Chicago Region Trees Initiative Community Coordinator

Location:

Hybrid (The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL)

The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is seeking an experienced professional to join the team and help build strong community relationships through outreach and engagement with community leaders and local government staff. The selected candidate will write and manage grants, including the management and implementation of projects at both the local and state levels. The position requires a strong interest in environmental policy and the ability to work directly with government entities across Illinois to support stewardship of their trees.

The selected candidate must be able to communicate complex topics and strategies clearly and concisely to a wide range of audiences through both written and oral presentations in small and large group settings. CRTI is seeking a well‑organized, self‑motivated professional who will contribute to the continued success of the team. This is a hybrid‑eligible position.

Coordinate and assist with the implementation of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Community Program, coordinating grant programs and providing education, outreach, and activities for public landowners and managers to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the State of Illinois, with a focus on the seven‑county Chicago region. Coordinate communication and database resources for designated stakeholders.

Represent CRTI to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban forest and advance the mission of The Morton Arboretum. Funding for this position is expected for two years through restricted funding to CRTI, with a potential for extension.

• Coordinate outreach, education, and community engagement activities for public landowners and managers to improve community policy, advocacy, and skills, and provide resources related to urban forestry grants and special funding. Prioritize and manage special projects related to community activities for CRTI.
• Assist in implementing the community goals and objectives of the CRTI Master Plan and CRTI Community Program.
• Assist with writing, managing, and implementing subawards and projects under statewide grants, including data collection and reporting, policy document review and advising, financial tracking, related CRTI tracking, and the IDNR Community Accomplishments Reporting System (CARS) contact database, all to ensure successful delivery of grant outcomes. Solicit and write grant and funding proposals.
• Review municipal ordinances and public policy for grant compliance and advise communities on how to enhance them.
• Conduct research for projects as needed. Compile, organize, and present data in print and verbal communication.
• Assist in the collection and input of community based data and contacts in the CRTI database. Organize and maintain community based CRTI files and records.
• Provide support for the Trees and Green Infrastructure Work Group to ensure CRTI goals and objectives are achieved.
• Represent the Arboretum and CRTI at outreach events.
• Occasionally work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven county region.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, or natural resource management. 2+ years experience required, with grant management preferred. International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills required with prior experience presenting in front of an audience preferred. Experience with community and civic organizations and processes preferred. Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis preferred.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Google applications, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Salesforce, and project management and grant‑tracking software (e.g., Smartsheet, Submittable, etc.) is beneficial.

Effective time‑management skills and a…