Northwest Youth Corps Conservation Corps Director

LOCATION: Eugene, Oregon

STARTING SALARY: $64,000 – $68,000 per year

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:Benefit Package includes: Personal Leave, Paid Holidays, Medical & Dental Coverage (with co-pay), Disability & Life Insurance, and a 401K investment plan and other perks!

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND  

Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success.  To achieve this, NYC provides a variety of outdoor, conservation-service programs throughout the Northwest that emphasize leadership, growth and personal success.  NYC partners with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management to conduct field-based service projects. NYC’s programs serve over 1,000 youth and young adults annually, with programs operating in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.  Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC) is a program of Northwest Youth Corps.

NYC engages youth and young adults from all walks of life and provides a multifaceted experience that helps propel them into future opportunities and careers. Hard and soft skills are taught and reinforced throughout the member’s term through formal practical trainings.  NYC strives to provide program participants the skills and competencies needed to succeed in a wide variety of professional environments and life circumstances.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation Corps Director is responsible for the operation of one of the nation’s oldest and largest youth and young adult conservation corps programs.  The position demands a leader with vision and creativity; a person dedicated to helping youth and young adults thrive, and someone with a deep interest in promoting the growth of a generation dedicated to stewardship of our public lands and resources.  The role of the Conservation Corps Director requires advanced leadership, superb administrative skills, and a desire to make a lasting impact.

The Conservation Corps Director is responsible for the successful operation and long-term viability of all crew based conservation programs.  In collaboration with the Risk Management Officer, Deputy Director, and Senior Director of Partnerships, the Director coordinates, supports, and supervises the work of a team of up to 10 Program Managers and Coordinators spread over a three state region.  Youth Corps programs are supported by the Operations, Community Engagement, and Administration Departments.  The Conservation Corps Director reports to the Deputy Director.

POSITION DETAILS

The Conservation Corps Director’s duties include administrative oversight of the Department, development and attainment of annual program goals, management of departmental data, and field support as needed.  The Director is also charged with maintaining and expanding the department’s network of partnerships with public resource agencies, local governments, and private donors that support program operations.  Duties are primarily office based, but travel is frequently required to attend meetings, provide presentations, and support emergency response activities. The Conservation Corps Director works closely with the Deputy Director and is a member of the NYC Leadership Team.

General Duties

• Supervise and administer the Youth Corps Department
• Work with Deputy Director to develop and implement Department goals
• Instill and maintain NYC’s culture and values within Department

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support

• Promote continued organization support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives
• Seek to remove barriers to participation in NYC programs for underrepresented populations
• Actively seek to learn and lead with anti-racist strategies and oversee their implementation by Department staff

Safety

• Collaborate with Risk Management Officer to ensure safe and best practices in Program activities
• Member of NYC Emergency Response Team
• Promote a physically and emotionally safe work environment for staff and participants

Human Resources

• Provide leadership, support, and professional development for Program Managers and Coordinators
• Promote and support an environment of collaboration and collective impact within Programs Department and with other Departments
• Ensure employment practices and organizational procedures are followed
• Conduct quarterly and annual staff reviews
• Promote an empowering and rewarding work environment for staff and participants

Coordination

• Schedule and facilitate regular staff meetings and trainings
• Participate in Leadership Team activities
• Supervise and coordinate partnership activities across agency landscape
• Document and track Department achievements
• Develop yearly program schedule

Financial

• Work with Finance Team to assure compliance with budget targets and grant requirements
• Collaborate with Senior Administrative Director to develop annual budget and pricing
• Work closely with agency partners to renew, develop, and update cooperative work agreements
• Collaborate with Finance Team to ensure tracking of agreements and timely, accurate invoicing of projects
• Work with Development Officer to ensure grant compliance and timely reporting

Stakeholders

• Schedule and promote site visits with stakeholders, agency partners, and media representatives
• Enhance and expand interaction with public agencies to further the NYC mission
• Work with NYC Development Officer to identify new funding opportunities
• Collaborate with staff to implement special events and projects

Desired Skills/Abilities

• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Five years administrative and managerial experience.
• Experience in budget development and management.
• Demonstrated success at being organized, detail oriented, and motivated leader.
• Proven ability to communicate well with people, forge partnerships, and excellent writing skills.
• Strong analytical skills
• Background in conservation or resource management

Position Qualifications & Certifications

Education – A Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university required, preferably in resource management, business administration, environmental science, or a relevant field.

Experience – Candidates must have a strong interest in NYC’s goals, the ability to work as a team member and a sense of humor. Previous experience which demonstrates organizational skills, the ability to perform at a consistently high level under pressure, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and familiarity with a wide range of communications tactics will all be skills necessary to succeed in this position.

Terms of Employment

This is a full time position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00 PM.  Workload varies seasonally and will require long days and/or evening and weekend responsibilities periodically.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We believe diversity is a key source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.  We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.