As a national leader in the critical work of creating a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement,we are unique in that we empower those we support to take immediate action and apply learnings in the moment. Through our programs, we seek to strengthen individual, organizational, and field-wide capacity to leverage resources and create inclusive environments that authentically welcome and engage all people in relevant ways. At Youth Outside, we believe that meaningful outdoor experiences result when equity and inclusion are practiced consistently and intentionally.

The Program Associate provides logistical support and performs a variety of tasks associated with Youth Outside’s suite of programs.  Responsibilities include supporting our recruitment and outreach efforts; in field programmatic support; logistical support; and collaboration on  programs within Youth Outside’s suite of programs and alumni activities. 

Working collaboratively with the Youth Outside team, and reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Program Associate is responsible for supporting the continued success of Youth Outside’s suite of programs.

Outdoor Educators Institute 

For nine years now, the Outdoor Educators Institute (OEI) has supported the next generation of culturally relevant outdoor educators through hands-on field training as well as in-class training. OEI strengthens leadership and outdoor technical skills in young adults ages 18-24 who have been historically underrepresented in the outdoor education field, and provides a path to employment in outdoor education and recreation upon completion of the program. 

Since its inception as a single cohort in 2012, OEI has continued to evolve and grow, adding a South Bay cohort in 2019, and a Fresno cohort in 2020. Working under the guidance of the Program Manager, the OEI Program Coordinator will be responsible for logistical coordination and supporting OEI participants on the administrative side of programming.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Logistical Support 

• Assist in providing orientation and administrative support throughout the duration of the program for all cohorts
• Managing the program calendar and ensuring information is communicated with stakeholders in a timely manner
• Assist in recruitment of participants and delivery partners from the greater Bay Area, South Bay, and Fresno respectively 
• Assist in communications with partner agencies regarding:
• Scheduling and logistics of courses and feedback
• Participants’ medical/behavioral issues and needs
• Help to maintain records, such as participant files, partner agency files, evaluations

Participant Support:

• Administer debriefing surveys for field experiences with trainees and partner organizations
• Assist in debriefing field experiences with trainees
• Support participants in learning and strengthening culturally relevant outdoor skills
• Collect and report any medical and/or behavioral information needed
• Assist in transporting participants to and from program delivery throughout the Bay Area

Rising Leaders Fellowship

The Rising Leaders Fellowship supports the professional development of individuals in entry to mid-level positions within youth serving outdoor programs. Specifically, Youth Outside recruits individuals who are enthusiastic about connecting youth to the outdoors in culturally relevant and inclusive ways by affecting culture change within their organizations.  The Rising Leaders Fellowship builds professional capacity while creating a supportive network of like-minded leaders through a project-based cohort series that focuses on social justice and equity in the outdoors.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Logistical Support 

• Assist in outreach and recruitment of participants from the greater Bay Area 
• Assist in communications with participants and sponsoring organizations
• Manage the program calendar, reporting and milestones 
• Help to maintain records, such as participant forms, sponsoring organizations deposits, attendance, and session evaluations

Alumni Network

Youth Outside is honored to have over 200 program alumni. We are positioned to strengthen our network through alumni engagement opportunities. Alumni have participated in a range of programming and are in different aspects of their professional careers, with equity, inclusion, and cultural relevancy being the unifying theme. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Logistical Support 

• Assist in the creation and implementation of a communications strategy for the alumni network
• Manage the program calendar of alumni engagement opportunities
• Help to maintain records, such as the alumni communications roster and the alumni needs and interest assessment

Requirements of the Program Associate position include:

• Valid CA Drivers License
• Ability and willingness to drive a passenger van
• Experience working within groups that have experience with marginalization
• Experience with Google suite
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to track, manage, and prioritize effectively while working on multiple projects
• Demonstrated ability to work in a small team environment, and with a broad range of individuals and organizations with diverse interests
• Desire to work in a collaborative, high energy environment
• 2 to 4 years of workforce experience; experience and/or expertise in youth development, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship or education is a plus.

Work Environment

• This is a full time, benefited  position based in Youth Outside’s Oakland, CA office.   
• Moderate noise associated with an open office work environment. 
• Expected 20% to 30% travel within California.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. The Program Associate may be assigned additional duties in support of operations.

The salary range is $40,000-$45,000 annually