School Programs Manager

Yampatika is seeking a new School Programs Manager (SPM) to help us continue the implementation of our School Programs across our four-county service area in Northwest Colorado. We offer a wide range of free programming for Pre-K-12 students in seven different school districts. The SPM will work with teachers and administrators to advertise, develop, and schedule our programs. We provide both in-school programming, field trips, and outdoor experiences including but not limited to outdoor exploration, making observations, stewardship projects, working with public and private landowners, snowshoeing, hiking, water quality monitoring, and more. The SPM is an integral part of our team and is responsible for managing both full-time and part-time staff, writing curriculum, giving programs, and maintaining partnerships with other organizations. Responsibilities will include managing a budget, developing and pursuing program goals, managing materials and resources, and evaluating program effectiveness. The SPM will also help us maintain our Out-of-School programming with other youth-serving organizations in our community. We are seeking a team leader who can help us maintain our regional programming at its current level while working to grow the program in the future. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Staff Management
   • Hire, train, and directly supervise at least two full-time year-round Program Coordinators as well as part-time educators. 
   • Manage capacity needs. 
2. Program Development and Management:
   • Design and implement environmental education programs and outdoor learning experiences tailored for Pre-K-12th grade students.
   • Develop curriculum and instructional materials that align with state academic standards and Yampatika’s mission.
   • Oversee day-to-day operations of school programs, including scheduling, resource allocation, and logistics.
   • Oversee program budget management. 
3. Collaboration and Coordination:
   • Partner with districts, local schools, educators, and community organizations to integrate Yampatika’s programs into school curricula and extracurricular activities.
   • Coordinate with staff to ensure seamless delivery of programs, including field trips, workshops, and hands-on activities.
   • Foster relationships with stakeholders to support program expansion and sustainability.
   • Be knowledgeable of state and regional Environmental Education goals and how Yampatika can further those goals; including goals from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Yampa White Green Basin Roundtable, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and local initiatives in the communities where Yampatika works.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Track program performance through assessments, feedback, and data analysis to measure effectiveness and impact. Build on current evaluation strategies to grow our database and inform future decision-making. 
   • Prepare and present reports on program outcomes, participant engagement, and areas for improvement. Assist with grant reporting and implementation to ensure the funder’s goals are being met. 
   • Use evaluation results to refine and enhance program content and delivery.
5. Student and Community Engagement:
   • Develop strategies to engage students in environmental education and encourage active participation in programs.
   • Involve stakeholders in program development to ensure our programs are known, needed, and appreciated. 
   • Communicate program details and updates to students, parents, and teachers through various channels.
   • Address inquiries, feedback, and concerns from program participants and stakeholders.
6. Administrative Support:
   • Maintain accurate records related to program activities, budgets, and participant data.
   • Manage program-related documentation, including permissions, registrations, and evaluations.
   • Assist with recruiting, training, and supervising full-time and part-time program staff and volunteers.
7. Compliance and Safety:
   • Ensure all programs comply with Yampatika’s policies, safety regulations, and relevant educational standards.
   • Conduct risk assessments and ensure a safe and supportive environment for all program participants.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, or Education. A Master’s degree or relevant certification is advantageous.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in education and at least 2 years of experience in project management.
• Skills:
  • Proven leadership and management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Strong knowledge of the educational landscape in Colorado and state academic standards. 
  • Experience in community engagement strategies.
  • Experience in all parts of the program process including conception, development, implementation, and ongoing improvements. 
  • Experience teaching environmental education and using experiential education models and curriculum including the 5 Es, BEETLES, Project Wet, Project Wild, Project Learning Tree, etc. 
  • Ability to work well in a team environment. 
  • Knowledge of both urban and rural environmental issues and attitudes. 
  • Familiarity with the ecology of Northwest Colorado preferred.