Director of Youth Programs

Director of Youth Programs

Reports to: Vice President of Programs

Regular, Full Time, Exempt

Bozeman or Kalispell, MT (hybrid options)

Start Date: 11/6/2023, flexible

Salary: $65,000 DOE + Benefits (Health, Dental, 401k + Employer match, Vacation/sick/holiday accrual, parental leave

Applications Close 10/18

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Program Overview:
MCC’s mission is to inspire young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities. In the spirit of this mission, we are committed to offering conservation service experiences to Montana teens. Across both programs, MCC serves roughly 100 teens and 20 AmeriCorps leaders each year. At present, MCC Youth Program includes two programs:

1. High School Expeditions which provide young people with 2-4 week experiences on a crew and
2. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a summer employment program offered in partnership with the US Forest Service.

Click here to learn more about our youth programming!

Position Overview:
The Director of Youth Programs is responsible for the program vision and management of state-wide MCC Youth Programs. This encompasses stewardship of project partners, program assessment and design, participant recruitment, and management of field operations. To support these efforts, the Director will supervise the Youth Program Manager and oversee a team of 3-5 seasonal employees. With the Director’s guidance and support, this team trains and advises AmeriCorps members who serve as expedition and YCC leaders. The Director works collaboratively with MCC staff throughout the state and must develop and maintain a good working relationship with Youth Crew Leaders and Members, parents/guardians, project partners, community partners, and other regional and statewide MCC staff. The Director will actively engage relevant stakeholders, community organizations and other youth serving entities in order to develop program partnerships and opportunities that align with MCC’s mission.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Management:

• Oversee program vision, development, and implementation including cultivation of new partnerships
• Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Programs to design and deliver of program curriculum and evaluation
• Promote best practices in socio-emotional learning, youth centered leadership, and service learning
• Develop and steward strong partnerships with agencies and community entities
• In partnership with MCC Program Directors across the state, implement an annual project solicitation plan
• Design and implement a five-week Leadership Development Program to onboard Youth Program Leaders
• Cultivate an inclusive environment for all members and staff with particular attention to those under-represented in conservation and national service.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the MCC Program Framework, MCC Policies, and AmeriCorps requirements.

Field Operations:

• Ensure compliance with MCC policies and safety standards within all youth programs
• Manage the hiring, training, supervision and evaluation process of MCC Youth Program Leaders
• Respond effectively to critical incidents in the field, provide proper debriefing and wrap around support as needed
• Serve as the Risk Management Committee liaison/program advisor to the Youth Program team
• Instill a culture of care; cultivate safety awareness within staff and crews

Recruitment and Outreach:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement local (i.e. within the state of Montana) youth outreach and recruitment efforts
• Coordinate with Marketing and Recruitment teams on program materials, resources, and recruitment strategies
• Oversee parent/guardian orientation, outreach, and communication
• Liaise with Member Management team on youth program admissions and all related onboarding tasks
• Work to ensure youth program materials represent the diverse perspectives of the youth we serve and the AmeriCorps members we train

Administrative Support:

• Ensure timely and thorough completion of organizational and AmeriCorps paperwork
• Collaborate with the development team on grant applications, grant reporting, and grant administration
• Responsible for administering youth program admissions process
• Implement systems for effective, professional communication with parents/guardians and project partners
• Provide written documentation of field support and program activities
• Track service project results and provide project partner reports when required
• Participate in emergency on-call schedule (during summer field season)
• Participate in organizational committees as needed, and assist in the continual improvement of youth program systems related to administration

Supervision Exercised:

• Provide direct training and supervision to the Youth Program Manager (FTE), including ongoing professional development, feedback and periodic written evaluation of performance
• Implement fair and appropriate discipline and behavior management for Leaders/Members as needed to maintain high functioning crews and strong morale throughout the state.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Experience leading or teaching high school youth in a public/private school or outdoor program
• Knowledge of youth program risk management practices
• Knowledge of adolescent development and mentoring skills
• Strong interpersonal and administrative skills
• Ability to effectively communicate through written word and orally
• Ability to travel and be on overnight trips for up to a week at a time, often camping in a tent
• Fluency with use of MS Office Suite, Google Apps and ability to manage information in a database
• A valid driver’s license and ability to be insurable per MCC parameters/ Motor Vehicle Records check
• Ability to pass a Criminal History Check

Physical Demands:

• This position may require periodic overnight travel and non-traditional work hours, including occasional weekend and evening hours. (Up to 10% travel)
• The Director may be required to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted and to hike up to 10 miles per day in rugged terrain.
• The ability to independently drive an organizational vehicle is also required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Location:

• This position may work remotely and/or hybrid though in person meetings, trainings, and field visits will be required during the season.
• Applicants must have the ability to regularly report to a Youth Program office in Bozeman and/or Kalispell from early May – late August (i.e. spring training and summer program).

While this position description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All Montana Conservation Corps positions may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities.

Watch these Videos to Learn More:

Never Too Young

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MCC is committed to being diverse, welcoming, and inclusive. We are working to reduce barriers to participating in our programs. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.  Learn more about Identity and Equity @ MCC!