Events Coordinator

For more than 20 years, our cleanup program has connected people to place providing opportunities for individuals, companies, and groups a chance to come together and practice hands-on stewardship of the lands and waters that sustain us all. Each year, thousands of volunteers participate in this program and remove metric tons of trash from beaches, riverbanks, parks, and other green and blue spaces across the Long Island Sound region in Connecticut and New York. Join us as our Seasonal Cleanup Coordinator and help us take action to safeguard our waters and our communities from plastic pollution and other trash.

WHO WE ARE

Save the Sound leads environmental action in the Long Island Sound region. We fight climate change and build resilient communities, save endangered lands, protect the Sound, and restore its rivers and coastlines. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands- on volunteer efforts. For more than 40 years we’ve been ensuring people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come.

Learn more about us at www.savethesound.org.

THE POSITION:

The 2026 Seasonal Events Coordinator supports Save the Sound’s largest seasonal volunteer and fundraising efforts, including shoreline and river cleanups and our signature peer-to-peer Paddle for the Sound fundraiser. This role provides hands-on coordination, outreach, and event support during the busy late spring through early fall season. The coordinator works closely with cleanup staff and the membership and events team to strengthen community engagement, volunteer participation, and fundraising outcomes across Connecticut and New York. 

This position is based in our New Haven office reporting to the Member Engagement Manager. In this role you will be working closely with Connecticut and New York Cleanup Coordinator, Member Communications & Events Specialist, and Membership Team. 

ESSENTIAL TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cleanup Event Support - 

• Assist in planning, staffing, and executing cleanup events 


• Support corporate, community, and partner-hosted cleanup events throughout the season
  


• Recruit, communicate with, and support Cleanup Captains, cleanup volunteers
  


• Identify, assess, and visit potential cleanup sites, including rivers in inland Connecticut
  


• Purchase, organize, distribute, and track cleanup supplies
  


• Coordinate with Ocean Conservancy in support of the International Coastal Cleanup
  


• Tally cleanup data and assist with data entry into internal databases, spreadsheets, and Ocean Conservancy reporting tools 


• 
  Attend and support weekend events as needed, including transporting supplies and assisting with on-site logistics 

Paddle for the Sound Event Support -  

• Assist with promotion of the peer-to-peer paddling fundraiser, including participant recruitment and team captain support 


• Help develop and share outreach materials and messaging that motivate participation and fundraising
  


• Research and engage potential partner organizations for team-based paddling participation, including recreational clubs, businesses, fitness groups, and environmental organizations
  


• Support the recruitment and recognition of in-kind prize sponsors and partners
  

Other responsibilities -  

• Assist in planning, staffing, and executing seasonal fundraising activities from late spring through early fall 


• Coordinate with municipalities, partners, and external organizations to secure approvals and ensure smooth event operations
  


• Conduct direct outreach to schools, youth groups, inland communities, and community organizations to expand participation
  


• Serve as a primary liaison between volunteers, participants, partners, and Save the Sound staff
  


• Help tell the story of how cleanups and paddling connect to clean water, healthy habitats, and community impact
  


• Maintain organized records related to outreach, participation, partnerships, and event outcomes 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required 

• Interest in communications, community engagement, fundraising, cleanup efforts, coastal and river conservation, and Save the Sound’s mission 

• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders with minimal supervision 

• Comfortable engaging with volunteers, event participants, partners, donors, and members of the public as a representative of Save the Sound 

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including outreach via email, phone, and in person 

• Ability to carry up to fifteen pounds of event and cleanup supplies and transport materials between vehicles and event sites 

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle 

• Willingness and enthusiasm for working outdoors in varied weather conditions 

• Ability to navigate to event and cleanup locations and support or lead group activities 

• Availability to work occasional weekends to support cleanup and fundraising events; Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 are required 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 

Preferred 

• Experience creating promotional graphics using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite 

• Experience with peer-to-peer fundraising, volunteer coordination, community organizing, or event planning 

• Familiarity with paddling, kayaking, outdoor recreation, or environmental programs 

• Experience supporting or promoting events through outreach, communications, or social media 

Note from the team: The confidence gap and imposter syndrome are real things, and we are aware that it is easy to find reasons in these qualifications lists to “disqualify” yourself. If you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply and we look forward to hearing from you!

TERMS & COMPENSATION:

This is a part-time 6-month seasonal position that pays $25/hour for an average work week of up to 20 hours/week. The work is expected to begin in April 2026 and run through October 31, 2026. Hours will vary during the season, ranging from approximately 15 -20 hours per week mid-April through early July and up to 25 hours per week for late July through early October. This seasonal position includes sick time and holiday pay but does not include any other benefits. Reimbursement for work-related travel is provided. Some evening and weekend hours are required for this position.

This position is contingent upon the continued level and availability of funding for work organizationally. Save the Sound reserves the right to modify or terminate employment if funding is reduced or unavailable.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted starting March 19, 2026, until the position is filled.

We are a thoughtful and thorough organization. We will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your application and to schedule selected applicants for an interview. Our hiring process can take from 7 to 10 weeks. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient.

Additional Details Common to All Positions 

Save the Sound’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity 

Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to attract a more diverse applicant pool, and to add and retain more outstanding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to all levels of our team. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are actively working to increase our focus on driving environmental justice and equitable outcomes through our work. 

Shared Organizational Job Responsibilities 

• Maintaining positive and productive working relationships with all Save the Sound staff members, including providing and receiving constructive feedback;


• Participating in building productive relationships with Save the Sound's members, external partners, policy makers, and the general public;


• Completing all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents.

Work Authorization Requirements

Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Save the Sound is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future