Strategic Projects Specialist

Step into the role of Specialist, Strategic Projects at New York Cares, where events are more than just gatherings – they're powerful community touchpoints. The Specialist, Strategic Projects supports the planning, coordination, and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives, signature events, and cross-functional projects within the Signature Partnerships & Volunteer Experiences (SP&VE) department.

This role serves as a flexible operational and project management resource across large-scale volunteer activations, corporate engagement opportunities, and organizational priority initiatives. The Specialist will lead and support projects requiring elevated coordination, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and executional excellence.

This position is designed for a highly organized and solutions-oriented professional who can manage complex logistics, support cross-functional collaboration, and contribute to strengthening operational systems and volunteer experiences across the department

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Project Management

· Lead and support assigned strategic initiatives and special projects across SP&VE

· Manage timelines, deliverables, logistics, and internal coordination for high-priority activations

· Support department-wide planning and execution for signature campaigns and events including 9/11 Day, Cares Day, Stand with Students, Coat Drive and other large-scale initiatives

· Coordinate cross-functional communication between Programs, Development, MarComms, Operations, and external partners

· Support the Associate Director and Sr. Officers, Signature Partnerships & Volunteer Experiences by strengthening the purpose, stakeholder experience and scalability of signature events

· Manage events for special projects or large-scale (200+ attendees), ensuring a seamless alignment with their original design and objectives.

Event & Volunteer Operations

· Support execution of high-volume volunteer events and corporate engagement experiences

· Assist with run-of-show development, staffing plans, supply management, and day-of operations

· Help identify operational improvements and scalable systems for large-scale activations

· Provide elevated support for high-touch partners and stakeholders

Staff Support & Staff Capacity Building

· Assist in training, onboarding, and upskilling coordinators and cross-functional staff in event execution best practices

· Share project management tools, operational processes, and event standards across teams

· Support implementation of consistent volunteer and partner experience standards

Relationship & Partner Management

· Maintain positive working relationships with community partners, corporate partners, vendors, and volunteers

· Support the development and execution of volunteer engagement and retention strategies aligned with organizational goals

· Analyze volunteer participation trends and identify opportunities to deepen volunteer connection, consistency, and long-term engagement

· Assist in strengthening volunteer pathways from first-time engagement through leadership and recurring service opportunities

· Support Team Leader engagement efforts, volunteer recognition initiatives, and community-building opportunities

· Collaborate with internal teams to improve volunteer communications, onboarding experiences, and retention-focused touchpoints

· Help reinforce volunteer experience standards and operational excellence across projects and programs

This list is not an exhaustive job description. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

Event and Project Management

· Demonstrated understanding of event logistics management, budgeting and vendor management best practices.

· Ability to apply strategic judgment, reassess, and pivot in the face of unpredictable circumstances.

· Demonstrated skill in breaking down overarching strategies into actionable tasks for clear and efficient execution.

· Evidenced ability to facilitate engaging discussions that encourage participation, collaboration, and innovation.

· Ability to foster genuine connections with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and understand their unique perspectives and needs.

Relationship Management

· Demonstrated ability to cultivate strong relationships with community and corporate partners, understand their event preferences, collect feedback, and customize event offerings to meet their needs.

· Grow relationship stewardship skills to build trust with stakeholders, manage conflict with ease, and to apply empathy and diplomacy in all actions and interactions.

· Work collaboratively with Director, Signature Partnerships & Events in support of reaching the team’s strategic goals.

· Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).

· Ability to effectively interact with communities of diverse cultures and maintain a continued awareness of racial and social justice issues.