“Immerse participants in enjoyable activities to develop an attitude of joy, wonder, love and respect for our natural world.”

March 13th, 2009

Job Opening: Program Coordinator

TAKO (Take a Kid Outdoors) is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization founded in 2006. TAKO, based in Fayette County, is dedicated to providing immersive outdoor experiences, activities, and education to children and people of all ages in the great outdoors. TAKO attempts to establish a program of monthly events that are tuned to the season and will get the youth of the area outside, actively pursuing high-interest activities such as hiking, birding, rock and fossil hunting, hunting, fishing, sledding, star gazing, walking the Maize Maze, or simply enjoying nature. In 2007-2008, TAKO hosted 15 events serving 529 participants including of 284 children and 245 adults. All our events are free, open to the public and for kids/adults of all ages. Most events include lunch and/or snacks.

TAKO is seeking a contract for services for a Program Coordinator to assist the board with our events. Task will include the following

1. Working with the TAKO Board on scheduling of TAKO events
2. Contacting and meeting with Event Leaders to ensure event operations are carried out effectively

For each event, the Program Coordinator will:

3. Two week prior to the event:
1. Contact the Event Leader. Work with Event Leader on announcements.
2. Prepare and distribute a flier (a template will be provided)
3. Prepare and send by email an announcement to interested parties
4. Write and distribute a press release Arrange for transportation of participants as necessary
5. Assist the Event Leader with, or find volunteers to assist with, preparations or the actual event
4. The Day of the Event

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1. Provide the Event Leader with a packet containing envelopes for collecting receipts for reimbursement, the TAKO Event Report Form, the list of registered TAKO participants, a sign-in sheet for mentoring group participants, copies of the TAKO registration form/waiver, and copies of evaluation/comment forms.
2. Ensure that the Event Leader or other key volunteers are aware of the contents of the packet and trained in their responsibilities for collecting information at the event
3. Ensure that photographs of the event are taken
4. Ensure that lunch or refreshments are being provided, if appropriate

5. Event Follow-up (Within one week after the event)

1. Get the packet back from the Event Leader
2. Write and distribute a press release with photo
3. Format the press release material for the TAKO website and email it to the webmaven
4. Complete the TAKO Event Report
5. Complete an invoice for payment

The Program Coordinator for TAKO will need access to a computer with Office software, email program, and Internet connectivity and the ability to use all of these. The Program Coordinator will need to be able to write announcements and press releases. A separate TAKO email address will be provided for use in doing TAKO business. To carry out these duties, we have budgeted $100 per event. At this time, we would like to find someone who will commit to serving as the Program Coordinator for the next 6 months/6 events. At the end of that time, the position may be renewable. If you are interested, please contact Judy Krieg at 319-330-3833 or email her at earthview01@aol.com.