Assistant Director of Academic and Community Programming

The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) at Kenyon College exists to engage Central Ohioans of all ages with nature, and to support the goals of Kenyon College by conserving the natural diversity of the Kokosing River valley and providing opportunities for education and research.  The Kenyon Farm focuses on sustainable food systems, regenerative food production, and experiential learning.  The Farm engages the Kenyon community in a small-scale farming operation within the context of a liberal arts education and supports the academic values of Kenyon College.

This position is full-time with benefits.  We have guaranteed funding for 3 years with the possibility of extending. 

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate Kenyon classroom visitation to and usage of the BFEC and Farm properties and facilities. Interact with / lead Kenyon classes as needed in both locations. This will include careful communications and collaboration with the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager.
• Build relationships with faculty from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and other universities to support their classes as needed.
• Spearhead programming for Kenyon’s new Pathways initiative for students, including but not limited to pre-orientation & orientation programs and iterative programming throughout the academic year.
• Supervise Kenyon student workers in developing informal programming to engage fellow students in place-based learning.  Mentor student workers in developing professional skills, expanding environmental knowledge, and exploring careers. Work with students to build relationships with other student organizations and departments.
• For the BFEC and Kenyon Farm, develop and implement on-site and off-site community programming with a wide variety of offerings to meet the needs of various audiences (preschool, youth, family, adult, retiree, and special needs). Maintain natural history knowledge required to lead nature-based programming, or invite guest speakers to present.  Supervise and mentor Post Baccalaureate Fellow to do the same.  This will require careful communications and collaboration with the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager.
• Supervise Post Baccalaureate Fellow in the creation and delivery of programs to be offered on-site and off-site to local elementary schools, the Salvation Army, and elders at Ohio Eastern Star.
• Coordinate school field trips (grades pre-K to 8) to attend BFEC and the Farm.  Create developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with state content standards, and maintain equipment.  Recruit, train, and mentor part-time educators, community and student volunteers.  Collect teacher evaluations, assess curriculum and revise as needed.
• Oversee the BFEC Post Baccalaureate Fellow as they coordinate annual events at BFEC:  River Clean Up, Fall Harvest Festival and Earth Day Festival.  Mentor the PBF to organize presenters, publicity, logistics, fundraising, vendors, volunteers, and accompanying materials.
• Work with Farm Manager to support events at the Farm.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Success Factors 

• Natural history knowledge and ability to interpret information for various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively engage people of various backgrounds, including young children, students, college alumni, elderly, donors, and local residents.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other staff members, college offices, community organizations, and volunteers.
• Ability to self-direct, simultaneously manage multiple projects and varied seasonal schedules.
• Resourcefulness and willingness to acquire new skills as varied job tasks demand.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, natural sci, environmental sci, or similar
• 3-5 years of experience coordinating outdoor educational programs and events
• 1-2 years experience supervising personnel
• Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Google drive, and social media

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in environmental education, natural sci, environmental sci, or similar
• Working knowledge of higher education and how an environmental center can support academic needs
• Experience building internal and/or external partnerships

To apply, click here.  For more information about the Brown Family Environmental Center, click here.  For questions or additional information, send an email to jordan2@kenyon.edu.