Outdoor Education Center Director

DATE OF FIRST APPLICATION REVIEW: November 4, 2024

LOCATION: Yellow Springs, Ohio

POSITION REPORTS TO: Glen Helen Association Deputy Director

REPORTS TO POSITION: OEC Assistant Director, Operations Manager, Lead Naturalists

FLSA STATUS: Full-time, exempt

STARTING SALARY: $58K

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Glen Helen is the legacy of Hugh Taylor Birch, who, in 1929, donated a wooded valley to Antioch College in memory of his daughter, Helen, with the hope that it would be forever preserved. Throughout our history, Glen Helen has played a lead role in shaping the ecological literacy of our visitors, our community, and the region. It is home to the first residential environmental learning facility in the Midwest and Ohio’s original facility for education and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Within our borders, we shelter a National Natural Landmark, a National Environmental Education Study Area, and nearly two miles of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River. As a private nature preserve, Glen Helen depends on philanthropic support to maintain the preserve and its programs.

The Glen Helen Association acquired the preserve in 2020, and, as a start-up nonprofit, assumed all responsibilities for its ongoing operations. The Association recently concluded a $4.25M campaign to finance the purchase, restart programs shuttered during the pandemic, and conduct urgent maintenance. 

The Outdoor Education Center (OEC), a key part of Glen Helen, offers transformative learning experiences that engage learners in the practice of science, promote self-discovery and growth, cultivate community, and create a connection to our natural world. The OEC has provided residential environmental science learning since 1956. The OEC provides these experiences through its Outdoor School, summer Ecocamps, and naturalist training programs.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The OEC Director is responsible for the overall operations of the Outdoor Education Center. The OEC Director must be an excellent teacher, a skilled manager and delegator, and a proven collaborator and team builder. They must have the ability to maintain focus on the long-range vision while attending to operational details. The Director must possess outstanding organization and communication skills, and have the ability to motivate and inspire others. They must be able to work well with a broad range of people, from school administrators, to students, to members of the public.  Flexibility in the work schedule is essential, as evening or weekend work is periodically required. Ability to work outdoors in all seasons is necessary. The position is approx 50% leadership & administration, 30% development, and 20% other duties. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the staff and operations of the Outdoor Education Center to deliver exceptional educational programming through Outdoor School, summer Ecocamps, and naturalist training programs
• Take an active role in fundraising efforts for the OEC including pursuing grants, cultivating donor relationships and other funding sources in support of the OEC
• Supervise and mentor OEC staff
• Manage the OEC budget to ensure financial and revenue goals are met
• Evaluate and update educational programs, training and curriculum, as needed
• Facilitate and implement long-term OEC planning including updates to OEC facilities, marketing strategies, managing the scholarship fund, and strategic planning in collaboration with other staff and department leads
• Ensure day-to-day practices are consistent with Glen Helen policies and long-term goals
• Maintain positive environmental practices in the OEC’s programs, and ensure a high standard of environmental practices in general operations
• Work with maintenance staff to ensure that the OEC facility needs are addressed
• Ensure and/or cultivate OEC practices and culture that are consistent with Glen Helen core values - ecologically focused, inclusive and positive
• Regularly participate in staff meetings and collaborative teams across the organization including the Leadership Team
• Represent Glen Helen at public and private events, as needed
• Additional duties and responsibilities as agreed upon

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, or equivalent experience
• Expertise in planning, delivering, and administering environmental education programs
• Experience in staff supervision
• Demonstrated leadership skill and an ability to motivate and inspire others
• Experience with budget management and fundraising
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time well
• Experience with marketing and sales preferred
• Food service and facilities management experience preferred
• Solid software and computer literacy skills including Microsoft Suite applications, Google Apps, CampBrain, and Square
• Ability to thrive in a small, growing nonprofit organization

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

• Valid driver’s license
• BCI/FBI background check required

TO APPLY:

• Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to: 

  sgreene@glenhelenassociation.org; or 

  OEC Director Search

  Glen Helen Association

  405 Corry St.

  Yellow Springs, OH 45387

   

  Apply by November 4, 2024 for first consideration. Position open until filled. 

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply including persons from historically marginalized communities and/or from groups underrepresented in the nonprofit, natural resources field.