Program Director

The Program Director oversees the implementation of Notchcliff Nature Programs at Glen Meadows Retirement Community. Programs include: forest preschool (ages 3-5), homeschool programs (K-5th grades), caregiver/child classes (birth to age 3 with caregiver), monthly intergenerational programs with seniors, licensed summer nature camps, and others as applicable. The Program Director will also teach select classes (i.e. weekly Seedlings Caregiver & Child Nature Series).

The Program Director provides on-site support to teachers, children, and families five days/per week, which is a vital way to mentor teaching staff, ensure coverage in classes at all times, and be present to lend support as needed. This role requires supervision of staff, engagement with families, establishing rapport with children, and coordination with partner organizations. Management of materials is key in this 100% outdoor learning environment, as is oversight of the natural physical spaces used for programming, for which the Program Director is also responsible.

Other essential tasks include working with teachers to implement thoughtful curriculum design based on children’s emergent interests, on-going reflection about and assessment of children and the forest school program, and collaboration with staff and/or volunteers. The Program Director will also interface with the Executive Director and Board regarding various aspects of Notchcliff such as: policies, advocacy, growth initiatives, strategic planning, marketing, development, and budget. 

Program Director will create a supportive work culture and establish systems that empower teachers to grow professionally as nature-based educators. The Program Director will engage in reflective evaluation of teachers to identify needs of teaching staff and plan PD activities to that end. The Program Director sets the tone for learning as an engaged, enthusiastic role model of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive atmosphere for outdoor learning.

This position requires a blend of qualifications that span having sound knowledge about early childhood education as well as nature-based pedagogy. Candidates should possess curiosity, if not deep understanding, of the local ecosystem with a commitment to helping young children develop their ecological identities through inquiry and play. 

This position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, open dialogue about children’s progress, and interfacing with Glen Meadows Retirement Community partners and residents. Position also includes drafting a program budget, tracking expenses, writing content for grants, providing program data/reports, and other related duties as required.