SCHOOL PROGRAMS MANAGER
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

I Job Overview:

Job Title:              School Programs Manager & Environmental Educator

Department:         Education

Classification:       Exempt, Salary

Job Type:              Full-time, Monday - Friday with occasional evenings & weekends

Job Status:            Employee, 40 hours/week

Reports to:            Director of Education

Travel:                   Yes – frequent travel to schools in the Cleveland area.

II Job Summary:

The School Programs Manager is an Environmental Educator who typically teaches programming 3-4 mornings a week during the school year and 5 full days a week during Outdoor Adventure Camp. The School Programs Manager is also invested in learning how environmental education best intersects with the lived experiences and abilities of our audiences. With this in mind, they help identify areas of school program growth, revise curriculum and identify teaching strategies to strengthen our ability to connect all children with nature and inspire environmental stewardship in ways that are meaningful to our school communities.

III Job Responsibilities & Duties:

Teach Environmental Education Programs (65%):

• Deliver programming to multiple school groups throughout the year, primarily Preschool-Grade 8. Some travel to local schools is required.
• Design or revise curriculum as needed. Deliver professional development (PD) sessions throughout the year for Early Childhood Teachers.
• Teach up to 9 weeks of summer camp between June - August.
• Plan or assist with public programming for family and adult audiences as needed. This might include staffing an event, planning an interpretive hike, hosting a lecture, etc.

Oversee the Quality of Program Curriculum & Implementation (20%):

• Learn and stay up-to-date on best practices in environmental education, inclusive teaching strategies, and the goals/initiatives of our school partners through ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.
• Contribute to the design of NCSL’s program evaluations and create action plans based on classroom teacher feedback, NCSL team feedback and NCSL’s department goals.
• Collaborate with the team to review/revise curriculum, strengthen our teaching strategies, identify professional development opportunities, or otherwise build our skill sets.
• Act as a peer coach to provide support and encouragement to the education team. Maintain program supplies.
   

Administration (10%):

• Ensure program evaluation data is properly recorded (attendance, survey responses, etc.).
• Assist the Director of Education with school program scheduling throughout the year.
• Assist with grant proposals and marketing opportunities as needed.

Other (5%):

• Maintain good humor and apply professional, common-sense solutions to everyday challenges.
• Learn, meet new people, reflect, and take initiative to continue to grow in the field.
• Participate in staff meetings and events.
• Participate in NCSL signature fundraising events.
• Help care for Education animals (box turtles and snakes). Training Provided.
• Other duties as assigned.

IV Required Qualifications & Skills:

• College degree and/or work experience in Education, Earth Science, Life Sciences or related field.
  • Motivation to continue to learn and practice education skills and natural resources content.
• Experience teaching Preschool through 6th grade in a hands-on setting.
  • Ability to design age-appropriate environmental education curricula and activities for a wide variety of audiences.
  • Ability to manage classroom safety and behavior in a variety of settings.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.
• CPR/1st Aid Certification (to be provided by NCSL upon hire).
• Ability to interact with others with tact, courtesy, and diplomacy.
• Ability to create orderly storage solutions for items and information.

V Working Conditions:

• Position requires lifting up to 15 lbs., frequent hiking up to 3 - 5 miles (sometimes on rough terrain), climbing stairs, kneeling, sitting, and bending.
• The workday often takes place outdoors along our trails with possible hazards.
• This position offers minimal remote/work from home opportunities.
• NCSL has taken many safety measures to protect the staff and public from the COVID-19 virus.  Personal Protective Equipment is provided.

VI Compensation:

• $36,000-$38,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Eligibility for a wide range of benefits.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1966 and located in the Shaker Parklands on the eastern edge of Cleveland.  The mission of NCSL is to conserve a natural area, connect people with nature, and inspire environmental stewardship.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive working environment.  View our mission, vision, and diversity statement online at www.shakerlakes.org.