Education and Outreach Director

General Description

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization with an integrated program of school-based and public education, scientific research and conservation service designed and delivered to help people better connect with, understand, and care for human and natural communities in the Northern Forest region. NorthWoods owns and manages a 1500 acre wooded protected area in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom that is used as a public recreation resource and an outdoor classroom.

The Education and Outreach Director supports this mission by developing, marketing, conducting and managing NorthWoods' educational programming for school-aged students and members of the public at large. Also within the Education and Outreach Director's purview is a summer camp program with separate offerings for children and youth through age 15. In addition the director cultivates a diverse program schedule for the general public on subjects ranging from natural history and energy conservation, to moonlight paddles and snowshoe hikes. The director collaborates with other staff and outside resources to identify and coordinate outstanding program presenters. As part of NorthWoods leadership team, the position also includes shared responsibilities for obtaining organizational and programmatic funding, and grants management. The position reports to the Assistant Director.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. In collaboration with NorthWoods scientific and conservation service staff as well as with partner organizations, develop, market and deliver an innovative, multifaceted program for teaching school-aged children, youth and the general public about relationships between human and natural communities in the Northern Forest region. The disciplinary scope of this program may include, but is not limited to natural sciences, outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry, history, art, writing, photography, music, energy and public policy. The program will include a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, both in the field and in the classroom.
   
   
2. Develop and administer all programs consistent with NorthWoods' integrated approach to teaching land stewardship in the Northern Forest region.
   
   
3. Manage staff, AmeriCorps Volunteers, interns, volunteers and/or seasonal camp counselors.
   
   
4. Assist the Executive Director in obtaining funding for educational programs, including fee-for-service contracts, program and project-restricted grants, and unrestricted general support.
   
   
5. Build and grow a strong business model for the education and outreach department, growing revenues and controlling expenses.

Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure that NorthWoods is a resource for the community and that education staff are involved in local and regional community events.
• Hire, schedule and supervise all education staff and volunteers.
• Serve as a positive, creative, dynamic and entrepreneurial role model.
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with other NorthWoods departments to effectively coordinate integration of activities and programs to achieve mutual goals and benefits.
• Ensure adherence to all staff, safety and programmatic procedures and policies set by the organization's Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Oversee general maintenance and maintain integrity and appearances of the grounds and facilities in cooperation with staff from other departments.
• Ensure NorthWoods visibility in the region through advertising, press releases, presenting, partnering and networking.
• Maintain databases that track programming and educational use of the organization for use in fundraising, program assessment and strategic planning.
• Develop, monitor and manage education department budget in collaboration with NorthWoods' Executive and Assistant Directors and Business Manager.
• Attend meetings, workshops and conferences as required by Executive Director and necessary to support education programs.
• Engage in professional development activities to stay current with necessary job skills and knowledge. Likewise, facilitate similar opportunities for other education staff.
• Under take additional organizational responsibilities on an ad hoc basis as organizational needs demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, natural science, environmental education or a related field.
• Experience teaching children and youth in an experiential and hands-on setting, and in the development and implementation of an innovative, diversified portfolio of programs for adults.
• Experience working for a non-profit organization is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Capacity for administering projects and programs, including through the use of computer-based information systems.
• Eagerness to join a dynamic team committed to helping children, youth and adults become excellent stewards of the natural world.

Please send a cover letter (please include the reasons you are applying for a position at NorthWoods), résumé and short writing sample to:

Education/Outreach Director Search
NorthWoods Stewardship Center
PO Box 220
East Charleston VT  05833-0220

Electronic mail: wmedwid@northwoodscenter.org