Assistant Program Manager (2 positions available)

Job Title(s):  Assistant Program Manager

*There are 2 Assistant Program Manager positions available, see details in the description section below

Direct Supervisor: Program Manager

Location: Hybrid, blend of work from home and in-person work in office and in field

Hours: Full Time (35+ hrs/week) M-F, with flexible scheduling options 

*hours may vary beyond these times in response to program needs

Compensation: $40,000 - $46,000

DESCRIPTION:

Muddy Sneakers operates at the crossroads of outdoor science instruction, public education, and conservation to awaken in children a deeply felt connection to the natural world – one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to form a connection to nature and benefit from the wellness it provides. We are committed to becoming a national model for closing the science literacy gap, ensuring diversity thrives in the outdoors, and instilling an understanding of one’s role in the greater ecosystem. In doing so, we cultivate healthier generations committed to the stewardship of our natural resources. 

The Assistant Program Manager (APM) is primarily responsible for overseeing the logistics and operations of all programming (school & community programs) conducted in their region including vehicle, equipment and gear; program site management; communication and storytelling coordination; and curriculum review. The APM is expected to assist in the development of systems and processes in collaboration with other APMs, Program Managers and the Program Director. The APM serves as a liaison between the management and the instructional teams and will at times support Core tasks and direct tasks as they see fit. This position is also responsible for delivering educational programming and should anticipate 1-3 days per week in the field during busier programming months. Currently there are TWO positions: 

Western North Carolina (WNC) APM: This position coordinates programming logistics throughout Henderson, Transylvania, Jackson, Polk, Rutherford, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Macon, and Watauga counties. Successful candidates will be within an hour of our WNC office located in Brevard, NC. The specific counties are subject to change year to year based on school partnerships.

Piedmont APM: This position coordinates programming logistics throughout Rowan, Montgomery, Forsyth, Guilford, Stokes and Stanley counties. Successful candidates will be within an hour of our Piedmont office located in Salisbury or in the Winston-Salem, NC area. The specific counties are subject to change year to year based on school partnerships.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Logistics & Operations 

• Oversee the logistics and operations of all programming with the assistance of 12 and 10-month salaried Core Instructors under the supervision of Program Managers. 
• Assist with the development and implementation of programming systems and processes in collaboration with the Program Managers and Program Director. 
• Vehicle, gear and programming equipment: manage inventory, resupplies and maintenance.
• Site partnerships: manage programming site partner records, permits, scout new locations, coordinate site use, report site data, and seek out new site partnerships. 
• Communication & Storytelling: Coordinate efforts with Instructors to collect content and stories for programs communications strategy. 
• Curriculum & Training: Assist in curriculum development and revisions as needed. Assist with training in collaboration with Instructors, Program Managers, and the Education Manager. 

Education & Program Delivery

• Maintain connection to school and community programs by participating in periodic teaching (<10% of time) and serving as Lead Instructor for 1-2 schools including the delivering of high quality, science and nature programming in an outdoor setting while maintaining students’ safety and implementing respectful and positive behavior management techniques when necessary.

Management & Relationship Development

• There are no direct supervision responsibilities, however, you will interact closely with Instructors, Interns, Apprentices, and Volunteers. 
• As needed, attend community outreach events, school/district functions, and other organization events.

Budgets & Accounting

• Assist with annual programming budget, specifically as it relates to this role.
• Oversee ongoing program-related budget tracking. 
• As needed, track expenditures tied to grant funding for auditing and reporting purposes.

Administrative

• All administrative tasks necessary for successful implementation of programming including: credit card reports, contributing to monthly reports, attending staff meetings, etc.

• Report programming updates including needs, successes, opportunities, etc.
• Continually support the mission and core values of Muddy Sneakers.
• Coordinate cross-regionally to ensure consistent processes and programming operations. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Successful candidates will have experience with program logistics necessary to successfully operate and coordinate an outdoor education program. You enjoy assessing, evaluating and developing effective systems. You have a foundation in outdoor and science instruction and knowledge of science content and best practices in education. You build relationships easily and have tools to help working with a diverse team of colleagues. You’re able to prioritize and make decisions independently.  

• Prior experience managing program logistics and improving systems and processes
• Ability to manage time and competing priorities and delegating tasks as needed
• Astute attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
• Experience using the following or comparable software: Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Forms, Meet), Microsoft Office Suite, survey tools, online learning platforms, project management software (Monday), CRM software (Raiser’s Edge) 
• Understanding of management best practices within a non-profit organization
• Some experience managing a budget and tracking expenses  
• Experience in child and youth education, outdoor education or environmental education
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills

EXPERIENCE

• At least 2 years of direct experience in a logistics or operations coordinator role
• Evidence showing the assessment, development and implementation of operational systems 
• Experience in education, outdoor education, teaching or related field is helpful

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Environment: This position requires routine in-person collaboration necessitating travel across program regions, in-region office hours, and time spent teaching in the field. There are opportunities to work remotely when appropriate. Staff are provided a laptop computer and access to necessary software platforms. Some evening and weekend work is required for special events and programming. 

Physical Demands: Requires daily prolonged computer use. Ability to lead groups of students in the field as well as coordinate and accompany guests on expeditions. This includes personal travel across uneven and largely unpaved surfaces.

Working Conditions: Predominantly indoor and some outdoor conditions. A valid driver's license for some statewide travel is required. Muddy Sneakers vehicles can be used for work-related travel, but individuals must be able to get to one of our regional offices to access these vehicles

HIRING TIMELINE

Please note this is a tentative timeline that is meant to support applicants. This schedule may deviate based on the needs and schedule of the hiring committee. These positions are open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.

Nov 1 : Applications open

Nov 16 : Online Q&A session w/Muddy Sneakers Staff @12:30-1pm EST: Click to join Zoom meeting.

Nov 20: Priority deadline for applications

Dec 4: First round of interviews begins

Dec 11: Second round of interviews begins

Dec 22: Applicants notified

Jan 15: Preferred start date

TO APPLY:

Please Submit a Resume and Cover Letter through our Breezy Hiring Platform. 

Be sure to indicate which location(s) you are applying for. 

Hiring Statements 

Muddy Sneakers is a NC-based 501(c)3 non-profit environmental education organization with programming offices in Brevard and Salisbury, North Carolina. We partner with public schools "to awaken in children a deeply felt connection with the natural world -- one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance." The Core Values of Muddy Sneakers include:  Access, Belonging, Experiential Learning, Conservation, and Well-Being.

We know that a rich diversity of perspectives and wisdom is imperative to our mission and can only come from a wide variety of life experiences. MS is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and responsive, enabling each of us to realize our potential. Our team is committed to a growth mindset and recognizes that healthy change requires intention, humility, and lifelong learning.  MS' work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting and valuing the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply.  Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translate directly to our openings.  Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. 

Muddy Sneakers

P.O. Box 146

Brevard, NC  28712

828-862-5560

www.muddysneakers.org