Youth Program Manager

The Youth Program Manager will provide professional project development and management for all Denali Education Center youth programs, both in partnership with the National Park Service, on our residential Denali campus, in Talkeetna, and additional youth programming that occurs. Successful candidates will be motivated, energetic, and organized individuals capable of developing and implementing innovative strategies to achieve our growth and development goals.
 

Denali Education Center Overview:

Denali Education Center is a non-advocacy, for-purpose organization and partner of Denali National Park and Preserve. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of Denali through fun, informative, and inspiring programs. Denali Education Center currently operates out of two educational campuses located in Denali and Talkeetna, AK. Denali Education Center offers summer youth programs in both of these locations. Our youth programs serve a diverse population and a wide range of ages. Programs include:

• Tundra Tots(Denali) and Timber Tots(Talkeetna): One-hour nature-based sensory program for children ages 2-5 years
• Denali Discovery Camp: A week-long experiential learning adventure for students in 1st-8th grade in Denali
• Talkeetna Discovery Camp: A week-long experiential learning adventure for students in 1st-8th grade in Talkeetna 
• Denali Backcountry Adventures: A week-long backpacking expedition for students in 9th-12th grade in Denali NP
• Denali Field Camps: 3-7 day trips with high school-aged youth from partner organizations around the state
• Wilderness Intensive Learning Development (W.I.L.D) about Denali: A three-day introductory wilderness camping experience for underserved populations, both adult and youth

This position is located just outside of Denali National Park, AK.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with program partner organizations such as the National Park Service, Challenge Alaska, Catholic Social Services, and the Nenana City Public School in program support, development, and implementation.
• Work with Denali’s NPS Education Specialist to implement Denali Discovery Camps, Denali Field Camps, and Denali Backcountry Adventures
• Work with DEC’s Talkeetna staff to develop, support, and implement Talkeetna Discovery Camps
• Set up and oversee participant registration for all open enrollment programs
• Hire, train, and supervise Youth Field Instructors, and Camp instructors for Denali and Talkeetna Discovery Camps. 
• Lead and/or instruct youth programs, if necessary
• Plan and prepare for program food, gear, and logistical needs including food prep, gear inventory and repair, and obtaining bus and campground reservations within the Park
• Maintain updated itineraries for all groups and convey any changes to partner staff, DEC staff, and parents and guardians as they arise
• Serve as the primary emergency contact during programs and liaison for parent or guardian questions at all times
• Work with Program Director and Executive Director to develop messaging for youth programs and updated content as needed- website, marketing materials, social media, etc.
• Work with the Executive Director and Program Director to establish sustainable programs in Talkeetna that align with DEC’s strategic plan and youth program goals
• Identify areas to expand or improve existing youth programs in alignment with DEC’s strategic plan and youth program goals (identify new partnerships, refine program SOP documents, or establish after-school programming)
• Expand upon virtual programming for the winter of 2022/2023
• Work with Operations Director and Program Director to develop new sources of youth program funding
• Assist with grant writing and reporting for youth programs
• Manage program assessment and long-term data collection 
• Create End-of-Year reports for NPS, annual board meetings, and other reports as needed
   

Other Duties

• Attend and be an active participant in staff meetings, board meetings, retreats, and planning sessions
• Assist with office duties such as answering phones, processing mail, responding to email, and information requests, winter maintenance of the facilities (including shoveling snow, cleaning off vehicles, etc.), and maintaining a clean and professional office environment
• Uphold the organization’s core values of fun, authentic experience, lifelong learning, community, and Denali
• Required to work the annual Healy Tundra Challenge Golf Tournament (specific to youth programs), annual general fundraiser, and assist with special events as needed
• Other duties may be assigned to ensure that all staff is familiar with campus resources, and DEC’s suite of youth, adult, and community programs
• Assist with DEC’s sustainability efforts by actively recycling and composting, sorting recyclables into the proper bins for collection. Use environmentally-friendly products when possible. Help educate guests about DEC’s efforts to recycle and compost, encouraging them to participate

Required Skills 

• 4+ years of experience working in environmental education or related field; strong preference for candidates with success in developing new youth programs
• Experience navigating backcountry or off-trail settings including route finding, group dynamics, and risk mitigation  
• Curriculum development experience
• Solid interpersonal communication skills (written and verbal) with peers, staff, local community, and participants
• Team player, with the ability to work independently while conducting multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed
• Wilderness First Responder certification or the ability and willingness to recertify
• Willingness to live and work year-round in Denali, AK- a remote environment
• Ability to complete a background check as required to work with youth

Preferred Knowledge 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Studies, or a related field
• Previous experience in Denali National Park including local transportation systems, infrastructure, trails, and terrain 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Google Forms, and basic knowledge  of computer languages (Google Code) or willingness to learn
• Grant writing experience and fundraising proficiency
• Introductory knowledge of Alaska’s ecological processes and an understanding of the natural sciences

Position Location

• This position is located in Alaska’s interior, outside of Denali National Park

Ideal candidates will be willing to begin training and taking on the duties of their new role immediately in preparation for DEC’s summer of youth programs.

Pre-season preparation/training may be remote or in-person depending on the candidate

Youth Program Manager will relocate to the Denali area, as needed, no later than the middle of May, to be mutually agreed upon

Compensation

• The salary range is $38,000 to $42,000 with 8 weeks of furlough factored in; commensurate with training and experience.
• Benefits include paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plan
• Position includes furlough each winter. The length of furlough for this position may vary from year to year depending on funding and other factors but may be up to eight weeks. Furlough dates will be approved by the Executive Director and mutually agreed upon in the fall so that all staff may stagger and coordinate their furloughs as necessary. Furlough is generally taken between November - January. 

Disclaimer

This position description reflects the Denali Education Center’s best effort to describe the essential functions and qualifications of the Youth Program Manager position.  It is neither an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications nor a contract.

Denali Education Center is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel is chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, per federal and state law. DEC values diversity and encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

How to apply:

Candidates should email their cover letter, resume, and three professional references to hannah@denali.org. Inquiries and questions can be addressed to Hannah Noel, Program Director. Please include the position title for which you are applying in the subject line of your email.