Program Manager

Do you want to work in a stunning National Park? Do you want to educate our youth on the natural environment? Join NatureBridge as it pilots new programs in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Our mission is to inspire personal connections to the natural world and responsible actions to sustain it.

Serving over 40,000 participants annually, NatureBridge is the largest nonprofit residential environmental education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1971 we have introduced almost one million students to national parks through field science education programs for schools.

Position Overview:

The Program Manager must have prior experience in Environmental or Outdoor Education or a similar organization planning and supervising activities within a youth development framework. Ideally, this person will have both an education and operational background.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain program goals and deliver programs that reflect appropriate management of the health and safety of participants and staff
• Manage facilities and insure that all NatureBridge standards for facilities and risk management are met
• Ensure staff understand and effectively communicate standards of program; ensure areas are program appropriate, and equipment is maintained in good working condition
• Develop and foster a positive climate for youth education based on the mission and goals of Santa Monica Mountains Institute
• Establish program objectives consistent with organizational goals and mission
• Evaluate program on a continual basis and ensure programs and activities address the gender and cultural diversity of participants
• Provide direct supervision of program staff to ensure high standards of program development and implementation
• In partnership with the Institute Director, hire, train, coach and manage field science education staff
• Consistently evaluate staff performance
• Oversee proper record keeping and reporting including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements and any problems or issues
• Oversee program within established budgetary guidelines
• Promote and market program to a broad audience including announcements of upcoming events and the dissemination of timely information for the development of advertising and promotion mailings and fliers
• Attend all meetings, conferences and training as required
• Assist with any fundraising projects conducted by Santa Monica Mountains Institute and assist with NatureBridge-wide special events
• Requisition supplies and equipment for the Institute
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability in personnel supervision and program management
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage many details
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated outstanding command of logistics, and detail-oriented administrative work
• Work experience planning and executing logistical details
• Demonstrated ability in working with young people
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification (within 90 days of employment)
• Strong PC/computer skills
• BA/BS from an accredited college or university or related work experience

Skills/Knowledge Preferred:

• Familiarity with community resources and ability to develop partnerships
• Ability to speak Spanish
• Masters degree in science, education or a related field

To Apply:

Please send a RÉSUMÉ and COVER LETTER. In your cover letter, explain why your skills and background are a perfect fit for Santa Monica Mountains. No agencies, no telephone calls.

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at Santa Monica Mountains Institute and NatureBridge.