(Summer Internship) Program Associate: Nonprofit Management Park Conservancy

Internship Overview

Branch Brook Park Alliance is seeking a highly energetic Intern interested in learning about the nonprofit sector and program development. This is the perfect opportunity for someone with a commitment to improving the lives of others, with a self-starting, proactive attitude and a proven ability to focus and see tasks through to completion. Specifically, you will learn how we plan and execute programs noted on our website. www.branchbrookpark.org

The individual will work closely with all levels of the administrative team, from the President, Director of Operations, Horticulturist and Development Manager. This person will learn about the strategic planning, communication and flawless execution of a program that engages volunteers, highlights their positive impact and raise awareness for this important community work. Specific focus will be placed on your desired professional development. This position provides real learning opportunities and terrific hands-on experience in a fast-paced and results-oriented nonprofit organization.

Key Learning Objectives

Each internship caters to the development need of the individual. If you are selected, the key learning objectives will be clearly defined between you and the supervisor. Together we will determine skill gaps, desired outcome of the internship experience and define a suitable plan that will culminate in an internship capstone project. Examples of key and common learning objectives with us are noted below. However, not all will apply to what you are seeking and your specific experience. Therefore, don’t be deterred by the many possibilities. Instead, consider which one(s) you are interested in learning more about.

Academic Learning Objectives 

• Learn and understand the methods involved in community engagement programs. Examples are social justice, environmental justice, stewardship programs, workforce development and social determinants of health.
• Learn and understand the methods involved in researching science-based projects. Examples are the relationships between water and soil management or photosynthesis and its effects on plant life.
• Learn about the grant management cycle.
• Learn how to gather and analyze big data to address community-identified needs.

Professional Learning Objectives 

• Learn to build your communication skills online, on the phone and in-person through community engagement activities.
• Develop your public speaking skills through community engagement programs.
• Build your project management skills from inception to implementation.
• Develop your potential as a facilitator in group settings.
• Familiarize yourself with trade groups and associations.
• Learn about code of ethics.
• Learn about nonprofit trade periodicals.
• Learn to build your leadership skills by leading others in service.

Personal Learning Objectives 

• Determine if working in the nonprofit sector if the right career goal for you.
• Develop your potential as a facilitator in group settings.
• Familiarize yourself with trade groups and associations.
• Learn about code of ethics
• Learn about nonprofit trade periodicals.

Intern Responsibilities

• Develop project plans in stewardship to Essex County Branch Brook Park and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs.
• Analyze and visualize data for the purpose of making informed decisions about our work.
• Support the grants management cycle; prospect, research, write, and impact reporting.
• Develop and implement a community outreach strategy to engage skills-based volunteers.
• You will work with the team to develop, implement, and manage our summer youth employment program known as Park Ambassadors.
• Assist in creating a leadership development curriculum for Park Ambassadors.
• Motivate and empower program participants to learn workforce skills through service in Branch Brook Park.
• Lead community volunteers in Branch Brook Park in caring for the landscape.
• Craft marketing content in the form of videos, photos and writing for social media, community canvassing tools, and professional presentations.
• Advocate for service by writing and editing regular blog posts and newsletters.
• Our internships are designed to build your skills, tell us what you want to learn.

About Branch Brook Park Alliance

We champion a masterwork of landscape architecture, conceived by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and designed by the Olmsted Brothers. The centerpiece of the first county park system in America located in the renaissance city of Newark, Essex County Branch Brook Park now enjoys new life. Together with a community of friends, we are refreshing the park’s historic design for today's lively use. Our mission…

Restoring the Park

• To restore a landscape work of art to its highest standards of use and beauty.
• To enroll visionaries who support and sustain this effort.

Renewing Our Spirit

• To bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in the ongoing renewal and care of their park.
• To engender pride of place and a sense of ownership in an entire community.

Requirements

Internship Hours & Dates

• Apply by Date: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 
• Offers Confirmed by Date: Friday, March 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 
• Internship Start Date: June 23, 2025
• Internship End Date: August 31, 2025
• 10 Weeks 
• 20 hours per week (includes every Saturday & Sunday) 5 shifts, four hours each shift
• $20 per hour

Student Eligibility Minimum Requirements 

• Current NJ undergraduate student
• Current NJ graduate student
• Recent NJ college graduate: must have graduated less than one year prior to start of the internship experience (May 2024-May 2025 graduates)  
• Ability to manage programs to plan and scope.
• A strong commitment to people-oriented solutions to local issues and volunteerism.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• A strong work ethic.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and preferred experience with a cloud-based CRM.
• An ability to think creatively and handle multiple tasks at the same time.
• Some experience writing across social media platforms preferred.

Examples of Desired Majors

• Public Administration - overall nonprofit governance, grant administration, and public relations efforts.
• Business Administration - strategic planning, finance, operations, and management.
• Nonprofit Management - covers nonprofit operations from fundraising to volunteer coordination.
• Human Resources Management - managing staff and volunteer recruitment, retention, and training.
• Finance and Accounting - managing budgets, financial reporting, audits, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Social Work - program development and working directly with the populations served by our agency.
• Marketing and Communications - fundraising campaigns, and community engagement through various media channels.
• Project Management - overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Environmental Science - focused on conservation, sustainability, and environmental education.
• Political Science – advocacy and engagement with governmental entities.
• Event Management - fundraising events, community programs, and other major gatherings.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and 2-page writing sample to:

Thomas Dougherty