Summer Programs & Marketing Assistant

Esplanade Association  
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Summer Programs & Marketing Assistant 

Job Title: Summer Programs & Marketing Assistant 

Department: Programs 

Position Status: Part-Time, seasonal (25 hours a week, June through August) 

Reports to: Programs & Culture Manager 

Position Description:  

The Summer Programs & Marketing Assistant is essential member of the Programs team in primarily assisting, as well as in promoting, engaging programs and events with the Esplanade Association (EA). Reporting to the Programs & Culture Manager, this position will support the Programs team in the execution of high-season public programs and events, with a special focus on marketing production and distribution, in collaboration with the External Relations Manager. Specifically, this assistant will enhance the organization’s visibility through event promotion via social media, web, list-serv and in-print signage and posters. With direction from Programs & Culture Manager, this assistant will design and post text, image and video-based content that follows EA’s Communication’s guidelines, with the department goal of increasing program engagement by 10%. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the recognition and reach of programs that define EA’s mission of “Making life better on the Esplanade for all.” 

About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):  

Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 100 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; 150 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain and the Community Boating docks; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the forthcoming Gronk Playground in 2025; plans underway to introduce a new building and two-acre landscape improvement at Charlesbank Landing that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join a growing, impactful and community-engaged non-profit. 

Responsibilities: 

Programs & Events (60%) 

Serve as a welcoming, friendly, and helpful representative of EA in the park 

Set-up, staff, and clean-up for public programs (e.g., ensure signage and equipment are in place, manage sign-in sheets and waivers, make general announcements as needed, etc.)  

Support data collection efforts in locations as needed 

Assist at a marquee fundraising event: the Summer Dock Party on Thursday, July 17  

Marketing— (40%) 

Post programs & events to online community calendars and oversee the tracking of coverage for events 

Support physical flyering and outreach to promote programming season and EA including tracking of locations 

Create Facebook event pages for programs and events 

Manage Google Calendar of programs & events 

Develop and maintain event registration pages for programs and events 

Take photos at events and programs for social media marketing use including uploading and organizing 

Maintain collateral at EA info tables 

Develop program collateral and materials that will be used for phyiscal and online promotion 

Support social media channels and content: schedule & draft posts for review by the External Relations Mgr. 

Perform other duties as directed or as needed 

Qualifications:  

Familiarity with cultural & recreational programs and events, including health, fitness, music and youth is preferred 

Fluency with Microsoft Office suite and Canva or similar software is key 

Ability to take high-quality photos and videos with personal phone is essential 

Exceptional organizational skills, with strong attention-to-detail and follow-through.  

Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of responsibilities simultaneously, with a proactive and adaptive approach to problem solving, and a team-oriented and positive attitude.  

Comfortable delivering information to large groups and public speaking and a customer service mentality 

Clear and polished writing, editing, and internet research skills.  

Environmentally conscious and a passion for parks, recreation, and open space a plus!  

Logistics: 

This is a paid position with sick time benefits. Compensation will be $19/hour. 

The position is for 12 weeks, beginning June 3 through August 22, with some flexibility on start and end dates. 

This position will work ~25 hours a week, with hours corresponding to programs and events, which will involve flexibility and an ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends. 

Prior to official start date and training, the candidate has the opportunity to work at the same hourly rate for 3 additional events pre-summer season: Sunday May 18th, Wednesday May 21st, Wednesday May 28th 

Must have a valid US driver’s license and be able to drive a golf cart and must be at least 18 years of age.  

Willingness to work in both an indoor and outdoor setting. 

Work will require applicant to bend, reach, carry, climb, and lift 40 lbs. as necessary to perform assigned duties. 

Applicants are subject to a Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life occurrences. 

Application Process: 

Email cover letter & resume to jobs@esplanade.org with job title in the subject line. No phone calls, please. 

Include a cover letter that answers this question: “What is one of your favorite public greenspaces and why?” 

Resume should include at least 2 references for roles within the past 3 years.  

Each file name should include the applicant’s last name. 

The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive. 

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.