Youth Engagement Coordinator

Reports to: Director of Programming About Grounded Strategies: Grounded Strategies is a nonprofit organization that partners with residents to transform vacant and underutilized land into spaces that foster environmental, economic, and social transformation using evidenced-based strategies. We do this by providing tools, training, and technical assistance for reclaiming vacant spaces, embracing intergenerational participation and youth development. Position Overview: Grounded Strategies is seeking a Youth Engagement Coordinator to lead the implementation of programming that centers youth voice in community land transformation efforts. This role is the primary driver of Grounded’s youth programming, responsible for facilitating learning experiences, coordinating day-to-day program operations, and building relationships with youth and partners. The Youth Engagement Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Programming to ensure programs are aligned with organizational goals while taking ownership of on-the-ground execution. Primary Responsibilities: Program Facilitation & Coordination

• Collaborate with partner organizations to confirm and coordinate shared program plans. Currently funded partnerships are with: The Kingsley Association, Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project and The Citizen Science Lab (Hill District location)
• Lead and facilitate youth programming, including classroom sessions, outdoor activities, and site-based projects – in collaboration with partner organization staff
• Own day-to-day coordination of program schedules, logistics, and materials – in collaboration with partner organization staff
• Implement Grounded’s environmental justice-focused curriculum across programs
• Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of all youth engagement activities
• Create a positive, structured, and engaging environment that supports youth leadership and participation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for youth and day-to-day program partners (schools, educators, youth organizations, parents)
• Coordinate recruitment and retention of youth participants (when not managed by partner organizations)
• Work with the Director of Programming to establish and maintain partnerships between Grounded and youth-serving organizations, educators and youth employers throughout Allegheny County.

Curriculum Refinement & Youth Voice

• Ensure youth perspectives and experiences are meaningfully incorporated into programming and, when appropriate, broader Grounded initiatives
• Adapt and refine curriculum content based on youth needs, feedback, and site context
• Integrate topics such as workforce pathways, public land use, and community decision-making into programming as related knowledge and connections grow
• Contribute to ongoing curriculum improvement and innovation

Program Administration

• Maintain program schedules, attendance, and documentation systems
• Track participation and support basic outcome measurement and reporting
• Manage program supplies and coordinate purchasing within established budgets
• Support grant reporting and program updates in collaboration with the Director of Programming

General Responsibilities

• Create content aligned with Grounded’s communications strategy (social media, blog, website)
• Ensure programs follow legal guidelines and internal policies
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Support Grounded’s Race Equity Action Plan
• Serve on internal committees (Workplace Culture, Evaluation & Development)
• Represent Grounded at partner meetings and community events
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on topics relevant to your program area
• Support other programs as needed

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or at least 1 year of relevant work experience in youth development, education, community engagement, environmental education, social services, or a related field
• Experience working directly with youth (grades 6–12 and/or recent high school graduates) in formal or informal learning environments
• Experience facilitating group activities, workshops, classroom sessions, or experiential learning opportunities
• Ability to build authentic relationships with young people and create inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, logistics, and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a highly integrated team
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, adapt to changing priorities, and manage challenges constructively
• Commitment to Grounded Strategies’ anti-racism values and creating equitable environments for youth and communities. An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias
• Ability to obtain current PA Act 33/34 Clearances and FBI Fingerprint Background Check
• Valid PA driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to operate a 15 passenger van for programmatic use
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and standard office tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing, adapting, or implementing curriculum for youth ages 12–18
• Experience with youth leadership development, workforce readiness programming, environmental education, or community-based learning
• Experience working with youth and families in low-income communities and communities of color
• Familiarity with environmental justice, land use, community development, public health, sustainability, or related topics
• Experience coordinating programs, maintaining schedules, tracking participation, or supporting program reporting
• Experience building partnerships with schools, youth organizations, community groups, or educators
• Experience facilitating conversations around identity, community issues, and systems-level challenges with youth
• Experience creating content for communications, including social media, storytelling, or outreach materials

Salary & Benefits: The base salary range for this position is $40,000 - $45,000. In addition, the following benefits are included:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: 85% Coverage for employees /pay (this is subject to change as health plans change in the future)
• 10 Holidays, plus your birthday, in addition to the week between Christmas and New Year’s when the Grounded office is closed
• 19 days of personal time off (includes all vacation, sick leave, and other personal days off)
• Eligibility for Life Insurance, Short - and Long - term disability, and our SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with up to 3% match from Grounded.

Schedule:

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Flexible schedule required, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Candidates must be available June 15-18th, July 27-31, and Mondays in the 3-8pm window starting in September to accommodate partnership program commitments that are already scheduled.

Please apply by June 3rd or sooner. We are hoping to have someone in the role by the week of June 15th.