Placemaking Specialist

Part-Time Placemaking Project Lead

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.

A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Job Overview:

The International Rescue Committee in NY (IRC NY) is a resettlement agency that provides resettlement, employment, immigration, and education services to over 3,000 refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in New York City each year for over 50 years. For over 12 years, IRC NY has run an urban sustainable agriculture and food security farm program called New Roots in the South Bronx, and for 5 years, a garden in Woodside, Queens.

New Roots programming provides community green space, access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, and training and education opportunities for newcomers and those who call these neighborhoods home for generations.

IRC NY seeks a Part-Time Placemaking Project Lead to guide a community-driven revitalization of the New Roots Community Garden in Woodside, Queens (41‐38 69th St.). Under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Supervisor, this role will lead a Placemaking initiative that builds on the deep knowledge of long‐standing community gardeners and partners, helping to co‐develop the garden as a "community food place"—an activated, welcoming space for food access, skill‐building, cultural expression, and connection.

The Placemaking Specialist will center community ownership, shared stewardship, and leadership development to ensure the garden's long‐term sustainability beyond any single organization or grant cycle.

Major Responsibilities:

Community Engagement & Organizing

• Build and maintain relationships with gardeners, neighbors, local organizations and businesses, and City agency partners
• Convene inclusive planning sessions, block parties, and workshops to align stakeholders around shared values and goals
• Facilitate participatory processes (e.g., asset mapping, visioning, consensus-building)

Placemaking, Design & Infrastructure

• Coordinate community-informed design and implementation of physical improvements to the garden
• Translate community vision into priorities for infrastructure, layout, signage, and accessibility
• Organize volunteer workdays that bring gardeners, community members, and partners together to build and maintain the space
• Ensure physical changes support long-term shared use, stewardship, and governance of the garden

Programming & Activation

• Develop and manage programming
• In collaboration with community partners, support workshops and cultural events

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

Demonstrated Skills and

Competencies:

• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment

Language

Skills:

• Bilingual and/ or experienced in working with interpreters

Preferred Experience &

Skills:

• Ability to work independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels

This position has an end date of December 31, 2026.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $26.50-$28.04/hr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.…