Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
The Program Manager is responsible for the coordination and delivery of high quality school field trips, community education, recreation, and day camp programs to students, children, adults and families throughout the calendar year. We are looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead and develop our team of talented program staff members who deliver these programs. This is a highly collaborative position, working closely with team members in multiple areas of the organization, including wildlife, marketing, registration, camp, and visitor services. The ideal candidate should have a love of people, experience in program management, and embody a desire to continue Blandford’s reputation for delivery of engaging, mission-driven, nature-based programming.
Duties and Responsibilities :
- Hire, manage and develop Blandford Nature Center’s team of year-round program staff in delivering all BNC onsite and off-site programs
- Manage daily operations of school and community education programs year-round at BNC
- Coordinate a team of BNC staff and volunteers to deliver festivals and other large events at BNC
- Oversee the pre-season organization of our Summer Camp, including hiring of camp staff
- Provide support to the camp team throughout the summer camp season
- Oversee and administer the annual programs calendar in conjunction with others in the organization
- Assist in the development of the annual Programs budget
- Collaborate with the Director of Program Operations to optimize programs, including planning, registration systems, program evaluations, and DEI efforts on behalf of the whole organization
- Assist with planning digital strategies for program promotion
- Assist with tracking program data and required reporting
- Lead yearly program curriculum review, ensuring best practices and relevancy
- Maintain BNC standards of safety and well-being for all program participants and staff
- Ensure the maintenance and storage of program resources and facilities
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
Represent Blandford’s Programs Team at community outreach and fundraising activitiesBuild and maintain positive, effective external relationships with schools, community contractors who lead programs at BNC, and other education- and environment-focused organizations in West MichiganAssist with organization-wide special eventsMaintain a positive work environment and relationships with colleagues, staff, and volunteersOccasionally serve as support to Visitor Services staffAssist with other organizational duties as assignedMinimum Required Qualifications
Experience in Education or a non-profit services-related field3+ years of program management experience5+ years experience leading a team of 5 or more peopleHighly collaborative work style; capable of implementing goals while fostering cooperation and consensusExcellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skillsPositive role-model in attitude and behaviorAbility to work effectively with adults and children in a professional mannerStrong interest in and enthusiasm for the the outdoors and environmental issuesExcellent judgment and reliabilityAbility to work effectively and efficiently with all Blandford Nature Center staff and volunteersExceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask and manage time effectivelyExperience with Google suite, program registration systems, and design tools, or willingness to learn these applicationsMust pass a criminal background check and maintain a valid driver’s license with clean driving recordAbility to work effectively with people in the outdoors, in all types of weather and over uneven terrainAbility to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs.Ability to work occasional nights / weekends, approximately 2-4 times per monthPreferred Qualifications
Experience working in outdoor educationExperience working for a non-profit organizationExperience working with communities with diverse backgrounds and culturesAbility to speak the Spanish languageCurrent CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to get certifiedCore Competencies :
Organizational : Teamwork, Cultural Responsiveness, Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Effective Communication, Courage, Organizational AwarenessManagement Level : Resource Management, Emotional Intelligence, Planning, Assessment & Decision Making, Assess & EvaluatePosition Specific : Technical Capacity, Human Capacity Management, Adaptability, Program ManagementCompensation
This is a paid, exempt, full-time position working 40+ hours per week. The salary for this position starts at $45,000 per year, based on experience. This position qualifies for paid holidays and paid time off, participation in health insurance, Blandford Nature Center membership, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA Plan with an up to 3% employer match.
To Apply :
Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org / employment -opportunities / and click on the Job Board to complete your application. When applying for this position, please note :
Submit resume and cover letter with your applicationInclude three (3) professional (not personal) references with your applicationBlandford Nature Center’s Mission
To engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.
Blandford Nature Center’s Vision
A thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.
Blandford Nature Center’s Values
Inclusion : Intentionally welcoming and embracing everyoneStewardship : Responsibly using and caring for all our resourcesIntegrity : Demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization and communityExperiential : Providing direct opportunities to enjoy, explore, and learn in naturePartnership : Connecting and collaborating to effectively serve our communityInnovation : Using creativity and curiosity to continuously improveThe policy of the Blandford Nature Center is to ensure that diversity, inclusiveness, and respect are integral parts of our day-to-day management and work. Blandford staff, board and volunteers commit to ensure equal access to Blandford and all of its educational opportunities by all people.
In essence, diversity includes all the characteristics, experiences, and cultural influences that make each of us unique individuals. All individuals are welcome at Blandford Nature Center, and all individuals, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex (including transgender status, gender identity, and pregnancy), religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a parent, will be treated with respect and dignity. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, we can continue to value and appreciate the strengths afforded by differences in the styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. We all share the responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion throughout Blandford, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.