Director of Environmental Education: Camp Thunderbird

Under the supervision of the Associate Executive Director and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Environmental Education Director  will have responsibility for the Environmental Education program, including vision, strategy, sales, scheduling, implementation, documentation, and evaluation.  Position will be tasked with creating and maintaining the Environmental Education budget and will oversee planning and billing processes.  The Environmental Education Director will oversee the training, supervision, payroll, and evaluation of Environmental Education Instructor staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Cast vision and strategy for, and sell, schedule, deliver, supervise, document, and evaluate, comprehensive Environmental Education programs for user groups of all ages and sizes.
• Assist in the development and management of the budget of the Environmental Education Program within Association guidelines.
• Develop and implement training and development efforts for part-time and seasonal staff.
• Obtain and/or maintain professional certifications: ASHI First Aid/CPR/AED Trainer, YMCA Lifeguard, ACCT Level 1 Challenge Course Practitioner, USA Archery Level 1 Instructor, YMCA Lifeguard Instructor
• In collaboration with the Associate Executive Director, create and implement strategies for acquisition and retention of user groups and customers, including traveling off-site to provide informational meetings for students and parents if needed.
• Continuously review and update Environmental Education policy statements to support Association Safety and Quality standards as well as American Camp Association standards.
• Directly supervise seasonal leadership coordinator and a team of part-time staff.
• Adhere to, and ensure program staff compliance with, the Association personnel policies.
• Oversee the cultivation of quality relationships with user group leaders and chaperones.
• Oversee the inventory of program supplies and equipment and make/authorize necessary purchases.
• Collaborate with Registrar to ensure accuracy and timeliness of contract issuance/submission, invoicing and scholarship/grant allocation.
• Serve on Branch and/or Association Committees, where deemed appropriate.
• Assist with program delivery for summer and year round program areas as needed.
• Assists in the interpretation, implementation, supervision, and documentation of Association and ACA safety standards.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year college degree in camping, education, recreation, or a related field or a minimum of 4 years management experience within a successful resident camp/retreat center or related program with a high level of customer relationship skills.
• A minimum of 3 years supervisory experience within a successful residential camp/retreat center or related program with a high level of customer relationship knowledge.
• Highly developed and demonstrated organizational skills.
• Highly relational, with professional oral and written communication skills.
• Focus on customer service and program quality with the ability to supervise, guide, develop and coach staff to deliver the same.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills as a contributing member of the Camp Thunderbird team. A consistently positive attitude is a must.
• Ongoing professional development and current ASHI First Aid/CPR/AED, YMCA Lifeguard Certification, ACCT Level 1 Challenge Course Facilitator certification, and Level 1 USA Archery certification, or ability to obtain such within 1 year of appointment to role.
• A strong sense of independent motivation, with a willingness to work non-traditional hours (including evenings and weekends).
• Successful experience in developing and implementing long and short range goals.
• Computer skills to include Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in excess of 40-hour week with irregular work hours.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit while maintaining alertness for extended periods of time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.