Outdoor School Director

~ Located in Eugene, Oregon, Whole Earth Nature School was founded in 2009 with the vision of helping people rediscover their connection to the natural world. Through exciting experiences outside, and plenty of laughter, our students develop a love for nature and eventually begin leading their peers and the next generation of stewards. ~

Whole Earth Nature School serves thousands of students every year through our Coyote Outdoor School, homeschool programming, after-school enrichment programs, free weekly family program, summer nature camps, teen mentorship programs, and more.

Mission Statement:

Mentoring students in the outdoors to foster confidence, resilience, and kinship with nature.

Core Values: 

Cultivate Gratitude • Encourage a Culture of Respect • Teach Appropriate Risk-taking • Learn from Failure • Take Personal Responsibility • Practice Awareness • Play

Position Summary

The Director of Outdoor School is a full-time salaried position which will oversee and direct the development and operation of a robust outdoor school program for Whole Earth Nature School’s Coyote Outdoor School. This position will have a strong focus on project management. The Outdoor School Director must establish and maintain a sustainable program and culture to ensure the future success of Coyote Outdoor School.

The Outdoor School Director will have a large degree of autonomy to shape and manage Coyote Outdoor School within the expectations set by our executive team. During outdoor school season the Outdoor School Director will be expected to be on-site managing programs and there will be little schedule flexibility. During the off-season work schedules may be flexible but might include evening and weekend hours, as the position demands. Travel may be occasionally required. Off-season work will be mostly in-office, sitting or standing at a desk and computer. An ideal candidate will be a strong leader and team player, will be creative, flexible, and adaptable and will be reliable and responsible. 

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains programs and curricula
• Oversees and ensures proper safety and risk management protocols
• Schedules and trains program staff
• Promotes and books programs
• Manages relationships with clients and parents
• Ensures that Whole Earth Nature School culture is well represented at Coyote Outdoor School
• Communicates and collaborates with management
• Keeps records and reports on grant funding
• Manages contracts and payments from clients
• Runs regular instructional staff meetings
• Recruits and manages high school volunteers
• Oversees program evaluation
• Manages and maintains equipment
• Ensures program supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

Minimum Skills:

• 4+ Years previous experience in Outdoor Education including experience teaching children and adults
• Supervisory experience
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to successfully connect all levels of the organization and the public, including: administration, staff, board, donors, volunteers, ESD staff, school principals and teachers, parents, students
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Highly effective organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and logistics
• Independent project management with a strong ability to prioritize and manage deadlines
• Sound judgement and risk management skills
• Passion for sharing nature and science with youth
• Must be able to comfortably carry a 20 pound backpack outdoors over uneven terrain for up to three miles
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheet, email)
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in public education
• Spanish speaker
• Knowledge of Oregon’s Outdoor School history and culture
• Wilderness First Aid or above certification
• Social media marketing skills 

Compensation: $34,500-$40,000 Salary (DOE), Employer sponsored health insurance, paid personal leave, paid sick leave, paid maternity leave, paid holidays, professional development funds, discounts for your children attending Whole Earth programs.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website"  - as you must complete our online application to be considered for this position.   
• Additionally, you may click here to email send a cover letter and further information to Whole Earth Nature School - and be sure to type “Outdoor School Director” in your subject line.
• Application Closing Date: September 20th, or until the position is filled.