Director of Operations

Position Purpose

The Director of Operations is a senior leader on the Field Education team within Teton Science Schools’ Outdoor Learning School. This position leads the operational systems, people, and resources that support high-quality residential and place-based education programs for visiting schools and groups.

The Director of Operations oversees Field Education program logistics, scheduling, program administration, budgets, visiting-group coordination, campus systems, risk management, and operational partnerships across Teton Science Schools. The role directly supervises members of the Field Education operations team and works closely with Field Education leaders, instructors, and other TSS departments to ensure programs are safe, efficient, well-coordinated, and aligned with the mission of Teton Science Schools.

As a member of the Field Education leadership team, the Director of Operations also contributes to departmental strategy, staff development, program quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Field Education Leadership

• Provide operational leadership for the Field Education team and contribute to strategic planning and innovation
• Supervise, coach, and develop members of the Field Education operations team
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development across Field Education
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and solutions-oriented team culture

Program Operations

• Lead the systems and logistics that support Field Education programs, including scheduling, registration, calendars, transportation, gear, food service coordination, reservations, and pre-arrival communication
• Oversee program administration and ensure consistent, high-quality service for visiting schools and groups
• Develop and improve operational systems that support efficient, safe, and scalable program delivery
• Coordinate closely with internal departments, vendors, and service providers to meet program needs

Budget, Risk & Resource Management

• Support responsible allocation of Field Education operational budgets for staff, facilities, equipment, transportation, and other resources
• Uphold Teton Science Schools’ risk management practices and support safe, inclusive learning and working environments
• Make sound operational decisions in dynamic environments and help coordinate response to program, staffing, or logistical challenges

Program & Staff Support

• Partner with visiting groups to support customized, high-quality place-based education programs
• Support the training and development of Field Education staff through coaching, meetings, debriefs, and professional development
• Maintain familiarity with Field Education programming and provide direct program support when needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
• Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and AED certification, or ability to obtain required certifications
• Demonstrated experience leading operations, programs, or teams in outdoor education, experiential education, environmental education, nonprofit education, recreation, hospitality, or a related field
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff
• Strong program management and organizational skills, with experience coordinating complex logistics, schedules, and competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk, solve problems, and make sound decisions in dynamic environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners
• Experience managing budgets, resources, or operational systems preferred

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily based at the Kelly Campus of Teton Science Schools, with regular work at other campuses and program locations
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and nontraditional schedules based on program needs
• Regular computer and office-based work, including extended periods of sitting or standing
• Periodic outdoor work in a variety of weather and environmental conditions
• Ability to hike and travel over uneven terrain while supporting Field Education programs
• Ability to carry a backpack or program equipment weighing 20+ pounds when supporting programs
• Periodic front-country and backcountry travel
• Ability to drive organizational vehicles, including passenger vans, for extended periods as required