The posting
Position Summary
Friends of the Walkway is the nonprofit partner of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, working alongside New York State Parks to enhance the visitor experience, engage the community, and support programs and amenities throughout the park. Originally built in 1889 as an operating railroad bridge and reopened as a park in 2009 through the dedicated efforts of the local community, Walkway Over the Hudson is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Friends of the Walkway is a small, fast-paced nonprofit organization whose work depends on engaging volunteers, park visitors, students, community partners, members, and donors. The Volunteer and Event Coordinator will support Friends of the Walkway's volunteer program and weekend visitor operations, working closely with the Manager of Volunteer and Visitor Operations. The member will also assist the Manager of Programs and Engagement with volunteer coordination and logistics for special events and community programs. Friends of the Walkway supports more than 150 volunteer Ambassadors who play a critical role in the visitor experience and day-to-day operations of the park. The organization operates gift shops on both sides of the Walkway, an accessible tram for park visitors, and supports a variety of programs and activities throughout the year. The Volunteer and Event Coordinator will help ensure these operations are fully supported by coordinating volunteer schedules, reaching out to fill open shifts, assisting with volunteer training, supporting Ambassadors onsite, and personally providing coverage for open shifts when needed. The member will also receive training to serve as a docent for Friends of the Walkway's educational programs and tours and may fill in for docent shifts as needed. This provides an opportunity to gain experience working directly with students and other groups while supporting the organization's educational programming. Throughout the year, Friends of the Walkway hosts and supports a variety of public programs and special events, including Pride in the Sky, the Hudson Valley Marathon, Walkway Markets, Walkway at Night, and other community events. The Volunteer and Event Coordinator will assist with event logistics and volunteer coordination, including volunteer recruitment, setup and breakdown, and day-of event support. Weekend availability is an essential component of this position. During the Walkway's primary operating season, the member will regularly serve onsite on weekends, supporting volunteer Ambassadors, helping ensure adequate coverage, interacting with park visitors, and stepping into operational roles when needed. Hours may also shift to accommodate occasional evening programs, holidays, and special events. This position is ideal for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in volunteer management, visitor services, public parks, and nonprofit operations. As part of a small staff, the member will have opportunities to learn about different aspects of the organization while developing practical experience in volunteer engagement, public interaction, and event support.
Hosting Organization
Friends of the Walkway
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
- This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Weekly Schedule
January 25, 2027- March 22: Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:30pm
March 22- November 19, 2027: Thursday- Monday 9:00am-5:30pm*
*Hours will shift as needed for special events.
Corps members are expected to serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 10 months
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Volunteer Support
- Work closely with the Manager of Volunteer and Visitor Operations to coordinate weekly volunteer schedules helping to ensure adequate on-bridge coverage. Actively work to fill vacancies by communicating with volunteers via emails, texts, and calls. Provide coverage for unfilled vacancies when necessary.
- Participate in volunteer training and assist with updating procedural materials and volunteer communications as needed.
- Attend monthly volunteer Ambassador committee meetings when available. On-bridge Operations (Merchandise, Pavilion, and Tram)
- Serve as the on-site Friends staff presence on weekends, helping to problem-solve issues and provide support to volunteer Ambassadors and Park visitors during assigned shifts.
- Check in throughout the day with all shift volunteers at both pavilions (stores) and the tram.
- Maintain effective on-site communication between volunteers and NYS Parks staff during operating hours.
- Assist with merchandise fulfillment, including replenishing stock and maintaining organized and welcoming retail spaces.
- Regularly communicate low inventory and other on-bridge needs, as well as volunteer and visitor feedback and suggestions, to the Manager of Volunteer and Visitor Operations.
- Engage with park visitors by answering questions, providing information, and helping create a welcoming visitor experience. Event & Program Support
- Assist Friends staff with coordination and communication related to outside events, including permitting and required paperwork with NYS Parks and event organizers.
- Assist with event planning and logistics, with a particular focus on volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and day-of volunteer coordination, as well as event setup and breakdown.
- Receive training to serve as a docent for Walkway educational programs and tours and provide docent coverage as needed. This provides an opportunity for the member to gain experience working directly with students and other groups while supporting Friends of the Walkway's educational programming.
- Assist with the implementation of grant-funded youth and community initiatives, including administrative support, tracking program activities and outcomes, and participating in relevant committee meetings. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting.
Marginal Duties
• Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system, ADP • Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided. • Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.
Required Qualifications
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
- Being at least 18 years or older
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
- Successful candidates will thrive within a small, hands-on nonprofit environment and demonstrate a passion for Walkway’s mission.
- Top candidates will have the following personal qualities and professional capabilities: Excellent organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills. Ability to work productively in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with frequent changes. Solid communication skills. Demonstrated ability to defuse challenging situations and work and interact with a positive, calm, and professional demeanor when dealing with volunteers and visitors. Strong work ethic with the ability to work collaboratively with a team as well as independently. Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and independently problem-solve routine operational issues while knowing when to seek assistance. Experience using database management software, Microsoft Office applications, and point of sales systems or the ability to learn. Ability to perform physical tasks and work outdoors in a variety of weather and field conditions. Ability and willingness to regularly work weekends, as well as occasional holidays and evenings.
- Weekend availability during the primary operating season is required.
- As a representative of the Walkway, the member is expected to be friendly and approachable and have the ability to work well with children as well as adults. This person will spend time greeting and interacting with visitors, answering questions, and providing information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with and enthusiasm for volunteer engagement, including working with volunteers of various ages and abilities.
- Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and desire to learn
- Experience helping organize or assist with events
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Free housing provided is a dorm-style room at a local boarding school
Compensation
- Compensation (weekly living allowance): $500/week
- Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award
- AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
- Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
- Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
- Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Driving
Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:
- Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
- Have a minimum of three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience.
- Be a minimum of 21 years old.
- Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
- Able to complete and pass SCA’s driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.
Additional Benefits
Health Insurance
SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:
- Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
- SCA Risk Management
- Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR
- Environmental Education Curriculum
- Environmental Leadership Institute
- New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
- Hudson River Ecology
- Leave No Trace Level 1
- Professional Development & Job Readiness
- Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
- AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.



