Tanglewood's Assistant Director works with Director to oversee, manage, and coordinate quality curriculum planning, staffing, and program delivery for Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove, including summer camps, Open Air Classroom, workshops, trainings, and events. Manages the day-to-day aspects of all school program areas and projects including staffing, client school relationships, curriculum, and programming. This is a year round appointment.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support the Director by providing coordination and management of programs for Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Centers.  This includes Open Air Classroom Programs and Summer Programs at Tanglewood including Day Camp, Residential Camp, Discovery Trips, and Leadership Programs
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs and curricula that align with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension mission and Plan of Work, and Maine Department of Education Learning Standards
• Coordinate, schedule, and implement on-site and off-site programs for the Open Air Classroom: prep staff, welcome groups, and support the Director with pre-program orientation and post-program evaluation
• Participate in the hiring and training of seasonal field staff, organize and review applications, contact applicants, conduct interviews, and contact references.  Assist director with staff training to meet the needs of the program (schedule, curriculum, safety and risk management, policies, etc.)
• Coordinate, implement, and evaluate summer day camp programs, which offer hands on environmental learning for youth 4-12 years old.  Activities include ecology, art, drama, stories, music, and exploration in outdoor and indoor areas
• Manage and implement external recruitment and communications with school administrators, teachers, and parents to promote and coordinate programming
• Maintain high level of professionalism and customer service for visiting schools, teachers, and students throughout the program. This includes preparation for arrival and follow-up post program delivery
• Provide clear communication with coordinating teachers-providing schedules, required paperwork, presentations to schools and parent groups, contracts, housing assignments, and student needs assessment
• Develop new opportunities, including specialized camp programs, workshops, and adult programs
• Maintain program equipment and facilities including challenge course, waterfront, gardens, ranges, and other program areas to meet UMaine, DHHS, and industry standards
• Supervise and schedule staff support time when not in programming; kitchen help, chores, garden, light maintenance, composting, animals.
• Attend development opportunities, conferences, trainings, workshops, etc.  as deemed suitable by supervisor
• Collaborate with other organizations to enhance programming, establish and maintain community relationships, and partnership opportunities
• Commit to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve, and recommending possible alternatives for a situation
• Develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect
• Utilize coaching and mentoring methods that provide an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned

Required Knowledge/ Skills/ Qualifications

• Bachelors in education, adventure education, environmental studies/science, or related field
• Approximately 3 years experience in outdoor/environmental education or related field (preferably with approximately 2 years in a leadership or management role)
• Current Wilderness First Responder Certification (or higher level) or ability to obtain within six months of hire date
• Competency in word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong work ethic and desire to work as part of a dynamic, high-energy residential program
• Ability to maintain professional certifications as appropriate
• Valid drivers license and ability to travel in-state (reimbursement at the current UMaine rate)

Desired Qualifications

• Grant writing and management experience
• Knowledge and experience in challenge course facilitation and management including high and low ropes elements

Work Environment/Dynamics

The base of operations for most programs is the Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center and nearby sites in Lincolnville, Maine. Programs may also be held at Blueberry Cove 4-H Center in Tenants Harbor.  Outreach programs and classes are held at schools and other settings in Maine.  Some weekend and evening work is required.  When programs are in session, the Assistant Director shares the role of “Director on Duty” with other leadership staff, which at times includes overnight supervision responsibilities. Programs are frequently held regardless of weather, which means sometimes working in cold, wet or “buggy” situations. We strive to create a spirit of community among the staff in the working and living environment at Tanglewood.

Work Schedule

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Friday. This role will require seasonal shifting of hours during school program seasons, summer camp, and specialty programs. The employee will work with their supervisor to establish a varied work schedule in order to meet the needs and requirements of the position.

• School program season is mostly a Monday through Friday schedule with some weekend duties.
• During the summer, this position will support summer camp programming and staff as a member of the Summer Camp Leadership Team in conjunction with the Director.

Position Time

This is a regular, full time, fiscal year, and professional position contingent on funding and successful job performance.

Schedule for Evaluation: As per UMPSA agreement

Salary Band: Job Family 14 Salary Band 02

The finalist for this position must successfully complete a Pre-Employment physical, State Bureau of Investigation, credit and motor vehicle driver’s license background check.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).