Program Coordinator

Organization:
Since 2010 Waypoint Adventure, a non-profit educational organization, has encouraged people with disabilities to discover their purpose, talents, and strengths. Through tailored adventures like hiking, cycling, rock climbing, ropes courses, and kayaking, Waypoint creates the setting for real challenges to be faced, a welcoming community to be fostered, and growth to occur. Waypoint Adventure is here to free what’s possible in the lives of people with disabilities. Where “I can’t” becomes “Yes, I can”!

Our Core Values:
Waypoint is committed to an inclusive environment and experience for all participants, staff, and volunteers. We count on our staff to embody our core values of teamwork, inclusion, authenticity, passion, challenge, learning, and adventure.

Position Summary:
The Program Coordinator reports to the Education and Program Directors and is responsible for developing, coordinating, and running all aspects of Waypoint Adventure’s programming, including trip leader/facilitator, event planner, educator, curriculum writer, trainer, and coach. The main objective is to look out for the best interest of participants, stay true to the mission, and work with the team to move Waypoint toward a sustainable future as a leader in accessible, transformational, and experiential adventure education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership:
  • Design program lessons and itineraries in alignment with group and individual participant goals.
  • Act as a lead trip facilitator with colleagues and independently.  
  • Perform all technical aspects of Waypoint programming, such as anchor building, rescue techniques, and teaching universally designed lessons.
  • Understand and follow all of Waypoint’s policies and procedures.
  • Implement new and cutting-edge forms of adaptive accommodations and supports.
• Program Coordination:
  • Coordinate program site and group logistics prior to each program.
  • Execute the program close-out process.
  • Represent Waypoint at various events, fairs, or conferences..

Work Experience and Education:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the outdoor adventure, experiential learning, special education, or disability field (or any similar combination of education and experience), with a particular focus on individuals with cognitive and physical disability.
• Bachelor’s or associate degree, or similar combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading groups and/or projects is preferred.
• Program facilitation experience with the ability to frame programs and meet individual and group goals preferred. 
• Experience leading cycling and/or canoe programs; working with people with spinal cord injuries preferred.
• Experience the dynamics of a Special Education department/system and/or the dynamics of social service agencies and group homes.
• Commitment to maintaining the technical skills necessary to manage risk. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to operate with sensitivity and compassion in all interactions, including with partner organizations.

Desired Qualities:

• Passionate about the mission of Waypoint.
• Committed to the power of adventure experiences in creating positive change in program participants and the ability to bring out the best with a balanced approach. 
• Ability to obtain and strengthen relationships both with internal and external constituents, including the ability to accept feedback. 

Certification Requirements

•  Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification prior to, or soon after, starting position is required.
• Preferred certifications: teaching, OT, PT, SLP or outdoor certification such as PCIA, ACA, AMGA, ACCT, WFR, etc.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity including but not limited to hiking, swimming, rock climbing, kayaking, and backpacking.
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 30-40 pounds.
• Ability to sit at a desk or computer 50% of workweek or greater.

Location:

• Work will be done out of the Waypoint Adventure office in Lexington, MA, and at Waypoint Adventure sites throughout Greater Boston and New England.
• Availability to work some evening and weekend programs is required.
• Applicant must be able to commute to and from the office and program locations.

Compensation:

• $45k-$50k salary range.
• Full-time benefits include health, dental, and disability insurance, vacation and sick time, 401k plan (after 1 year).
• $500 gear stipend for equipment to be used on programming.

Start Date:

• Fall 2024

To Apply:

• Submit a resume and a detailed cover letter by clicking on the "Apply" button or by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://waypointadventure.applytojob.com/apply/X7Uzrhk1xL/Program-Coordinator. 

Equal Opportunity:
Waypoint Adventure is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and to creating an inclusive organizational environment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Individuals with the personal lens of living with a disability and/or experience working with individuals who have disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, please reach out to us at [email protected].