Location: Field Office Location: New Bern, NC

ENC Programming Region: Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven, Onslow, Carteret, Jones, and Lenoir

Summary

 Muddy Sneakers is an outdoor science education nonprofit focused on connecting 5th grade public school students to their science curriculum through repeat learning experiences in an outdoor classroom setting.  Muddy Sneakers offers the opportunity to work for a leading science/EE organization alongside a talented and invested staff in an effort to cultivate a future generation of connected and mindful citizens.

In an ENC Program Director, Muddy Sneakers is looking for an individual who embraces the organization’s mission and possesses the skills necessary to advance our unique education model.  The Program Director specifically plays a critical role in leading, challenging and inspiring a talented and experienced staff of field instructors. Additionally, this person manages the quality of programming and all school partnerships.

Essential Functions

1. ● Effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
2. ● Listen to and comprehend oral communication
3. ● Read written documentation both on paper and on screen
4. ● Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
5. ● Be comfortable and work effectively in an office setting
6. ● Recognize and respond positively to social cues
7. ● Comfortable making difficult decisions in stressful situations with full knowledge of organizational policy and procedure
8. ● Utilize discretion when faced with sensitive issues that could impact individual parties involved in/with Muddy Sneakers or the organization as a whole
9. ● Work independently and as a team, be comfortable in group settings and respect a chain of command

The ENC Program Director is a full-time, 12-month position that reports directly to the ENC Field Office Director. This position has responsibility for all school year programming associated with Muddy Sneakers’ ENC Field Office to include:

Administrative Tasks:

• All administrative tasks necessary for successful implementation of ENC programming
• Purchase and distribute supplies/equipment related to ENC programing
• Report regularly to ENC Field Office Director with programming updates

Financial Tasks:

• Budgetary oversight of expenses associated with ENC school year operations
• Coordinate annual ENC programming budget and in coordination with Field Office Director
• Work closely with the ENC Field Office Director in conducting periodic budget evaluations
• Management of ENC school invoicing and field staff payroll
• Close record keeping of all expenditures tied to grant funding for auditing and reporting purposes

Education and Program Monitoring:

• Provide leadership to the organization in order to produce exceptional programs for students and high-quality program delivery
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate all ENC school year programming to include regional and satellite programs
• Coordination of and communication with ENC school personnel (principals, admin staff, teachers, parents), appropriate field site personnel and program volunteers
• The ENC Program Director is responsible for serving as a Lead Instructor in facilitating school year programming associated with the ENC Field Office and periodically scheduling oneself to instruct to maintain a strong connection to the fieldwork
• Lead ENC field staff with integrity and provide a strong foundation for the organization’s future by maintaining excellent partner relations, implementing financially sound practices and delivering quality curriculum in a safe program environment
• Provide a written review of each ENC field instructor’s teaching to be included with biannual instructor evaluations. Provide field staff with written and in-person feedback when appropriate.
• Annually or bi-annually collect qualitative feedback from ENC teachers, parents, and students
• Support Satellite Programming by coordinating trip logistics, assisting periodically with teaching in satellite regions, and assisting in the development of satellite land partnerships.
• Understand and apply best practices for risk management in relation to all ENC programming by keeping detailed records of all incident reports and work with field staff to minimize risk.

Curriculum Review and Data Collection:

• Collaborate with Program Directors from other field offices and assigned staff on any necessary curriculum changes or revisions.
• Keep up to date with NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) curriculum changes and the tracking of each partner school’s end-of-grade (EOG) scoring
• Assist as necessary with staff and research partners (ex: NC State University) on research collaborations to include student measurements, collecting qualitative feedback from teachers, parents, and students, etc.
• Collaborate in the management of the multiyear NC State University (NCSU)/MS research project(s) serving as a voice and ear to the participating schools/districts/field instructors

Personnel and Staff Support

• Attract, recruit and maintain a highly trained and qualified staff to include management of periodic evaluation process and staff appreciation efforts
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate all school year field staff in coordination with fellow Field Office staff to include the ENC Field Office Director and the ENC Assistant Program Director (when added)
• Foster strong communication and relationships throughout the staff
• Manage biannual staff evaluations both in the field and in person, assist in establishing and monitoring employee goals and executing a biannual performance review process. Additionally, manage the instructor peer-review process and teacher/administration program review, including feedback from the use of pre and post-expedition materials
• Organize all-staff meetings as needed to successfully execute the organization’s program goals and/or other initiatives
• Ensure exemplary safety practices in the field. Ensure that all instructors have current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification, CPR and anaphylaxis trainings and coordinate renewal for all staff each year
• Manage internal staff and third-party grievances and work in coordination with the ENC Field Office Director on HR matters as they relate to the ENC field staff
• Future direct Management of the ENC Assistant Program Director (12-month position tentatively scheduled to be added in 2020)

Outreach/Development/Community Relations:

• Collaborate with fellow ENC Field Office staff and Muddy Sneakers Home Office as necessary in furtherance of organizational outreach, communications and development efforts
• Serve as a public face and spokesperson when necessary for the organization.
• Build and maintain close relationships with school partners at the teacher and principal levels.
• Assist in a supporting role with development/outreach events as necessary including staffing special events/booths throughout the year.
• Collaborate with staff to produce the bi-annual Muddy Sneakers’ newsletter and other print materials as needed

Resupply/Vehicle Logistics/Program Supplies:

• Ensure vehicles are prepared for field use (cleaned, fueled, supplied, etc.) including communicating/coordinating with Core Field Instructors regarding resupply needs.
• Ensure vehicle logistics are coordinated each week and proper vehicle logs are kept.
• Organize and distribute supplies/field instructor kits to vehicles and/or staff as needed.

Staff and Board Meetings/Trainings:

• Coordinate with ENC Field Office Director in planning, implementing, and facilitating periodic meetings and trainings for field staff.
• Attend all admin meetings, trainings and retreats
• Assist in preparing for Board of Director presentations and meetings

Experience and Attributes

• Engagement and genuine alignment with the mission of Muddy Sneakers
• Appreciation for people and their diversity, coupled with an ability to relate well and work with multiple constituencies and audiences;
• Creative, entrepreneurial and a strategic thinker;
• Resiliency, initiative, and the ability to work independently;
• A minimum of 3- 5 years of experience in education or a related field with preference for experience in nonprofit experiential education and/or program administration
• Strong leadership capabilities including experience managing staff
• Sound business judgment and demonstrated ability in financial management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in conducting workshops and trainings