Lead Education Coordinator: Camp and School Programs

Mass Audubon is looking for a creative, passionate, energetic, and organized environmental educator with strong program coordination skills and experience. This Lead Education Coordinator position works as part of a dynamic team of staff who support education efforts at our sanctuaries, regional schools, community venues, and other locations.

The Lead Education Coordinator commits the majority of their time to coordinating the development and implementation of core educational program(s) for the region in accordance with Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda strategic goals and Mass Audubon’s education frameworks, guidelines, and policies. Specifically, they are responsible for the coordination and oversight of the program development, registration, staffing, marketing, evaluation and budget management in one or more specific audience and/or focus areas, e.g. school and youth programs, climate change education, and adult education. The Lead Education Coordinator supervises full-time, benefitted staff as well as seasonal/per diem educators. They develop and manage program specific budgets with support from the Education Manager, and assist with fundraising for signature education programs including grants development and implementation. The Lead Education Coordinator also spends a modest amount of time teaching education and engagement programs.

This Lead Education Coordinator serves as camp director for all summer camp and vacation week programs based out of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and other Berkshire County sites. This position manages all camp program operations (including hiring, training and supervising summer camp staff, programming planning, marketing, and implementation).

This Lead Education Coordinator manages K-12 school enrichment programs, field trips, and afterschool programs, in collaboration with Education Coordinators. During the school year this position coordinates and implements in-school enrichment programs, field trips, and afterschool programs in collaboration with the K-12 lead/education coordinator, and other full or part-time education staff.

The program focus for this position includes summer and vacation camps (approximately 40%), in-school enrichment programs and field trips (approximately 50%), and afterschool programs (approximately 10%).

Responsibilities

Management/Supervision

• Plan, coordinate, and manage all aspects of Mass Audubon camp and school education programs for the Berkshire County area, in partnership and coordination with area camps, schools and other groups
• Develop and monitor program budgets, maintain records of revenue and expenses; track expenditures against budgets and work with team members to take corrective actions, as necessary; participate in development of regional budgets including revenue forecast
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise full-time, part-time, and seasonal/per diem staff to support all programs; supervision includes providing new employee orientation, developing work plans, reviewing and monitoring performance, and providing ongoing training/mentoring

Education

• Develop, implement, and evaluate environmental education programming for K-12 school enrichment, afterschool programs, and summer camp programs, with demonstrated skills and ability to work with diverse groups, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices for inclusion
• Oversee and contribute to the preparation and implementation of activities for community engagement, events, and other related educational activities
• Work in collaboration with supervisors, including Regional Education Managers and statewide Education Department to ensure adherence to relevant program standards and regulations, as well as alignment with Mass Audubon audience frameworks and instructional best practices
• Make suggestions for programmatic improvements based on best practices and insights gained from evaluation and assessment of programs in specific audience area
• Lead professional development of full-time/part-time/per diem educators/field teachers to ensure high quality program design and instruction. Provide training, mentoring, and support for staff, interns and volunteers, as needed
• Coordinate and market special trainings for professional audiences, including professional development for school teachers, organized groups, and Mass Audubon staff
• Manage and maintain educational supplies, curricula, materials, and resources
• Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, in accordance with specific program regulations and policies. This includes preparing documentation for licenses, ACA accreditation, and state permits
• Attend regional staff meetings and actively participate in statewide education staff meetings, audience professional learning communities, and professional development trainings, as required; depending on expertise, development professional development opportunities for education colleagues and other departmental staff

Marketing, PR, Etc.

• Participate in the planning, writing, and preparation of audience specific program catalogs, site-based informational brochures, and education related publications, including e-communications
• Orient program partners, participants and community members to Mass Audubon’s mission and programs; actively engage in learning about the community needs and opportunities for collaboration
• Support special events, membership development, fundraising activities, and other position related duties, as needed or assigned

Additional Comments/Information:

Work Schedule This position works primarily Monday-Friday, with weekend and evening hours as needed. Summer is a primary season for this position due to overseeing camp operations at two sites.   Other Requirements Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.   Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice  Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.   Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.   Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.   Application Instructions Please combine: (1) letter of interest; (2) resume; and (3) contact information for three references into a single PDF and upload into the "Resume" section of the ADP application. Cover letters can be addressed to Dale Abrams, West Region Education Manager.

Requirements:

Qualifications At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications: Must Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or working towards) in biological or earth science, environmental science/studies, environmental education, nature interpretation, K-12 education, or equivalent
• 3-5 years of experience leading camp and school environmental education programs, or any equivalent combination of education and related experience
• 4 or more years of prior supervisory experience of staff/volunteers
• 4 or more years of prior experience in budget development and management, as well as revenue forecasting and financial recordkeeping
• Ability to establish effective Mass Audubon presence in surrounding communities related to conservation and biodiversity of urban, suburban, and rural areas
• Ability to exercise cultural competence and best practices in inclusion

Suggested Experience:

Nice to Haves

• Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education
• Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching or other equity-based pedagogy
• Familiarity with the public school systems in Berkshire County region of Western MA
• Experience delivering urban environmental education programming or equivalent
• Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or some level of Spanish language communication proficiency
• First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification (training provided upon hire, if needed)

---

Details

Company: Mass Audubon

Location: Berkshire County, MA

ACA Accredited: Yes

Time Frame: Year Round

Type of Position: Director

Day or Night: Day

Salary: $58,000 - 62,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays and ample paid vacation..

Application Deadline: June 30, 2023