Lead Education Coordinator & Camp Director

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
We are seeking an experienced educator and leader who is enthusiastic about working with youth, mentoring a team of staff, developing and leading hand-on nature-based education programs, and fostering an inclusive and justice-centered community. During the school year, this position supports youth programs including school programs, classroom field trips to Felix Neck, April vacation week programs, and youth and family programs. In the summer, this position oversees all aspects of Fern and Feather Nature Day Camp programs.

The ideal candidate works well in a collaborative environment, is a strong and compassionate leader, and is committed to creating spaces of belonging for campers, caregivers, and staff.

Location: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown, MA
Schedule: Full-time, year-round (40 hours/week)

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of camp program and curriculum development, marketing, and registration in collaboration with staff in regional and statewide departments.
• Plan and oversee the annual budget for summer camp; ensure appropriate spending on all aspects of camp including staff, materials, etc.
• Recruit, hire, train and lead a team of approximately 10 summer camp staff.
• Act as a mentor and collaborator to the seasonal Assistant Camp Director and support the Camp Registrar team. Develop a positive and cohesive team atmosphere with year-round staff.
• Develop and teach environmental education programs and curriculum for school-based groups, youth, families, and the public. Work with Education Manager and colleagues to improve and innovate based on feedback.
• Support the regional safety committee by tracking, reporting, and analyzing incidents and safety trends. Incorporate public and camp safety updates to ensure the highest safety standards at sanctuaries during and outside of the camp season.
• Partner with colleagues from operations, property, and education departments to prepare for education vacation week and summer camp programs.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and camp industry rules, protocols, and practices, including all required documentation for staff, campers, and licensing agencies. Develop strong, positive relationships with local public health officials, community partners, and regional American Camp Association (ACA) staff. Manage and maintain compliance with ACA standards including accreditation for camp.
• Supervise marketing, registration, and communication with families before and during programs, and evaluation during and after programs with regional and statewide colleagues.
• Engage with and support training and professional development for other education staff.
• Collaborate with regional staff to carry out sanctuary-wide public and staff events as needed.

During the summer

• Responsible for all aspects of camp preparation, training, camper and staff safety, customer service, program planning, and program implementation.
• Plan, lead, and delegate responsibilities for camp staff training. During staff training: develop a cohesive, compassionate staff community, guide camp staff on how to teach about nature, using inquiry-based hands-on education techniques. Share techniques to support campers, and safety and emergency procedures and behavioral guidance.
• Have regular communication and updates with camp families and caregivers, especially responding to concerns and mediating conflicts with professionalism.
• Oversee camp staff as they develop and deliver nature-related programs including kayaking.
• Provide support, energy, motivation, and a fun and inclusive community for the camp staff
• Ensure activities and lessons meet camp goals and outcomes and are appropriate for the abilities of campers.
• Monitor and evaluate camp staff; provide feedback, program ideas, and guidance to camp staff. Manage concerns, complaints, and feedback regarding staff performance, including communication with Human Resources and other supervisory staff.
• Provide guidelines for equipment use and maintenance; supervise staff to perform regular checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair in collaboration with the Property Manager.

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• 3+ years of experience working with children or youth at a camp or in a similar environment at an administrative level
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to work collaboratively on a team
• Experience developing and delivering educational programs and activities, especially interactive or experiential learning
• Strong supervisory experience including managing and working with multiple people at a time, of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• Strong organizational, administrative, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated commitment to incorporating principals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into all areas of work, and a commitment to continued personal learning
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in most weather conditions
• Able to physically access sanctuary terrain on uneven, rocky terrain by foot

Nice to Haves

• 3+ years teaching environmental educational, experiential learning, especially inquiry-based games and activities
• Strong community engagement skills
• 1+ years experience delivering curriculum in schools, aligned with state standards
• Experience hiring and supervising seasonal staff
• Experience leading a camp through ACA accreditation process
• Lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain
• Additional outdoor/first aid skills are beneficial, such as (Wilderness First Aid/Responder, Canoeing/boating safety certification, etc. or similar certifications)

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $64,500-$69,000 per year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
Full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. During the school year, some weekend and evening hours will be required. During the summer, this position must be on-site Monday through Friday and can expect to work 8-10 hours per day. Vacation time is unlikely during the months of late May through mid-August due to summer camp responsibilities.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.