Western North Carolina Program Manager

Job Title: Western North Carolina Program Manager

Direct Supervisor: Director of Programs

Location: Hybrid, blend of work from home and in-person work in office and in field

Hours: Full Time (35+ hrs/week) M-F, with flexible scheduling options

*hours may vary beyond these times in response to program needs

Compensation: $45,000 - $56,500

DESCRIPTION:

Muddy Sneakers operates at the crossroads of outdoor science instruction, public education, and conservation to awaken in children a deeply felt connection to the natural world – one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to form a connection to nature and benefit from the wellness it provides. We are committed to becoming a national model for closing the science literacy gap, ensuring diversity thrives in the outdoors, and instilling an understanding of one’s role in the greater ecosystem. In doing so, we cultivate healthier generations committed to the stewardship of our natural resources.

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for overseeing the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all programming conducted in Transylvania County and surrounding areas including training, supervision, and evaluation of all field staff; safety and quality of program delivery in all its aspects; coordination of and communication with school staff, and, in collaboration with other regional leadership, periodic community outreach. The PM is expected to attract, recruit and maintain a highly trained and qualified staff of Field Instructors; provide leadership to the organization in order to produce exceptional programs for students; lead the staff with integrity and provide a strong foundation for the organization’s future by maintaining excellent teacher relations, implementing financially sound practices, and delivering quality curriculum in a safe program environment. This position should anticipate an average of 2-3 days per week in the WNC office located in Brevard, NC and 1-2 days per week in the field during busier programming months. This role works in collaboration with Program Managers in other regions.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Education and Program Management

• Oversight of program operational logistics which include: scheduling program dates and staff; maintaining programming vehicle fleet; coordinating inventory and maintaining necessary supplies/equipment.
• Maintain connection to instructor responsibilities by participating in some limited teaching (<10% of time) and serving as Lead Instructor for 1-2 schools.
• Maintain quality programming which may include: periodically shadowing a program; assessing risk management; updating curriculum in accordance with the NC Essential Standards; guide instructor teams in maintaining and developing curriculum content.
• Ensure exemplary safety practices in the field to minimize risk to participants and team; keep detailed records and follow up appropriately with all incident reports.
• Assist with the development of programming systems and operating procedures.
• Assist with Community Programs (i.e. non-school programming) and Remote Programming which may include staff scheduling, budgeting and strategy.

Supervision and Human Resources

• Supervise all field staff in the Region or Group including seasonal Field Instructors, Core Instructors, and Assistant Program Managers (i.e. direct reports) which may include: hiring and recruitment, employee work agreements, scheduling, completing payroll, tracking certifications/trainings, implementing performance reviews, providing coaching, feedback and trainings related to risk management and professional development.
• Ensure employment policies and procedures for programming staff are implemented.
• Assist with intern and volunteer management, as needed.
• Coordinate cross-regionally to ensure unified public image and standardized programming.
• Maintain practices supporting a healthy professional ecosystem which may include: responsive communication, collaboration, work-life harmony, and continued professional growth.
• With a focus on Muddy Sneakers’ DEI objectives and strategies, Program Managers are expected to act in furtherance of those objectives for the purpose of recruiting and supporting a more diverse workforce.

Relationship Development

• Build close relationships with local community members including non-profit organizations and school partners, specifically at the teacher, parent, and school principal level. This includes soliciting and collecting student/teacher feedback, visiting schools, and shadowing programs alongside school partners and attending local events.
• Seek our and attend community outreach events, school/district functions, and other events in furtherance of regional programming.
• Develop and implement Teacher Development training programs for school partners.
• Prioritize and take responsibility for the implementation of appropriate external workshop programs with EE/Educational partners such as NCEE, EENC, NCSTA, etc.

Evaluation of Impact

• Assist with the application of research findings and data analysis to continually improve student and teacher experience, curriculum development, and program delivery.
• Execute annual organization evaluation processes, including student evaluation and teacher surveys.

Budgets & Accounting

• Assist with annual programming budget.
• Oversee ongoing program-related budget tracking.
• As needed, track expenditures tied to grant funding for auditing and reporting purposes.

Marketing and Development

• Collaborate with Field Instructors to collect content related to programming and evaluation of impact.
• Support regional fundraising efforts, including our annual Mountainfilm event and occasional grant writing input when needed.

Administrative

• All administrative tasks necessary for successful implementation of programming including: credit card reports, contributing to monthly board reports, attending staff meetings, etc.
• Report programming updates including needs, successes, opportunities, etc.
• Continually supports the mission and core values of Muddy Sneakers.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in outdoor and science instruction; Knowledge of science content and best practices in education; Training skills; People management and leadership; Scheduling proficiency; Flexibility; Curriculum writing; Record keeping; Ability to build and maintain relationships with classroom teachers; Ability to make decisions under pressure

• Proven ability to improve & manage systems for the implementation of programs
• Understanding of management best practices within a non-profit organization
• Ability to manage time and competing priorities and delegating tasks as needed
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Strong leaderships skills; demonstrated ability to manage and lead a mature and professional staff
• Experience managing a departmental budget
• Astute attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
• Experience using the following or comparable software: Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Forms, Meet), Microsoft Office Suite, survey tools, online learning platforms, project management software (Monday), CRM software (Raiser’s Edge)
• Significant experience in child and youth education
• Professional background in experiential learning philosophies, curriculum and experience design
• Excellent facilitation and training skills, working with children, adults, and educators
• Ability to interpret results of feedback and evaluation and implement changes

EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years of experience in education or related field, including significant experience in experiential education, teaching, and program administration
• Experience managing staff and conducting workshops and trainings
• Evidence showing the assessment, development and implementation of operational systems
• Evidence of continued pursuit of professional growth (Professional development in education, experience design, curriculum development, evaluation, data analysis, human development, online learning, staff training, and other)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Environment: This position requires routine in-person collaboration necessitating travel across program regions, in-region office hours, and time spent in the field. There are opportunities to work remotely when appropriate. Staff are provided a laptop computer and access to necessary software platforms. Some evening and weekend work is required for special events and programming.

Physical Demands: Requires daily prolonged computer use. Ability to lead groups of students in the field as well as coordinate and accompany guests on expeditions. This includes personal travel across uneven and largely unpaved surfaces.

Working Conditions: Predominantly indoor and some outdoor conditions. A valid driver's license for some statewide travel is required. Muddy Sneakers vehicles can be used for work-related travel, but individuals must be able to get to one of our regional offices to access these vehicles.

BENEFITS:

• Full-time position (35+ hours/week) with a salary range of $45,000 - $56,500
• 10% of salary offered as healthcare stipend up to $400 per month
• 3% 401k match
• Wellness program with associated annual stipend
• Cell phone stipend
• Competitive PTO schedule
• 12 additional paid office holidays as well as office closure during the last week in December
• Respect for work-life harmony, including consideration of flexible schedules and occasional remote work
• Eligible for pro deals with outdoor brands
• Opportunity to build a legacy through strengthening public education and connecting children to nature