ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
PLAYWORKS NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
GRANT FUNDED POSITION
Location: Work from home and the field (NY/NJ Metro Area)
Reports to: Executive Director, Playworks New York/New Jersey
Employment Type: Full-Time, Grant-Funded (January–November 2026, with possibility of renewal pending continued funding)
About Playworks
Playworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable life skills through play. Since 1996, we’ve been committed to creating safe, healthy play environments where every child feels included and supported. We partner with schools and youth-serving organizations to make recess and playtime active, inclusive, and fun—because we know that play has the power to bring out the best in every kid.
In the New York/New Jersey region, Playworks, in partnership with NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, launched Elevate Play. Through this initiative, we are building capacity for play in 20 schools and community organizations and creating unforgettable experiences by providing access for 10,000 youth, educators, and families to Gotham FC home games during the 2026 season (March 2026 - October 2026).
About the Role
The Engagement Specialist, Elevate Play Partnership, will bring this vision to life by leading outreach, coordination, and logistics for the Elevate Play initiative. Serving as the connective force between Playworks, Gotham FC, and local schools and youth programs, this role transforms shared values of play and equity into memorable, community-building experiences.
- Playworks Training Partnerships – supporting the selection and coordination of 20 schools and organizations receiving Playworks professional development.
- Gotham FC Game Attendance – leading outreach, communications, and operations to ensure approximately 1,000 participants attend each of 10 Gotham FC home games in 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled project manager who thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven work and believes in the power of play to build community, confidence, and joy.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Game Attendance and Community Engagement
- Lead and sustain outreach and engagement with schools, youth organizations, and community groups to ensure consistent participation at Gotham FC home games (approximately 1,000 attendees per game).
- Research, build, and maintain relationships with partners to create equitable access to game-day experiences.
- Coordinate transportation, ticket distribution, and on-site logistics to ensure every participant feels welcomed and included.
- Serve as Playworks’ on-site lead at all 10 home games, ensuring a positive, safe, and joyful experience for participants.
- Track and report attendance, participation data, and feedback for ongoing improvement and partner reporting.
- Ensure that community-based organizations receiving Playworks capacity-building trainings are a top priority to attend Gotham FC games.
Support School Training Coordination
- Work with Playworks leadership to identify and track 20 schools and community-based organizations receiving Playworks capacity-building trainings.
- Communicate game invitation opportunities to all training partners and ensure alignment between training and community engagement.
- Coordinate and streamline scheduling and communication for special visits or media opportunities featuring Gotham FC players, staff, or Illumination Fund representatives.
Strengthen Partnership Operations and Communication
- Maintain the Elevate Play project plan, outreach tracker, and communication tools.
- Prepare materials, agendas, and updates for partnership meetings with Gotham FC and the Illumination Fund.
- Coordinate messaging, outreach materials, and impact stories in collaboration with Playworks’ regional and national communications teams.
- Support data collection, analysis, and reporting for internal and funder reporting milestones.
About You:
- A strong project manager who thrives in managing multiple moving parts with clarity and extreme attention to detail.
- Experienced in event coordination and/or large-group logistics—you know how to move people, information, and systems smoothly.
- Comfortable leading outreach and communications with schools, educators, and community partners.
- Skilled at working independently, prioritizing tasks, and adapting to shifting timelines.
- Excited about Playworks’ mission and familiar with the education or youth development landscape.
- Collaborative and relationship-driven, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with transportation logistics, data tracking, or CRM tools (Salesforce) is a plus.
- Interested in community building in the world of professional sports.
Work Environment & Expectations
- This is a hybrid role based in the NY/NJ metro area.
- Requires independent work as well as significant collaboration both internally and externally.
- Involves participating in Playworks virtual and in-person meetings when warranted.
- Requires in-person attendance at all 10 Gotham FC home games (March–October 2026) and occasional travel to partner schools and organizations.
- Some evening and weekend work will be required, particularly during the game season.
Why Playworks
At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in everyone. You’ll join a team that values collaboration, creativity, and joy in pursuit of impact. We provide opportunities to learn, grow, and lead—while helping to build more playful, inclusive communities across New York and New Jersey.
Compensation & Benefits:
- This role is a grant funded position which is targeting to begin January 5, 2026 and will end November 6, 2026.
- Playworks offers a competitive nonprofit salary commensurate with experience.
- New York City: $57,200 annual equivalent / $27.50 per hour
- New Jersey: $54,300 annualized salary
- This position may be hourly or salaried, depending on location:
- Compensation is aligned with Playworks’ established pay ranges and internal equity guidelines.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
To be considered for the position, please include:
- A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this specific role
- Resume
- If we think you’re the right fit, we will request your references.
