Youth Programs Director

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Youth Programs Director will direct all aspects of the Youth Garden Project’s dynamic youth programming, and supervise up to four seasonal garden-based educators. The Youth Programs Director will collaborate with a range of community partners to meet the needs of over 700 Moab kids across five schools, and ensure all programs align with the organization's mission. This is a key leadership position within the organization, requiring someone who is flexible, collaborative, and organized. A strong candidate will exhibit proactive leadership, possess strong social intelligence that will guide them in working with kids and leading a team, an enthusiasm for garden-based education, and a desire to improve children’s health and educational outcomes through quality in- and out-of-school programs. 

Target Start Date: February 14, 2024

We encourage interested and qualified candidates to submit their applications promptly, as we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Program Administration (45%)

• Oversee the development and facilitation of all PreK through 12th grade programs, including: preK-6 Garden Classroom Field Trips, After School Clubs, Summer & Spring Break Day Camps, Standards-Based Lessons for Middle & High School, and others as needs arise. 
• Provide administrative support for programming through scheduling lessons, reviewing and writing curriculum as needed, oversight of day camp registration and payment processes, and more.
• Collaborate with Grand County School District and Moab Charter School. Ensure garden-based lessons meet current Utah Core Curriculum Standards.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with school administrators, staff, and families of program attendees.
• Implement and improve evaluation tools for all youth programs. Record and analyze program data.
• Manage and track youth program expenses and income. 
• Provide a safe, active, and engaging environment for youth of all ages and abilities.
• Ensure the relevancy and quality of programming based on season, geography, culture, developmental skill-level, and mission alignment.
• Collaborate with the farm team to maximize garden-based education opportunities and integrate fresh produce into on and off-site youth programs.
• Manage YGP’s Utah out-of-school time child care licensure renewal processes
• Organize and maintain indoor and outdoor classroom spaces and youth programs materials.
• Fill in as a youth program instructor as needed. 

Youth Programs Team Management (45%)

• Recruit, hire and train for two youth programs positions, four total employees per season:
  • Elementary Programs Instructor (x2 per season, Mar - Oct)
  • Summer Camp Instructor (x2 per season, May - Aug)
• Establish and maintain a culture of learning and professional growth amongst youth programs staff.
• Conduct trainings on youth development, teaching strategies, and outdoor education principles.
• General management of youth programs staff, including but not limited to: goal setting, scheduling, and mentoring.

Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Educate and interact with the public and stakeholders about the mission, programs, and impact of the Youth Garden Project. Be an enthusiastic representative of the Youth Garden Project at all times.
• Collaborate with other staff to carry out fundraising events such as Garden Dinners, Annual Plant Sale, and Harvest Festival.
• Work with the Executive Director to meet program income and expense budget goals.
• Several evenings and approximately 1 weekend day per month for YGP events and shared weekend garden chores will be required during the growing season.

Please note that the duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive, and the role and responsibilities may evolve to meet emergent needs over time. 

Required Credentials:

Applicants who do not meet at least one of the following criteria will not be considered for this position.

1. any bachelor's or higher education degree, and at least 60 clock hours of coursework in child development, social and emotional development, and the child care environment, or 60 clock hours of equivalent training as approved by the department;
2. at least 12 college credit hours of child development courses, elementary education, or related field; 
3. a currently valid national certification including a Certified Childcare Professional issued by the National Child Care Association, a Child Development Associate issued by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, or other equivalent credential as approved by the Utah Child Care department; 
4. at least an associate degree in early childhood development or related field; or
5. a National Administrator Credential and at least 60 clock hours of course work in child development, social and emotional development, and the child care environment, or 60 clock hours of equivalent training as approved by the department. 

Other Requirements:

• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age by the target start date. 
• Final candidate must submit to and clear a background check.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• At least one year of work experience in agricultural, nutrition, or environmental education.
• At least two years experience working in a supervisory role.
• Ability to work with, and enjoyment of working with, youth of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Basic understanding of agriculture/gardening and its seasonal variations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for learning and working collaboratively internally and in the community.
• Proficient with Google Suite products.
• Strengths in time management, project management, and prioritization.

Benefits:.

• Option to enroll in a group health insurance plan, with 75% of the monthly premium covered by YGP
• Option to enroll in a group dental plan (100% employee paid)
• 10 paid vacation days per year to start.
• 7 paid holidays, plus Dec 24 - Jan 1 off each year
• Sick time earned at a rate of .05 hours per hour worked
• Option to enroll in 3% employer-matched Simple IRA after 90 days employment
• 30 minutes of earned “Paid Volunteer Time” per pay period to support other local causes
• $12.50/pay period of personal cell phone cost reimbursement

The Youth Garden Project provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and two professional references to Executive Director, Emily Roberson, at emily@youthgardenproject.org. In the cover letter, make sure to highlight the credentials that qualify you for the position according to the Required Credentials section above. 

Please reach out with any questions at this email, or at (435) 259-2326.