Youth Programs Coordinator

The Youth Program Coordinator is an energetic, organized, and engaging educator who plays a vital role in the implementation, delivery, and overall success of youth education programs at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Youth programs at Swaner utilize hands-on, inquiry-based pedagogy to connect learners to the natural world. The Youth Program Coordinator is involved in a wide range of programs, in collaboration with the Education Director, including field trips, classroom outreach, camps, afterschool, and teen programs. This person will be a key player in cultivating an inclusive and safe learning environment that supports the needs of diverse learners. 

Responsibilities

Public Programs (Camps & Afterschool) 

• Act as a lead educator to deliver programs to youth aged 5 to 18
• Develop high-quality, science-based program curricula for public programs
• Work closely with the Education Director to plan public program schedules, themes, etc.
• Assist in the oversight and mentorship of other education staff and volunteers
• Maintain educational materials and supplies
• Assist with daily operations including program registrations, collecting and synthesizing program data, and program evaluation

School Programs 

• Deliver SEEd Standard-aligned lessons to K-12 school groups during field trips and classroom outreach programs
• Cultivate a physically and emotionally safe environment for students, teachers, and adult chaperones that allows for positive learning experiences during short-duration programs
• Develop meaningful and professional rapport with classroom teachers, school administrators, and other school-based staff to help expand school programs
• Collaborate with Education Director to maintain and update existing curriculum, as well as develop new curriculum as requested by school partners; offer suggestions and ideas for improvement
• Assist in documentation and report of impacts during school programs

Teen Programs 

• Develop, coordinate, and implement EcoClub, including curriculum design, program promotion, pre-program communication, development of materials, budget management, and program evaluation
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor teen camp counselors and volunteers, with input from Education Director
• With oversight from the Education, develop and implement new teen programs based on community needs and input

Other responsibilities as assigned 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates’ professional, academic, and lived experience will be taken into consideration during the hiring process. Candidates should support the organization’s ongoing DEI goals and help create a respectful workplace culture where all are welcome.

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as education; or an equivalent combination of education plus lived experience is required. Related fields include but are not limited to outdoor education, elementary education, museum studies, environmental science, communications, visitor services.
• Experience working with youth in a formal or informal educational setting
• Experience with or willingness to learn about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives and apply an equity lens to your work
• An understanding of natural sciences and conservation principles
• Polished and professional interpersonal skills to interact and effectively connect with diverse individuals
• Commitment to providing excellent and impactful mission-based education programs in an engaging, patient, and fun manner
• Openness to feedback and project adaptations for the betterment of youth education experiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of experience working in a related field such as informal or formal education, museum engagement, outdoor education, etc.
• A strong knowledge of environmental science
• A strong knowledge of educational pedagogy and best practices
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

1. Highly skilled at critical thinking, organization, prioritization, and following through on assigned projects and tasks
2. Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software
3. Ability to build and maintain collaborative and team-oriented working relationships with co-workers, youth participants, teachers, volunteers, community members, and partner institutions.
4. Ability to solve complex problems using prior knowledge and creativitY
5. Ability to do rigorous activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, walking through wetlands, playing active games with children, lifting heavy items such as tables and chairs, etc.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Three professional references with contact information
3. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

To apply, visit the job posting.