the programs team with a range of administrative tasks, community outreach, and volunteer program support.
The position will require strong organization and impeccable attention to detail. The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, and will be comfortable taking on new responsibilities as they are assigned. Flexibility, enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are also required.
Essential Functions (Priority):
Community Outreach
- Support for Ambassador program:
- Identifying community or corporate events that align with our mission, for participation by Ambassadors
- Create events in APF’s volunteer management tool (GivePulse) and help maintain Ambassador calendar
- Support for Park Design Services:
- Support Park Developer with community input events (surveying, gathering data, and creating reports from the neighborhood input around planned park improvements)
- Support for neighborhood outreach:
- Support Outreach Manager by identifying neighborhood stakeholder groups’ (neighborhood associations, contact teams) main point of contact in order to present on APF’s programs
Other Programs Support Functions:
As needed:
- Support Advocacy Manager
- Assisting with advocacy workshops and preparing materials for meetings with council members
- Support Volunteer Coordinator
- Support Volunteer Coordinator to create projects in GivePulse (volunteer management platform) and create volunteer project forms submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department
- Support Senior Programs Manager
- Join SPM to meet with prospective and current park stewards as part of the Adopt-A-Park program
- Assisting with grants workshops
Intern will gain and/or improve upon his or her:
- General communication and outreach skills
- Understanding of inner workings of non-profit organization
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization
- Understanding of the role parks play in the health and engagement of community members
Role Requirements
- Self-motivated, attention to detail, and an internal drive to produce high-quality work
- Highly organized and capable of effectively managing multiple priorities while thriving in a fast-paced environment
- Good decision-making skills
- Excellent interpersonal as well as strong verbal and written communication
Required Qualifications
- Current undergraduate student
- Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office and general office software and equipment
- Working Smart Phone to utilize APF’s call routing app
- Ability to pass a driving background check (to operate APF’s vehicle for outreach activities) and reliable transportation (when APF vehicle is unavailable)
- Interest in non-profit industry
Preferred Qualifications
- Environmental Studies, Public Health, Communications or Sustainability Studies majors
- Experience working/volunteering in non-profit industry
- Fluency in Spanish
Please note key dates listed under the About Our Internship Program section. To apply, please submit your resume with 3 references and cover letter. No phone calls, please.
Marketing & Events Internship
Reports to: Sr. Marketing Manager
Part-Time, Paid
Non-Exempt, Must be an Austin-area Resident
Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.
Job Description:
Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented intern to drive content creation and assist with APF’s digital presence.
The position will require strong organization and impeccable attention to detail. The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, and will be comfortable taking on new responsibilities as they are assigned. Flexibility, enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal skills and exemplary writing abilities are also required.
Our interns are supervised directly by a skilled member of our staff and will get to work on real projects with impact. Each seasonal cohort of interns will onboard together, and be welcomed to our office as valued members of the team. Interns take advantage of many office perks like snacks, special project visits, and a friendly and engaging team environment. We offer all interns cross-departmental mentorship opportunities to encourage each intern to interface with our organization as a whole.
Essential Functions:
Activation Event Support
- Coordinate on-site presence of vendors such as food trucks and sponsors/partners (in coordination with Development Intern), including intake, set-up, break down, pre-event communications, and liaising between development and marketing departments to ensure proper sponsor recognition
- Coordinate and attain City of Austin Parks & Recreation Dept. permits, and be on-site to greet and place food trucks
- Recruit volunteers (in partnership with Outreach Manager) for various positions as needed
- Assist in communications around event management including timelines, calendars, reports, site maps, etc.
- Assist in on-site event execution to include set up, break-down and customer engagement and email collection at APF booth during Movies in the Park and other activation events
- Create and send pre-show content for Alamo Drafthouse Staff for Movies in the Park
- Work closely with the Marketing team to build a plan for marketing, communications and social media outreach
Content Creation & Planning
- Research, draft and/or schedule social media posts across APF Twitter, Facebook and Instagram profiles to support programmatic and event-driven campaigns
- Research, write and schedule evergreen content options for APF blog, and social media accounts including Project Playback series (with support from APF programs team)
- Maintain and update APF web pages including APF event calendar and park database
Analytics & Campaigns
- Assist with KPI tracking, campaign metrics and reports
- Build customer service surveys, analyze results and create post-event reports
- Track and manage incoming Marketing requests from the APF team to ensure goals and deadlines are being met
Merchandising
- Assist Digital Marketing Coordinator with e-commerce store maintenance and inventory management
- Assist with merchandise fulfillment weekly
Intern will gain and/or improve upon their:
- General communication and customer service skills
- Understanding of inner workings of a non-profit organization
- Understanding and knowledge of executing multiple cross-channel campaigns
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization
Role Requirements
- Self-motivated, extraordinary attention to detail, and an internal drive to produce high-quality work
- Highly organized and capable of effectively managing multiple priorities while thriving in a fast-paced environment
- Good decision-making skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills as well as strong verbal and written communication
Required Qualifications
- Current undergraduate student
- Marketing, advertising or event experience/interest
- Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office, social platforms and general office software and equipment
- Basic understanding of Wordpress
- Interest in the non-profit industry
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing social media channels for a brand
- Understanding of basic social media best practices
- Experience managing vendors and events
- Experience working/volunteering in the non-profit industry
- Fluency in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi or other significant languages to Austin populations
Please note key dates listed under the About Our Internship Program section. To apply, please submit your resume with 3 references and cover letter. No phone calls, please.
Development & Events Internship
Reports to: Development Manager
Part-Time, Paid
Non-Exempt, Must be an Austin-area Resident
Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.
Job Description:
Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented intern to assist with the execution of APF special events and seasonal development operations.
The position will require strong organization and impeccable attention to detail. The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, and will be comfortable taking on new responsibilities as they are assigned. Flexibility, enthusiasm, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with all levels of staff are also required.
Our interns are supervised directly by a skilled member of our staff and will get to work on real projects with impact. Each seasonal cohort of interns will onboard together, and be welcomed to our office as valued members of the team. Interns take advantage of many office perks like snacks, special project visits, and a friendly and engaging team environment. We offer all interns cross departmental mentorship opportunities to encourage each intern to interface with our organization as a whole.
Required Skills/Competencies:
A key support role, the Development and Events Intern supports the Development and Marketing teams, provides excellent service to donors and partners (behind the scenes and at public events), and collaborates with the broader APF staff. Organization and strong (internal and external) customer service skills are required. Professionalism is essential across all communication.
Essential Functions:
Development - General
- Prepare invoices for sponsors and book pledges
- Provide excellent customer service to donors, providing tax receipts, invoices and giving histories as required.
- Contribute to, assist with development@austinparks.org inbox.
- Prepare materials for Committee, BOD and external meetings.
- Fulfill seasonal stewardship initiatives for APF constituents, including but not limited to membership program swag, birthday cards, activity packets, committee thank yous, invites and holiday cards.
- Represent APF at public events such as Corporate Volunteer projects, town hall meetings, Movies in the Park, etc.
- Document leadership meetings in LGL on a regular, weekly basis.
- Seasonal appeal support with social/web posts, events
Development - Events
- Assist APF staff and volunteers during 3rd party/community events such as ACL Music Festival, Trail of Lights, Dell Technologies Match Play, Cap10K, etc.
- Assist APF staff and volunteers during fundraising events such as Groundbreakers recruitment, stewardship
- Assist APF staff with corporate cause marketing events (past examples include: Whole Foods 5% Day, Chipotle 25th Anniversary Giveback Day, Outdoor Voices Giveback Night)
- Gather and distribute supplies for day-of execution of events such as ipads, marketing materials, staff assignments and directions, etc.
- Work closely with APF’s Marketing Intern to build plan for marketing, communications and social media outreach in order to achieve event goals
- Assist with deadline tracking through Basecamp and ensure internal and external partners are held accountable (with support from Marketing & Development staff)
- Perform other duties as assigned
Party for the Parks
- Assist with deadline tracking through Basecamp and ensure internal and external partners are held accountable (with support from Marketing & Development staff)
- Contact and follow up with in-kind donor prospects (especially silent auction donors)
Role Requirements
- Self-motivated, extraordinary attention to detail, and an internal drive to produce high-quality work
- Highly organized and capable of effectively managing multiple priorities while thriving in a fast-paced environment
- Good decision-making skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills as well as strong verbal and written communication
Required Qualifications
- Current undergraduate student
- Event coordination and/or fundraising experience/interest
- Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office and general office software and equipment
Please note key dates listed under the About Our Internship Program section. To apply, please submit your resume with 3 references and cover letter. No phone calls, please.
APF hires interns in various departments each semester. If you are interested in joining our team, see below for more details!
What kinds of internships does APF offer?
Our goal is to provide a fun and educational work environment while giving real world work experience. In the past we have offered internships in Programs/Community Outreach, Marketing, Development, Events and Operations. Every semester our needs are different so the internships we offer are different.
We accept applications for our Internship Program year-round, but the active application process for the Summer Internships starts in mid-March to early May. Internships last approximately 9 weeks beginning a week after classes start and ending the week before finals.
What is the Compensation for Summer Internships?
Interns are compensated at $10.00/hr. (paid bi-weekly) for a total of 20 hours per week for ~9 weeks. College credit is highly encouraged and available upon school approval.
What are the Physical Demands and Work Environment?
- Physical demands are minimal and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations - may be required to move event materials weighing up to 20 pounds
- Work environment is typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations - work is done largely in-office
- Required to work some evenings/weekends
Can this count for school credit?
Yes! Contact your school directly to find out how to have your internship count towards school credit.
We accept applications for our Internship Program year-round, but the active application process for the Fall Internships starts in mid-June to mid-August. Internships last approximately 12 weeks beginning a week after classes start and ending the week before finals.
What is the Compensation for Fall Internships?
Interns are compensated at $10.00/hr. (paid bi-weekly) for a total of 20 hours per week for ~12 weeks. College credit is highly encouraged and available upon school approval.
What are the Physical Demands and Work Environment?
- Physical demands are minimal and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations - may be required to move event materials weighing up to 20 pounds
- Work environment is typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations - work is done largely in-office
- Required to work some evenings/weekends
Can this count for school credit?
Yes! Contact your school directly to find out how to have your internship count towards school credit.
We accept applications for our Internship Program year-round, but the active application process goes for the Spring Internships starts in mid-October to mid-January. Internships last approximately 12 weeks beginning a week after classes start and ending the week before finals.
What is the Compensation for Spring Internships?
Interns are compensated at $10.00/hr. (paid bi-weekly) for a total of 20 hours per week for ~12 weeks. College credit is highly encouraged and available upon school approval.
What are the Physical Demands and Work Environment?
- Physical demands are minimal and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations - may be required to move event materials weighing up to 20 pounds
- Work environment is typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations - work is done largely in-office
- Required to work some evenings/weekends
Can this count for school credit?
Yes! Contact your school directly to find out how to have your internship count towards school credit.