Lead Education Coordinator and Camp Director

Are you passionate about teaching nature science in an urban environment? Do you want to share that passion through hands-on, culturally responsive methods? The Boston Nature Center (BNC) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced professional to fill the role of Lead Education Coordinator and Camp Director.

As the Summer Camp Director, you will coordinate the development and implementation of BNC’s 10-week summer day camp. This involves supervising a team of 25 staff members, including counselors, assistant counselors, and administrative personnel. You will be responsible for directing a high-quality science and nature camp for 800 children aged 5-15, managing camp operations in our unique urban wildlife sanctuary setting.

Throughout the year, you will develop and maintain a sustainable camp budget, collaborate with the development team to secure scholarships for our sliding scale fee structure, and engage families and potential staff to ensure a diverse camp community.

During the school year, you will be a part of a dynamic, creative education team that plans, prepares, and conducts age-appropriate, hands-on science units in Boston Public Schools and neighborhood preschools. Your role includes modeling, mentoring, and coaching classroom teachers in inquiry-based teaching methods. You will utilize outdoor classrooms and neighborhood green spaces to integrate science and environmental education into the curriculum. With each partner school, you will coordinate new curriculum development and organize schoolyard clean-up and greening events.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental education and urban nature, strong leadership and team management skills, and experience in curriculum development and implementation. You should be able to work with diverse communities and age groups, and demonstrate a commitment to climate change education, equity, and justice.

BNC is a 67-acre wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Boston, offering nationally-accredited summer camps, a licensed nature preschool, public programs, and professional development for local educators. We serve over 17,000 children annually, ages 3-18. Our collaborative, forward-thinking team is committed to high standards of performance, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

Join our team and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Boston!

Additional Comments/Information:

• Plan, coordinate, and manage all details of BNC camps (Mattapan and Hyde Park) and vacation programs (February and April)
• Recruit, hire and supervise part-time and seasonal/per diem camp staff including camp administration, counselors, and assistant counselors; supervision includes providing new employee orientation, developing work plans, reviewing and monitoring performance, and providing ongoing training/mentoring
• Responsible for the planning and preparation of camp informational brochures, website, and camp related marketing activities
• Closely monitor program registration and work effectively with camp registrar to address enrollment needs and follow-up on camp paperwork
• Develop and monitor camp budgets with the Education Manager
  • Maintain records and files of program revenue and expenses
  • Track expenditures against budget and work with team members to take corrective action as necessary
  • Participate in development of regions complete education budget, including revenue forecasts
• Orient staff, campers, and community in Mass Audubon’s mission, programs, and stewardship. Education
• Develop and implement integrated science and nature units as part of Mass Audubon’s deep-impact programming in Boston K-12 schools
  • Collaborate closely with classroom teachers to support outdoor learning in schoolyards and neighborhoods
  • Demonstrate skills and ability to work with diverse groups of students, teachers, and partners, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices in 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, statewide Education Department, and Mass Audubon‘s Director of Camps 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 field teachers to ensure high quality program design and instruction
• Coordinate and market special trainings for professional audiences, including professional development for schoolteachers, organized groups, and Mass Audubon staff. Implement formative assessment tools for programs, including lessons, unit plans, and other teaching resources, as appropriate. Analyze results for evaluation and communicate outcomes with regional and statewide Education Managers to inform decision making
• Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, in accordance with specific program regulations and policies; depending on program coordination, this may include preparing documentation for licenses, ACA accreditation, and state permits
• Serve as a trusted resource on natural history, legislative priorities, conservation science issues including climate change and biodiversity for visitors, program participants, other staff, and volunteers
• 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, professional development opportunities for education colleagues and other departmental staff

Requirements:

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 degree in biological or earth science, environmental studies, nature interpretation, or education or equivalent
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in camp/environmental education or Master’s degree in biological or earth science, environmental studies, nature interpretation, or education or equivalent, and a minimum of 3 years’ experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience
• 4 years of prior supervisory experience of staff/volunteers Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
• MA Driver’s License or the ability to apply for one
• First Aid and CPR certification upon hire

Suggested Experience:

Nice to Haves:

• Strong community engagement and organizational skills
• Familiarity with inquiry-based learning and the development of curricula aligned with state standards
• Fluency in English/Spanish (or other languages) is desirable

---

Details

Company: Mass Audubon

Location: Mattapan MA.

ACA Accredited: Yes

Time Frame: Year Round

Type of Position: Director

Day or Night: Day

Salary: $Salary Range: $62,328.00 To $65,994.00 Annually

Application Deadline: