Job Description:

Job Title: Western North Carolina Program Manager

Direct Supervisor: Director of Programming

Location: Hybrid, blend of work from home and in-person work in office and in field

Hours: Full Time (35+ hrs/week) M-F, with flexible scheduling options

*hours may vary beyond these times in response to program needs

Compensation: $45,000 - $56,000

DESCRIPTION:

Muddy Sneakers operates at the crossroads of outdoor science instruction, public education, and conservation to awaken in children a deeply felt connection to the natural world – one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to form a connection to nature and benefit from the wellness it provides. We are committed to becoming a national model for closing the science literacy gap and instilling an understanding of one’s role in the greater ecosystem. In doing so, we cultivate healthier generations committed to the stewardship of our natural resources.

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for overseeing the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all programming conducted in Transylvania County and surrounding areas including training, supervision, and evaluation of all field staff; safety and quality of program delivery in all its aspects; coordination of and communication with school staff, and, in collaboration with other regional leadership, periodic community outreach. The PM is expected to attract, recruit and maintain a highly trained and qualified staff of Field Instructors; provide leadership to the organization in order to produce exceptional programs for students; lead the staff with integrity and provide a strong foundation for the organization’s future by maintaining excellent teacher relations, implementing financially sound practices, and delivering quality curriculum in a safe program environment. This hybrid position should anticipate 3 to 5 “office days” (working from home) per week and 0 to 2 days per week in the field during busier programming months. This role works in collaboration with Program Managers in other regions.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Education and Program Management

Oversight of program operational logistics which include: scheduling program dates and staff; maintaining programming vehicle fleet; coordinating inventory and maintaining necessary supplies/equipment.

Maintain connection to instructor responsibilities by participating in some limited teaching (<10% of time) and serving as Lead Instructor for 1-2 schools.
Maintain quality programming which may include: periodically shadowing a program; assessing risk management; updating curriculum in accordance with the NC Essential Standards; guide instructor teams in maintaining and developing curriculum content.
Ensure exemplary safety practices in the field to minimize risk to participants and team; keep detailed records and follow up appropriately with all incident reports.
Assist with the development of programming systems and operating procedures.

Assist with Community Programs (i.e. non-school programming) and Remote Programming which may include staff scheduling, budgeting and strategy.

Supervision

Supervise all field staff in the Region or Group including seasonal Field Instructors, Core Instructors, and Assistant Program Managers (i.e. direct reports) which may include: hiring and recruitment, employee work agreements, scheduling, completing payroll, tracking certifications/trainings, implementing performance reviews, providing coaching, feedback and trainings related to risk management and professional development.
Ensure employment policies and procedures for programming staff are implemented.
Assist with intern and volunteer management, as needed.

Coordinate cross-regionally to ensure unified public image and standardized programming.

Maintain practices supporting a healthy professional ecosystem which may include: responsive communication, collaboration, work-life harmony, and continued professional growth.

Relationship Development

Build close relationships with local community members including non-profit organizations and school partners, specifically at the teacher, parent, and school principal level. This includes soliciting and collecting student/teacher feedback, visiting schools, and shadowing programs alongside school partners and attending local events.
Seek out and attend community outreach events, school/district functions, and other events in furtherance of regional programming.

Develop and implement Teacher Development training programs for school partners.
Prioritize and take responsibility for the implementation of appropriate external workshop programs with EE/Educational partners such as NCEE, EENC, NCSTA, etc.

Evaluation of Impact

Assist with the application of research findings and data analysis to continually improve student and teacher experience, curriculum development, and program delivery.
Execute annual organization evaluation processes, including student evaluation and teacher surveys.

Budgets & Accounting

Assist with annual programming budget.
Oversee ongoing program-related budget tracking.
As needed, track expenditures tied to grant funding for auditing and reporting purposes.

Marketing and Development

Collaborate with Field Instructors to collect content related to programming and evaluation of impact.
Support regional fundraising efforts, including our annual Mountainfilm event and occasional grant writing input when needed.

Administrative

All administrative tasks necessary for successful implementation of programming including: credit card reports, contributing to monthly board reports, attending staff meetings, etc.

Report programming updates including needs, successes, opportunities, etc.
Continually supports the mission and core values of Muddy Sneakers.
Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in outdoor and science instruction; Knowledge of science content and best practices in education; Training skills; People management and leadership; Scheduling proficiency; Flexibility; Curriculum writing; Record keeping; Ability to build and maintain relationships with classroom teachers; Ability to make decisions under pressure.

Proven ability to improve & manage systems for the implementation of programs
Understanding of management best practices within a non-profit organization
Ability to manage time and competing priorities and delegating tasks as needed
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
Strong leaderships skills; demonstrated ability to manage and lead a mature and professional staff
Experience managing a departmental budget
Astute attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
Experience using the following or comparable software: Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Forms, Meet), Microsoft Office Suite, survey tools, online learning platforms, project management software (Monday), CRM software (Raiser’s Edge)
Significant experience in child and youth education
Professional background in experiential learning philosophies, curriculum and experience design
Excellent facilitation and training skills, working with children, adults, and educators
Ability to interpret results of feedback and evaluation and implement changes

EXPERIENCE

At least 5 years of experience in education or related field, including significant experience in experiential education, teaching, and program administration
Experience managing staff and conducting workshops and trainings
Evidence showing the assessment, development and implementation of operational systems
Evidence of continued pursuit of professional growth (Professional development in education, experience design, curriculum development, evaluation, data analysis, human development, online learning, staff training, and other)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Environment: This position requires routine in-person collaboration necessitating travel across program regions, in-region office hours, and time spent in the field. There are opportunities to work remotely when appropriate. Staff are provided a laptop computer and access to necessary software platforms. Some evening and weekend work is required for special events and programming.

Physical Demands: Requires daily prolonged computer use. Ability to lead groups of students in the field as well as coordinate and accompany guests on expeditions. This includes personal travel across uneven and largely unpaved surfaces.

Working Conditions: Predominantly indoor and some outdoor conditions. A valid driver's license for some statewide travel is required. Muddy Sneakers vehicles can be used for work-related travel, but individuals must be able to get to one of our regional offices to access these vehicles.

BENEFITS:

Full-time position (35+ hours/week) with a salary range of $45,000 - $56,500
Eligible for participation in Muddy Sneakers’ medical benefits plan
3% 401k match
Cell phone stipend
Competitive PTO schedule

TO APPLY:

Please Submit a Resume and Cover Letter through our Breezy Hiring Platform.

Hiring Statements

Muddy Sneakers is a NC-based 501(c)3 non-profit environmental education organization.

Muddy Sneakers, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Muddy Sneakers, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Muddy Sneakers, Inc.

P.O. Box 10971

Raleigh, NC 27605

828-862-5560