The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.
Job Overview:
The International Rescue Committee in NY (IRC NY) is a resettlement agency that provides resettlement, employment, immigration, and education services to over 3,000 refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in New York City each year for over 50 years. For over 12 years, IRC NY has run an urban sustainable agriculture and food security farm program called New Roots in the South Bronx, and for 5 years, a garden in Woodside, Queens. New Roots programming provides community green space, access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, and training and education opportunities for newcomers and those who call these neighborhoods home for generations.
IRC NY seeks a Part-Time Placemaking Project Lead to guide a community-driven revitalization of the New Roots Community Garden in Woodside, Queens (41‐38 69th St.). Under the supervision of the Food and Agriculture Supervisor, this role will lead a Placemaking initiative that builds on the deep knowledge of long‐standing community gardeners and partners, helping to co‐develop the garden as a “community food place”—an activated, welcoming space for food access, skill‐building, cultural expression, and connection. The Placemaking Specialist will center community ownership, shared stewardship, and leadership development to ensure the garden’s long‐term sustainability beyond any single organization or grant cycle.
Major Responsibilities:
Community Engagement & Organizing
Build and maintain relationships with gardeners, neighbors, local organizations and businesses, and City agency partners
Convene inclusive planning sessions, block parties, and workshops to align stakeholders around shared values and goals
Facilitate participatory processes (e.g., asset mapping, visioning, consensus-building)
Placemaking, Design & Infrastructure
Coordinate community-informed design and implementation of physical improvements to the garden
Translate community vision into priorities for infrastructure, layout, signage, and accessibility
Organize volunteer workdays that bring gardeners, community members, and partners together to build and maintain the space
Ensure physical changes support long-term shared use, stewardship, and governance of the garden
Programming & Activation
Develop and manage programming
In collaboration with community partners, support workshops and cultural events
Job Requirements:
Work Experience:
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi- task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment
Language Skills:
Bilingual and/ or experienced in working with interpreters
Preferred Experience & Skills:
Ability to work independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels
This position has an end date of December 31, 2026.
Compensation:(Pay Rate: $26.50-$28.04/hr).Ranges are based onvarious factorsincluding the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidateexperienceand skills relative to the defined job requirements.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.