Education Director - Golden Gate

Education Director

The Education Director ensures the quality, consistency, and excellence of Environmental Science programming for students, aligned with NatureBridge's Theory of Change. This role oversees the hiring, supervision, training, and support of Environmental Science Educators across Environmental Science programming, with responsibilities including curriculum development, pedagogy, risk management, and program logistics.

This full-time position takes place at our campus in the Marin Headlands (Sausalito, CA) and cannot be performed remotely.

Your primary job will be:

Program Logistics and Oversight - 30%

• Collaborate with Outreach, Operations and Coastal Camp teams to adequately staff programs and support program transitions between Environmental Science and Coastal Camp
• Effectively prioritize and balance program support and logistical responsibilities while managing multiple staff members, projects, and deliverables
• Serve as a day manager and standby for programs and rotate Director on Call duties with the Golden Gate Leadership Team
• Maintain a regular presence on campus at each site: Fort Cronkhite and Point Bonita
• Assist with emergency response and program adjustments in collaboration with the Golden Gate Leadership Team (GGLT)

Organizational Leadership & Collaboration - 30%

• Represent and advocate for education objectives and needs on leadership teams, in line with broader campus and organizational strategies
• Facilitate inclusive decision-making processes
• Collaborate with the Campus and Facilities Director to support housing placements
• Present confidently to diverse audiences, including students, educators, board members, staff, and the general public
• Build and nurture positive relationships within the NatureBridge community and affiliated partners
• Cultivate and model an inclusive, culturally responsive professional learning community for staff and external partners.
• Actively contribute to a unified leadership presence, working closely with campus leadership to resolve conflicts, streamline shared resources, and maintain a supportive environment for staff
• Assist in the creation, monitoring, and reporting of budgets, ensuring financial alignment with program and organizational priorities
• Act as Environmental Science Program Risk Manager in collaboration with the National Director of Risk Management
• Maintain Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AED and epinephrine administration certifications

Educational Supervision and Professional Development - 25%

• Serving as a key resource on the theory and practice of environmental education, they guide curricular strategies and adaptations to maintain program excellence. They direct professional development of the Education team.
• Supervise 3 Education Managers, Lab Steward, and indirectly or directly supervise a limited number of Environmental Science Educators and 2 California Conservation Corps interns
• Oversee and ensure accurate and timely completion of payroll, expense reimbursements, and HR documentation for direct reports and educators
• Guide curriculum development
• Direct the professional growth of the education team
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, and performance assessments for the Golden Gate Education team
• Ensure the high-quality implementation of educational goals
• Serve as a subject matter expert in environmental education, guiding curricular development with expertise in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), inquiry-based learning, educational equity, and environmental responsibility
• Lead training initiatives with a clear vision and intent to support professional growth and align with campus and organizational objectives
• Oversee departmental digital resources
• Ensure Labs are maintained and use aligns with educational objectives, including permitting, oversight, and reporting

Continuous Improvement - 10%

• Monitor the quality and culture of GOGA Campus education
• Analyze weekly customer and staff feedback
• Support the design and implementation of program evaluation activities

External Partnerships - 5%

• Work in partnership with leaders from the National Park Service (NPS).
• Work in partnership with the CA Conservation Corps to lead and implement the Environmental Science Educator intern program

Compensation:

• $72,000-$76,000 annual salary
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Option for a 403b retirement plan with employer match after six months
• Generous paid vacation, training days and sick leave
• Other benefits include Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and more

Who You Are:

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Minimum four years of experience in nonprofit management, outdoor education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong pedagogical foundations and understanding of current research in experiential and inquiry-based learning, social emotional learning, inclusive education practices and science and phenomena-based curricula.
• Sophisticated understanding of and demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity and equity in education. We especially encourage you to apply if you are a member of (or have extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education, or the outdoors in general.
• Strong ability to lead proactive change management processes in response to new opportunities or understandings.
• Significant experience supervising and collaborating with multiple teams that have conflicting priorities
• Significant experience supervising and collaborating with multiple teams; proven coaching / mentoring skills
• Extensive experience teaching youth, adults and professional educators.
• Exceptional communication skills - including writing, editing and public speaking skills.
• Current Wilderness First Responder or willingness to acquire after hire.

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*All NatureBridge Employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on young people and the environment
• You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated staff who are passionate about the environment
• You want to be part of an organization that is invested in growth, self-examination, and creating equitable and inclusive environments for staff and participants

NatureBridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please let us know if you require any accommodation.

How To Apply:

Submit your application to our Online Career Portal. The deadline for applications is May 3, 2026.