Lead Education Coordinator for Camp

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 nature-based education programs, and fostering an inclusive and justice-centered community. This Lead Education Coordinator position is focused on our summer camp and youth programs.

During the school year, this position coordinates and supports youth and family programs across all five Metro South sites, including Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton, Norman Smith Environmental Education Center in Quincy, Moose Hill in Sharon, Museum of American Bird Art Education Center in Canton, and Stony Brook in Norfolk. This position also assists with planning and overseeing weekend programming and vacation week programming for ages 4-15.

As the Blue Hills Nature Camp Director, this position coordinates the development and implementation of a 9-week summer day camp. This involves supervising a team of 36 staff members, including counselors, assistant counselors, and administrative personnel. This position is responsible for directing a high-quality science and nature camp for over 950 children aged 4-15 and managing camp operations in our unique location within the Blue Hills Reservation.

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.

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

Responsibilities

Year-Round

• Oversee all aspects of camp program and curriculum development, marketing, budgeting, and registration in collaboration with staff in regional and statewide department
• Recruit and hire a team of approximately 36 staff for the summer
• Coordinate and support family and public programs across all five Metro South sites, especially at Blue Hills Trailside Museum and the Norman Smith Environmental Education Center
• Manage staff recruitment, training, and coordinate supervision and evaluation of staff running weekend and public programs at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum
• Design and supervise marketing and communication with families before and during programs, and evaluation during and after programs
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and camp industry rules, protocols, and practices, including documentation. Develop strong, positive relationships with local public health officials, and American Camp Association (ACA) staff; manage and maintain compliance with ACA standards including accreditation
• Engage with and support training and professional development for other education staff and provide support as needed with programming at all five Metro South sanctuaries
• Coordinate with regional staff to carry out sanctuary-wide public and staff events
• Coordinate with the Wildlife Care team to train and teach with animal ambassadors including raptors, mammals, and reptiles at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum

Summer-Specific Responsibilities related to Camp

• Be responsible for all aspects of camp preparation, training, camper and staff safety, customer service, program execution
• Implement leadership staff training: plan, lead, and delegate responsibilities for two weeks of staff training, including developing a sense of community, supporting program development, and delivering training on areas such as educational techniques, safety and emergency procedures, teamwork and more for seasonal camp employees
• Lead regular communication with camp families and caregivers, especially responding to concerns and mediating conflicts
• Oversee counselors as they develop and deliver nature and outdoor related programs
  • Provide support, energy, motivation, and a fun and inclusive community for the camp staff
  • Ensure lesson plans are prepared and implemented that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers; evaluate success of programs and camper development
  • Monitor and evaluate program delivery abilities of camp staff; provide feedback, program ideas, and guidance to counselors
  • Manage concerns, complaints, and feedback regarding counselor performance, including communication with HR and other supervisory staff
• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures during camp programs
  • Carry out staff training on safety, nature and hiking-based activities
  • Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures in all program areas
• Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all group program areas
  • Oversee regular checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair
  • Ensure that program areas are kept clean and free of hazards and debris

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

• Experience working with children or youth in a camp or similar environment in an administrative capacity
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a desire to work collaboratively on a team
• Experience in the development and delivery of educational programs and activities
• Strong supervisory experience including working with multiple persons 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
• Current certification in first aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain
• Must be comfortable working with and around animals
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in most weather conditions
• Able to physically access sanctuary terrain by foot
• MA Driver’s License or the ability to apply for one

Nice to Haves

• Experience leading a camp through ACA accreditation process
• Experience hiring and supervising seasonal camp staff
• Additional outdoor/first aid skills are beneficial, such as (Wilderness First Aid/Responder, Lifeguard, etc. or similar certification)

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $62,328-$65,994 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 through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also 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 year, weekend hours at least once a month and/or some evening hours will be required. During the summer, this position must be on-site five days a week and can expect to work 9-10 hours per day. Vacation time is unlikely during the months of May through 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.