Educational Programs Director

Alaska Pacific University (APU) Spring Creek Farm provides Environmental, Farm and Outdoor Adventure Education for children, youth, school and family groups.  It is also home to APU's Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) program. The farm's educational programs make the outdoors accessible to more than 400 individuals per year through provision of a variety of educational and recreational events at the farm facility, in schools and at local farmers markets. 

Position Overview: 

The APU Spring Creek Farm Educational Programs Director is responsible for supporting and growing the Spring Creek Farm educational programs in Palmer, Alaska.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordination of all aspects of Spring Creek Farm environmental, outdoor and farm garden education activities including outreach, training, administration and instruction, e-newsletter, reservations, equipment, volunteer management, and program implementation.  The APU Spring Creek Farm Educational Programs Director will directly manage the AmeriCorps Farm Educator and summer Education Intern and work collaboratively with the Graduate Program Director and the Farmer, APU students and interns to increase utilization of the facility by APU and public.

This full-time position reports to the MSOEE Graduate Program Director and offers a competitive salary and benefits. The position is based in Palmer, Alaska. 

Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and oversee site-based programs and public workshops for school groups, members of the APU community and the public.
• Conduct outreach to recruit the AmeriCorps Farm Educator, APU student instructors, and an educational program intern.
• Provide assistance, logistical support, and supervision to the AmeriCorps Farm Educator, APU student instructors, and an educational program intern, including instructor trainings and post-program assessment meetings.
• Communicate information, plans, and protocols with all constituencies involved in the educational programs, including administrators, instructors, faculty, parents and guardians, and students.
• Plan and lead some portion of workshops and programs offered as appropriate.
• Manage the MatSu Health Foundation Educational Farm grant and implement specific educational programming as defined within the grant.  Write grant reports as necessary.
• Continue development and completion of the Children's Garden, including coordinating with volunteer builders and helping to define construction priorities.
• Work closely with other on-site staff to ensure successful use of the facility by the public.
• Recruit, manage, and support volunteers, including organizing and attending volunteer committee meetings and trainings.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date statistics on trainings, participants served, equipment, facility usage, and other data as needed. Compile year-end report. Manage database.
• Manage outdoor equipment inventory, including distribution, safety, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Research potential sources of grant funding and donations in support of educational programming, equipment, materials and staff salaries.
• Grant-writing in conjunction with APU faculty/staff.
• Implement APU Spring Creek Farm risk management procedures in all trainings, programs, and workshops.
• Collaborate with other on-site staff in program planning, scheduling and delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant will have a history of successful experience working with environmental/farm/outdoor educational programs, including experience at the program director or coordinator level. This applicant will also have grant writing experience and some understanding of and experience with gardening. We seek someone with a breadth of interests, who enjoys and has experience working with young children, adolescents, and adults. Current first-aid certification (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness Advanced First Aid) is preferred.

References should speak to the candidate's energy and enthusiasm and to his/her ability to work cooperatively and successfully with other adults in an educational setting, as well as to his/her capacity to lead successful environmental/farm/outdoor educational programs.  The ideal candidate will be energized by challenging projects and enjoy managing people with diverse backgrounds and experiences while seeing projects through to completion.  A Masters Degree in Education or related discipline is preferred. 

Compensation: 32 K and full benefits.

Deadline: Open until Filled. App Review begins 11/18/09
Start date: January 18, 2010.

To Apply:

Please send all materials listed below to: 

Alaska Pacific University 
Attn: Kathleen Miner, Human Resources Coordinator
4101 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508

• Submit a cover letter and c.v. or resume
• Provide 3 letters of reference.
• Provide a professional writing sample (publication not required)

• Qualified applicants will be contacted for phone interviews

(Emailed applications only accepted with additional hard copy to follow.)

This position is currently funded for one year.
Position continuation is dependent on further funding.