The Program Manager is a management position that coordinates the administration of multi-site, residential environmental science programming in the Santa Monica Mountains and on the Channel Islands. The Program Manager will focus on running day-to-day program operations by working closely with the Education Director and Director of Operations, with duties in each department. They achieve this through clear and constant communication with teachers, vendors, and NatureBridge program staff. The Program Manager also plays a significant role in the hiring of Environmental Science Educators and training them in both curriculum and program logistics.

The ideal candidate has experience with NatureBridge or other residential outdoor programming, is committed to equity and inclusion in their personal and professional communities, has a ‘can do’ attitude, and is logistically-minded and detail-oriented.

In order to further our mission, NatureBridge is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and to promoting equal opportunity for students and staff in the field of environmental education. We strive to diversify our workforce and seek applications by individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Education Director to ensure quality and consistency of educational programming
• Oversee hiring process and train Educators in site-specific logistics and curriculum, with special attention to science, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive pedagogies
• Cultivate and model an inclusive and culturally responsive professional learning community for staff and external partners
• Provide significant support to Education Director for all human resources-related components
• Create and lead significant portions of educator staff training in both education and operations
• Coach educators in curriculum areas and field practice
• Schedule and conduct a portion of Educator field observations, including debriefs, supported by the Education Director as needed
• Update and create participant feedback form; track participant feedback trends and proactively communicate them to the appropriate staff
• Maintain and track Program Debrief forms completed by Educators, proactively communicate results to appropriate staff
• Create program-specific curricular program suggestions
• Oversee gear maintenance and coordinate education purchases; track associated expenses in accordance with budget
• Serve on intercampus education teams as needed
• Support coordination of Education Leader Training & Summit as directed
• Substitute for educators in the field as needed
• Coordinate the logistics and curricular planning to ensure high quality, safe, and well organized residential environmental science programs
• Ensure clear and timely communication of program details to education and operations staff
• Ensure all resources are utilized efficiently and appropriately to maximize capacity
• Work collaboratively with campus administrative, education, facilities, and external vendors
• Manage food and hospitality vendors with timely logistics and communication
• Create and maintain environmental science educator schedules
• Schedule and track educator staff time for program and non-program work days, paying special attention to budget constraints
• Maintain positive relationships with client groups
• Build and maintain positive relationships with client groups, including schools, teachers and partner organizations and individuals
• Guide client groups through the planning process of getting to a NatureBridge program and ensure completeness of client paperwork and other arrangements
• Attend onsite and offsite meetings with clients and partner organizations
• Schedule, prepare, and present pre-trip visits to Southern California schools
• Maintain positive relationships with partners and contractors
• Help maintain excellent relationships with partner organizations, including National Park Service, State Parks, local school districts and other groups
• Maintain positive relationships with contractors and vendors, including prompt invoice payment
• Collaborate with other NatureBridge departments
• Collaborate with the Outreach and Enrollment Director in retention of groups and in the re-reservation process (balance invoices and confirm 90 day numbers)
• Ensure all website content is up to date and relevant
• Maintain relationships with program logistics staff at other NatureBridge campuses
• Support NatureBridge finance department by ensuring accurate invoice updates and sign off paperwork

On Site Program Management

• Provide on-site management during programs and emergencies, including delegation and reporting
• Act as Day Manager 4-5 days/ week, including running morning meetings
• Provide on site customer service attention and troubleshooting
• Provide general management and support during program emergencies

Cross Departmental

• Work collaboratively with Southern California team, including special events, such as cultivation events for Development or Sales

Perform other duties as assigned

Experience, Competencies and Education

Qualifications include:

• Commitment to equity and inclusivity within your teaching and our community
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in science or related field, or some combination of formal education and equivalent experience
• At least one year or more experience teaching residential environmental science, with a working knowledge of program delivery
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR Certification
• Working knowledge of basic teaching pedagogy, including group management, as well as science and social emotional learning
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, especially in demanding circumstances
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Excellent communication, time management, and record keeping skills
• Able to maintain a positive and professional attitude under stress
• Valid CA Driver’s License and/or Class B driver’s license with Passenger endorsement or willingness to be trained for Class B test
• Spanish-language ability preferred
• Ability to hike 7+ miles with a 40 lb. backpack
• Comfort with using and learning computer software, including Google Apps, Google Sites, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat; proficiency in SalesForce a plus
• Comfort with using and learning website maintenance and finance software such as Microix