We’re Hiring!

Title: Exploration and Engagement Associate 


Location:
IN PERSON at 1900 East 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94577
Occasional off-site community events within 10 miles of San Leandro 


Job Type: Part-time      


Schedule:
Between 18 and 25 hours per week
Half-day (morning only or afternoon only) and full day shifts available
Preference for weekend availability
Preference for flexible scheduling to accommodate program needs


Salary:
Starting wage $18/hr, with opportunities for growth
Up to $20/hr for credentialed early childhood educators 
Potential increase for multilingual fluency


Start Date: On or after May 18th, 2026


About Juniper Corner

Juniper Corner is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a vibrant neighborhood hub where children and families come together to play, learn, and grow. We believe that interactive free play is essential for childhood development and that every family deserves access to safe, enriching spaces regardless of financial background. As part of the San Leandro and East Bay community, we are committed to fostering connection, creativity, and inclusion for all.


Role Overview

As an Exploration and Engagement Associate, you will be the face of Juniper Corner, ensuring that every family who walks through our doors feels welcome, supported, and inspired. You’ll play a key role in engaging with children and caregivers, fostering a sense of community, and making play a joyful and meaningful experience. This is a hands-on role that requires both enthusiasm and responsibility—you should be just as comfortable leading a group activity as you are tidying up a play area. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Be a Community Leader. Represent Juniper Corner with warmth and enthusiasm, building relationships with families and making everyone feel at home.

  • Engage & Inspire. Facilitate open-ended play, hands-on activities, and interactive storytelling to encourage creativity, learning, and connection.

  • Support Parents & Caregivers. Provide resources, encouragement, and a welcoming space for family bonding.

  • Keep the Space Thriving. Assist with daily maintenance, including cleaning, resetting play areas, and ensuring a safe and inviting environment for all visitors.

  • Lead Activities & Events. Help organize and run workshops, themed play sessions, birthday parties both on- and off-site that enhance the Juniper Corner experience.

  • Champion Inclusion & Equity. Uphold our commitment to accessibility, ensuring that all families—regardless of ethnicity, language, age, gender, ability and financial background—feel valued and supported.

  • Manage Point-of-Sale. Run check-in transactions, snack sales, party bookings and waivers.  

  • Support Mobile Events. For Juniper Corner off-site events, help set up and clean up supplies and materials, manage family check-in, and engage with children and caregivers. 


Requirements & Experience

  • 1+ years of experience working with children and families in a play-based, educational, or community setting (examples include daycare, camps, libraries, after school programs, early childhood education, or customer service roles involving families).

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage both children and adults in a friendly, approachable manner.

  • Energetic, patient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with lots of movement and interaction.

  • Team player mindset—willing to step in wherever needed, including assisting with cleaning, organizing, and maintaining the space.

  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in community spaces.

  • Ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and manage small groups of children.

  • First aid and CPR certifications, which can be completed upon receiving a job offer.

  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and flexible hours as needed.

  • Proficiency in spoken and written English.


Physical Requirements 

Juniper Corner is an equal employment opportunity workplace, and will make reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. 

During the course of work, employees may be expected to:

  • Occasionally lift, pull, push or carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds. 

  • Stand and walk for up to one hour without fatigue.

  • Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel or crouch. 

  • Sit on the ground or a low stool for up to 15 minutes at a time. 


Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a mission-driven, community-centered organization that’s making a real impact in the East Bay.

  • Work in a fun, dynamic, and playful environment where no two days are the same.

  • Help create and shape a new, inclusive space for families.

  • Opportunities for growth, leadership, and professional development.

  • Be a Junicorn! 🦄 Embody the magic, joy, and creativity that make Juniper Corner a beloved part of the San Leandro community.


Important to Note

  • Applicants are subject to a background screening, including Live Scan fingerprinting and employment verification. Pursuant to the CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

  • The responsibilities above may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.

If you’re excited to be a community leader, play ambassador, and hands-on team member, we’d love to hear from you! Complete an online application and upload your resume using the link below. Feel free to reach out to info@junipercorner.org with any questions. Thank you!

APPLY!