Associate Director of Education

Organizational Background

Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) is a non-profit organization that serves Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties in WV and Washington County, MD. Established in 1982 as a chapter of the National Audubon Society, PVAS is “people dedicated to preserving, restoring and enjoying the natural world through education and action.” PVAS manages four nature preserves totaling 500 acres including wetlands, forests, fields, and a nature center. Over the last 20 years, it has grown to reach over 8000 people per year with its programs in schools, summer camps, Master Naturalists, birding trips, and other programs for all audiences utilizing the wild spaces, rivers, creeks, fields and forests of the region.

Organization and Reporting

The Associate Director of Education is responsible for the oversight and direction of the educational programs of the Potomac Valley Audubon Society.  They are responsible to the Executive Director.  This position will be a key member of the PVAS Executive Management Team which consists of the Executive Director, Associate Director of Conservation and Operations, and the Associate Director of Education. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Education Program Oversight and Coordination Roles (50%):

Youth Programs:

• Oversee curriculum design and delivery for K-12 to ensure quality programs that are relevant to student and teacher needs. Plan and implement teacher training opportunities based on needs and interests of school systems and partner initiatives.
• Partner with leaders of local youth organizations (Boys and Girls Clubs, Scouts, etc.)  to offer appropriate experiences for participating youth.
• Oversee Audubon Discovery Day Camp program offerings and site directors. Coordinate PVAS camp scholarships with scholarship working group and partners to provide financial assistance to appropriate youth.

Adults Programs:

• Partner with Adult Program Working Group (a committee of volunteers) to implement natural history workshops, wellness walks, field trips, monthly lectures and other programs for adult audiences. Evaluate offerings and create additional programs that generate revenue.
• Serve as PVAS liaison to Potomac Valley Master Naturalist Program’s Coordinating Committee.
• Coordinate special programs and presentations upon request including garden clubs, Rotary Clubs and other civic organizations. Train/coordinate a “speakers bureau” of volunteers to do presentations when appropriate.

Family Programs:

• Envision, schedule and implement a variety of informal programs at PVAS preserves (or other locations as appropriate) for families to diversify program offerings (campfire programs, seasonal programs, night hikes, owl prowls, wildflower walks, etc.).
• Coordinate efforts (including funding) to develop exhibits and improve visitor experience for families at the Case Nature Center at Cool Spring Preserve. 

Supervisory & Leadership Roles (25%):

• Supervise, mentor, coordinate and train education staff, AmeriCorps Service Members, contracted instructors and PVAS volunteers in content for programs mentioned above. Direct reports will include Watershed Coordinator (1), Lead Teacher/Naturalist (1), AmeriCorps Service Members (3-5), and other program volunteers/contractors.
• Administer America’s Promise VISTA and High Rocks AmeriCorps programs for PVAS and recruit service members to participate in these three-, six-, and 12-month programs.
• Determine appropriate roles for volunteers and support their recruitment, training and activities.  This includes program volunteers, nature center docents and PVAS Ambassadors.
• Oversee PVAS education-related advisory and working groups.
• Track program participation numbers and provide reports to Executive Director regularly.
• Coordinate and oversee care of PVAS’s Animal Ambassadors (including Permitting) which currently includes reptiles and insects.
• Network with teachers, school administrators, community groups and other organizations to identify and capitalize on collaborative opportunities and develop educational strategies and outreach to accomplish PVAS’ JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) goals.
• Promote Environmental Literacy in West Virginia in collaboration with community organizations, school systems and other partners. Represent PVAS with OLNI (Outdoor Learning Network Initiative) to support collaborative efforts for MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Education Experience) in West Virginia.
• Participate in professional development opportunities (conferences, trainings) whenever feasible in coordination with Executive Director, to maintain/gain certifications and ensure up-to-date, best practices in the field.

Financial Responsibilities (15%):

• Assist Executive Director with annual budget development process by projecting income and expenses for educational programs and grants.
• Monitor program revenue, grant income, and expenses throughout the year. Work with Executive Director to make adjustments to spending as needed.
• Invoice schools, school systems, grantors, and sponsors as required, and track payments.
• Help identify and pursue potential fundraising and income-producing opportunities, including grants, in support of the PVAS mission.

Team Responsibilities (10%):

• Assist with communications, marketing/promotion, and public relations efforts related to PVAS programs. This includes posting program descriptions on PVAS’s website, administering enrollment, and communicating with participants.
• Assist with all-hands-on-deck programs, special events and fundraisers as needed, onsite and offsite.
• Help to clean and prepare facilities for events, programs, rentals when needed.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

1. Master’s Degree or 2+ years equivalent leadership experience in the Environmental Education or Interpretation field in both formal and non-formal settings for youth and adults. Experience with planning curricula that meet state and national standards and modeling nature-based education for teachers in a hands-on manner. Prior experience supervising staff, coordinating and training volunteers and/or interns is ideal.
2. Academic background in education, environmental or natural sciences (ecology, hydrology, biology, or climatology, etc.) with experience in urban and rural environments preferred.
3. Supportive of PVAS’s nondiscrimination and inclusivity policies: “PVAS does not exclude or deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any service recipient, applicant, staff member, or the public based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion.”
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including a wide range of stakeholders.
5. Proficiency with basic computer software and programs such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
6. Experience with grant writing, tracking and reporting is desired. Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; having a positive attitude, excellent time management skills; proactive problem-solving skills; ability to plan and manage budgets; and excellent people skills that help to cultivate an inclusive working, teaching and learning environment.
7. Have reliable transportation, a valid license and good driving record.
8. Lift and carry 40 lbs. over uneven ground for distances a minimum of 50 feet; hike at least two miles over rough terrain at a brisk pace (3mph).
9. Must undergo thorough background check.