Director of Early Childhood Programs

General Description

The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust (Trust) is seeking an enthusiastic, organized educator to lead and grow the organization’s outdoor early childhood programs along the San Joaquin River Parkway.  The Trust is looking for candidates who enjoy spending time outdoors year-round, have experience and knowledge in early childhood education practices and emergent learning, and possess a passion for working with young children and families. This position is responsible for program development and implementation for the Young Explorers Enrichment Program, Young Explorers Camp, and Family centered outdoor programs. The Director of Early Childhood Programs reports to the Trust’s Assistant Director and is part of the organization’s Outdoor Program Leadership Team.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee the organization’s early childhood education programming to support the mission of the Trust.
• Lead and develop early childhood education program staff that fosters the social, emotional, environmental, and academic development of children and families year-round.
• Provide programming that fosters a connection to the San Joaquin River environs and protected land along the 22-mile Parkway.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff and volunteers for all assigned program areas.
• Develop and adhere to annual budget for all assigned program areas.
• Manage website, registration, calendar, and outreach updates for all assigned program areas.
• Develop and maintain new and existing partnerships with school districts and other partners to increase opportunities for early childhood education programs on the Parkway.
• Provide facilitation and leadership support for other Trust outdoor education programs as needed (field trips, public education, and recreation programs).
• Collaborate with the Trust’s Program Leadership Team to support strategic growth of the organization’s outdoor education and recreation programs.

Public Nature Preschool Enrichment Program

• Develop and facilitate nature-based and student-centered program curriculum.
• Plan and coordinate program activity schedules at the River Center and Sumner Peck Ranch.
• Plan and schedule 3 to 4 field trips to various Parkway properties each semester.
• Regularly communicate with families, including providing weekly program updates and requesting volunteer support as needed.
• Maintain records of student progress.
• Conduct outreach activities in support of filling program spaces each semester.

Charter School Nature Preschool Enrichment Program

• Lead TK and Kindergarten enrichment programs two days a week for 15 weeks each semester.
• Develop and facilitate nature-based and student-centered curriculum aligned with current classroom activities.
• Meet with TK and Kindergarten teachers throughout the semester to align on student needs and program pacing.
• Provide program administration and ensure invoices are submitted and paid.

Young Explorers Camp

• Develop new, engaging activities for program participants (ages 3.5 through Kindergarten) and utilize existing activities and materials to create daily program schedules.
• Recruit, interview, and hire Young Explorers Counselors.
• Supervise and support Young Explorers Counselors including conducting regular staff meetings and ongoing training.
• Assist with interviewing and hiring staff for all other River Camp programs as needed.
• Participate in Camp Leadership Team meetings and trainings prior to regular camp staff training.
• Develop and lead portions of the camp all staff training as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and passion for working with young children and their families.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (education, environmental science, etc.) OR equivalent previous experience in the education field preferably working with outdoor and nature-based programs.
• Teaching credential strongly preferred Minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education credits.
• Experience working with children ages 3 to 7 years old.
• Comfortable working in outdoor settings that include variable weather conditions, walking on uneven terrain, sitting on the ground, getting dirty, and engaging with local flora and fauna.
• Preferred: Naturalist skills and knowledge of the San Joaquin River environs; knowledge of various pedagogy and trends in instruction and curriculum design for young learners; experience in storytelling; play a musical instrument and/or sing.
• Able to lift 40 lbs.
• Valid drivers license and transportation.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain it upon job offer.
• DMV Report and Livescan fingerprinting required contingent upon job offer.

The Trust is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions 

are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations of the United States. The Trust will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We encourage applicants of all ages.

To apply

Please submit a completed application, resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in this opportunity to sparkes@riverparkway.org with the subject line “Director of Early Childhood Programs” Application materials can be found at http://riverparkway.org/what-we-do/work-with-us/.  This position is open until filled, with a final application deadline of Monday, August 7, 2023, by 5:00 pm. This position is anticipated to start on August 14, 2023. Some flexibility in the start date may be accommodated if needed through August 21, 2023.