Weekend Phipps Conservatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TITLE: YCAC Summits and Events Leader

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO: Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator

DURATION: Mid-September 2026 to Mid-May 2027

GENERAL SUMMARY:Under the direction of the Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator, help shape and guide Phipps' Youth Climate Advocacy Committee by overseeing the planning of the Pittsburgh Youth Climate Summit and other YCAC events, collaborating with peers to ensure a variety of youth contribute to the planning of YCAC events, and mentoring youth in the committee.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the planning of the Pittsburgh Youth Climate Summit, as well as other events such as the LEAP collaboration workshop, the Careers for a Changing Climate youth symposium, game nights, and service days. Plan the date, timing and agenda of the event, activities, games and prizes, outreach to potential speakers and finding youth session leaders.
2. Guide a diverse working group of youth dedicated to planning the Pittsburgh Youth Climate Summit and other events. Model strong teamwork, collaboration and inclusivity.
3. Work closely with Phipps staff and partners on event planning, logistics and communications.
4. Create social media content, flyers, and emails, and do outreach to promote YCAC events.
5. Provide kind and appropriate peer-mentoring for other youth committee members both individually and in groups to help uplift their ideas, encourage them, and support their growth.
6. Model responsibility and dedication, inclusivity, compassion, communication, and critical thinking in your work, and lead with a solutions-focused approach to the climate crisis.
7. As needed, assist the YCAC Leaders with responsibilities including but not limited to:
   1. Leading meetings, activities, group discussions, and team building opportunities.
   2. Creating materials, bringing in guest speakers, finding and sharing resources, and assisting with the year's schedule.
8. Network and engage with young people in other organizations through our Climate Toolkit Youth Network; model resource-sharing and collaboration between other like-minded youth.
9. Proactively guide Phipps Conservatory in empowering young people, improving YCAC offerings, and advocating for environmental and climate justice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Strong sense of teamwork, collaboration and leadership; ability to provide kind and appropriate peer-mentoring and guidance to other youth
2. Strong communication and public speaking skills; ability to communicate and respond both in person and over email and Slack to committee members, staff, and other organizations in a timely, pleasant and courteous manner.
3. Enthusiasm and passion for planning events, especially youth-focused events related to climate action, environmental justice and science communication
4. Skills and interests in other areas such as the arts, science and technology, policy, speech and debate, education or community engagement and outreach.
5. Knowledge and skills in writing, proof-reading, and social media content creation
6. Accurate and detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and work independently.
7. Ability to handle confidential material, exercise initiative and display sound judgment.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

1. Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 30 pounds; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
2. Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, scheduling, organizing, planning, mentoring, public speaking and teaching.
3. Ability to work under deadlines and stress and work within a team environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Ability to provide own transportation to perform principal responsibilities.
2. Requires evening and weekend work.
3. Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the Conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

1. Previous experience in the Phipps Youth Climate Advocacy Committee, or similar youth environmental leadership experiences such as but not limited to: Phipps' EcoLeader Academy, Communitopia's PYCA (Pittsburgh Youth for Climate Action), GASP (Group Against Smog and Pollution)'s Fresh Voices for Clean Air program, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's Young Naturalists program, The Wild Center's Youth Climate Connections Retreat, YOUNGO, or LCOY USA.
2. Must be between 16 and 23 years of age.
3. Previous experience planning events, leading activities for other youth, collaborating with professionals and working in a team setting strongly preferred

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.