Latinx Outdoor Connections Program Coordinator

The Latinx Outdoor Connections Program Coordinator will be responsible for implementation of all aspects of LOC including planning, recruitment, outreach and program delivery, as well as have the opportunity to develop and expand upon program offerings in the future. 

Location:     Bend, Oregon
Status:         Regular Full time, 32 hours/week 
Schedule:     Includes after school hours and school holidays (Bend-La Pine Schools).  Other hours are flexible with the ability to do planning work from home. Position regularly requires 1-2 weekend days per month and may occasionally include evenings.

Organization Background:
Camp Fire Central Oregon connects youth to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. We build strong relationships and provide powerful youth experiences in out-of-school time programs where youth can learn, lead, have fun and be themselves. This is how we support young people as they navigate the challenges of growing up in the world today and learn the life skills they need to thrive.

Camp Fire’s Statement of Inclusion:
Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.

Camp Fire strives to integrate a diversity of perspectives in our team. People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, people who identify as LGBTQ2S+, and candidates with diverse life experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Overview:

The mission of Latinx Outdoor Connections (LOC)  is to increase access to regional outdoor spaces and a sense of belonging in nature for Latinx-identifying youth while building supportive developmental relationships and lifelong social emotional skills. LOC programs change season to season. They include culturally-relevant activities and games for children at local parks, day-long outdoor trips, and half-day trips in town. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned. 

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

• Plan logistics for and lead programs for our original Jugamos Afuera cohort including: after school sessions in neighborhood parks that feature unstructured play, team building, social, emotional skill development and environmental discovery activities; weekend outings that explore the regional landscape through hiking, snowshoeing, sledding and more, family celebrations, relationships and provide fun.
• Develop relationships to expand to a second location/cohort of Jugamos Afuera youth.
• Regularly seek and incorporate feedback and input from youth and their families.
• Work with existing partners such as Vamonos Outside, Family Access Network, Latino Community Association, Children’s Forest and more to share resources and identify youth who would benefit from LOC programs.
• Create and cultivate new relationships in the community to engage a wider audience, identify and address barriers, grow relationships and elevate the message and visibility of LOC.
• Work collaboratively to address barriers to access, such as cost of program, transportation, meals, gear, translation, registration and outreach, through new and existing partnerships.
• Perform outreach to new families and create relationships with them through personalized communication and attendance at in-community outreach events.
• Collaborate with the Camp Fire team to create registration processes that are culturally relevant while also capturing data required by funders.
• Work with Camp Fire national resources to make LOC lessons more intentional and to continuously incorporate best practices of youth development.
• Network with local environmental organizations to set up various summer outings and week long camps.
• Keep abreast of the latest trends in curriculum and instruction, positive youth development, current events, diversity, equity, inclusion, access, social emotional learning, and nature-based programming, and implications for Camp Fire youth and staff.
• Manage risk in outdoor field trip settings.
• Manage program supplies, budget, and space.
• Manage interns and volunteers with support of the Program Director.
• Drive 15-passenger van to transport youth to, from and during programs.
• Serve as added support/staff for other Camp Fire events or programs, such as staffing outreach events, subbing at other Camp Fire programs, and acting as field trip support for other programs as needed.  
• Perform general office and other various duties essential to operation of a small non-profit such as customer service and special projects based on individual skills.

Required Skills & Qualifications: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following: Applicants who do not meet all of the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work, has a strong desire to grow their skills, and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.  

Excellent oral communication skills in English and Spanish. Strong written communication in Spanish is highly desired.

Leadership: Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team and independently.

Quality Management: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Able to understand and meet multiple needs of youth.

Strategic Thinking: Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths and weaknesses; Analyzes youth and community needs; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Cultural Competency: Actively promotes respect for cultural diversity and creates an inclusive, welcoming and respectful environment that embraces diversity. Keeps up to date with the latest youth development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access developments nationally.

Youth, Family and Community Relationships: Builds on respectful, reciprocal relationships across settings to promote optimal development for youth. Recognizes the importance of relationships, communication and developmentally appropriate practices. Acts ethically and centers on youth safety and wellness.

• Valid driver’s license. 
• Current COVID-19 vaccination/booster required for all staff (or medical exemption).
• First Aid/CPR certified (or willingness to get certified after hire–employer will pay).
• Desired Skills and Qualifications:
• Experience working for a non-profit organization or as part of a small, purpose driven team.
• Experience managing, planning and executing youth programs or events.
• 3 or more years of working directly with youth 5-12 years old.
• Experience both developing and implementing curriculum or program routines.
• Knowledge and experience in current best practices of youth development and programming.
• Higher education classwork or training in the youth development field or other related fields such as outdoor education and recreation, family and human development.
• Demonstrated understanding of nature-based programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English and Spanish.
• Training and experience with best practices in teaching, group management, planning and designing activities, social-emotional learning, and trauma informed care. 
• Experience working on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and access in a formal or informal context.
• Experience with indicators of program quality, gathering data, feedback on program effectiveness.
• Functions professionally and productively with or without supervision. Takes responsibility for producing quality work, setting realistic deadlines and commitments, and maintains ongoing communication with all parties.

Compensation:  $20 - $24 per hour, depending on experience

Benefits: Paid Time Off (15 days per year to start), 16 Holidays (including 10 flexible holidays), Sick Time, $300 monthly health stipend within 90 days of start, professional development opportunities, and free programs for dependents.

Learn more about Camp Fire Central Oregon at campfireco.org

How to apply:

To Apply: Email your resume, letter of interest, and two references to [email protected] with the subject line "LOC Program Coordinator [Your last name]". Camp Fire will begin reviewing applications immediately. Position starts as soon as possible.