Program & Engagement Coordinator
Position Overview
The Merwin Conservancy seeks a highly organized, collaborative, creative, and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Program & Engagement Coordinator. This part-time position supports a variety of public and educational initiatives that advance the legacy of poet and environmentalist W.S. Merwin and the mission of The Merwin Conservancy. Reporting to the Associate Director of Storytelling & Experience, this role blends program coordination, community engagement, and content creation.
This is an ideal opportunity for an emerging professional with a passion for arts, culture, and conservation, environmental storytelling, and community-based programming.
This is a part-time and in-person job on Maui, Hawaiʻi and is not eligible for relocation support. The position may require occasional travel, weekend, and evening work.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Support (60%)
The Merwin Conservancy offers a robust suite of programs for community and supporters, both on-site and in the broader community.
Assists with coordination and on-site support for public programs, including:
- Coordinating and facilitating Open Garden Days and other on-site visitor experiences including school and community visits
- Contributing to trainings and overseeing coordination of volunteer and docent program logistics
- Assist in providing pre- and post-program communication, including outreach to public and press, follow-ups, and evaluations
- Support event planning and day-of coordination for Green Room literary and cultural events (approx. 4 per year), including:
- Liaising with caterers, tech staff, and vendors
- Setting up and managing ticketing and guest lists
- Supporting guests, artists, and performers
- Supporting set up and checking-in guests during event
- Assisting with set up and sales of merchandise and book signings
Residency Support (20%)
The Merwin Conservancy welcomes 3-4 residents per year for stays of 2-4 weeks in duration. During this time, residents live and work in the house and garden and often participate in public programs.
- Assist with Residency Program logistics, including:
- Preparing and stocking the residency house for arrival
- Coordinating produce and meal deliveries
- Supporting resident artists with transportation, local recommendations, and other emergent needs
- Helping with logistics and day of support for residency-related events on-site or in the community
Community Outreach & Education (20%)
- Provide logistical and communication support for the Educator Ambassador Program and Fellowship program including:
- Organizing schedules and travel for participants
- Supporting day-of events and gatherings
- Providing on-site support for programs
- Assist with outreach for school programming and teacher engagement
- Support development and distribution of marketing, communications, press, and outreach materials for all public programs including digital marketing, distributing program flyers, and posting events to calendars and local networks
Qualifications
- Strong organizational and communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfort with both behind-the-scenes and public-facing work
- Experience with event coordination or program management a plus
- Interest in environmental storytelling, arts, or literary programming
- Familiarity with basic digital tools including Google Drive, Canva, social media
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend work
- Access to car and valid drivers license
Please send a letter of interest detailing qualifications and resume to info@merwinconservancy.org. Review of applications will begin on March 15.
Background Check Policy: As a condition of employment with The Merwin Conservancy each qualified candidate who has been given a conditional offer of employment must participate in a background check.
