The College Access Corp member will help empower underrepresented youth to develop college access skills while learning to be environmental stewards of the North Cascades. Duties will include supporting implementation of the Northwest Youth Leadership Summit, implementing pre and post-trip stewardship events for classes attending Mountain School, recruiting for Youth Leadership Adventures, and strengthening college access opportunities for Youth Leadership program alumni. The position is based out of our administrative office in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Learn more about our youth programs on our website: ncascades.org/youth

HOURS OF SERVICE:  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., M – F with some evening and weekend hours from August 15, 2016 through June 30, 2017 (At least 1,700 hours over the 10.5 month term of service)

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATED TASKS:

• Strengthen our Pathways for Youth Initiative, which seeks to provide connected next-step opportunities for program participants that lead to further development in leadership skills, college readiness, local community stewardship, career opportunities, and continued growth and learning about the natural world and how to care for it
• Become a college access specialist by participating in College Access Corps trainings, including orientation, mid-year training, regional cohort meetings and others as available
• Help plan and implement the Northwest Youth Environmental Leadership Summit including recruiting local colleges and universities to attend as Opportunity Fair partners; teach a breakout session at the Youth Leadership Summit on college access
• Lead pre and post-Mountain School trips in low-income schools, including community service events with public land partners
• Assist with recruiting students for Youth Leadership Adventures at target schools, focusing on college readiness program benefits
• Develop a core Youth Leadership Ambassador program for local Youth Leadership alums that provides continuing leadership development, public speaking opportunities, career development, and college readiness training. Potentially train Ambassadors to become College Access coaches within their own communities 
• Advise Institute staff on best practices for improving college access for youth participating in our programs
• Assist in cultivating school and community partnerships for youth environmental education programs, including Mountain School and Youth Leadership Adventures
• Recruit volunteers for public stewardship events coordinated by North Cascade Institute and our partners including National Days of Service
• Instruct Institute environmental education programs, as needed
• Write blogs and assist with social media
• Build a programmatic infrastructure around college access programming best practices
• Assess and evaluate educational programs
• Share program impacts to internal and external stakeholders
• Engage in personal reflection
• Other duties, as assigned 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA or BA/BS degree
• Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated and professional
• Ability to speak publicly in front of 50 or more people
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs and hike over uneven terrain in inclement weather
• Comfortable working in both office and remote environments that require traveling long distances
• Prior educational or work experience in education, the environment and youth leadership
• Experience working with nonprofits and developing partnerships
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a team player
• Strong organization, creative problem-solving and written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds
• Strong initiative; self-starter
• Enthusiasm for helping others succeed
• Basic office computer skills, including word processing
• Willing to work outdoors, long hours, and evenings, including occasional overnight camping trips
• Must possess a current driver’s license
• Must be a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Must be able to pass a criminal history disclosure and background check