Overview
We are seeking a Director of School & Community Programs to work closely with our school partners, community partners, and Cottonwood Gulch staff team to strengthen our existing programs, find new partnerships, and provide guidance and support to our team of educators. We provide innovative, experiential education in the outdoors, and the Director of School & Community Programs will play a large role in continually refining our programs and partnerships. They will act as the point person for our school partners, supervise year-round educators, and train CGE staff on our programs, curriculum, and itineraries.
Responsibilities:
School and Community Partnerships (~40%)
● Act as the primary administrative liaison for school and community partners, ensuring effective communication and relationship management.
● Match school and community partners with CGE programming that best fits their needs.
● Proactively recruit new schools and organizations to expand our network and reach.
● Create and manage administrative relationships with partners, including budgets, reports, and feedback systems that will enhance programs and relationships.
Staff Leadership and Training (~30%)
● Supervise 2-4 permanent staff members and potentially supervise seasonal staff.
● Lead comprehensive staff training sessions on experiential outdoor education, including overnight training.
● Collaborate to maintain and enhance our policies, processes, and risk management plan.
● Assist with staff recruiting and hiring.
● Participate in the Cottonwood Gulch On Call system; Provide timely administrative and field support to respond to unforeseen challenges.
Program Development, Improvement, Alignment (~20%)
● Spend time in the field to provide leadership, assess program quality, and provide coaching and support for field staff.
● Help our educators design and improve CGE educational programs, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and that they align with each other.
● Help incorporate outdoor and experiential education best practices into CGE programs, and ensure staff have access to effective digital and physical resources.
● Communicate effectively with program staff and operations staff to ensure field programs function at a high level.
Administrative and other duties (~10%)
● Collaborate with the administrative team to develop aspects of the organization’s annual and seasonal
financial budgets and goals, and assist development staff in completing grant applications and reports.
● Work with land managing agencies & CGE operations staff
Qualifications:
- At least 21 years of age by position start date and possess a valid driver’s license.
-Must have a clean driving history and be able to meet the criteria for CGE vehicle insurance coverage.
-At least five years of experience in outdoor experiential education.
-Experience in leadership/supervisory/managerial roles.
-Must be able to spend time in the field, including overnights and nontraditional work hours.
-Strong admin/communication skills
-WFR certification (ability to acquire w/in 90 days)
About Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions [cid:40676]
Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions offers unique expeditions rooted in the culture and landscape of the American Southwest. Our programs offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic land and cultural heritage of the American Southwest. At the Gulch, we’ll inspire you with all of the places we explore. We will take you on world-class backpacking and hiking into pristine wilderness areas. We’ll connect you with hands-on science and nature. We’ll engage you in the art and culture that is the backdrop of this poetic place we call “The Southwest.”
