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 Are you passionate about teaching nature science in an urban environment? Do you want to share that passion through hands-on, culturally responsive methods? The Boston Nature Center (BNC) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced professional to fill the role of Lead Education Coordinator and Camp Director. As the Summer Camp Director, you will coordinate the development and implementation of BNC's 10-week summer day camp. This involves supervising a team of 25 staff members, including counselors, assistant counselors, and administrative personnel. You will be responsible for directing a high-quality science and nature camp for 800 children aged 5-15, managing camp operations in our unique urban wildlife sanctuary setting. Throughout the year, you will develop and maintain a sustainable camp budget, collaborate with the development team to secure scholarships for our sliding scale fee structure, and engage families and potential staff to ensure a diverse camp community. During the school year, this position will be a part of a dynamic, creative education team to plan, prepare and conduct age-appropriate, hands-on science lessons through deep impact program, in Boston Public Schools and neighborhood preschools. In this full time, 40-hour position, each week you will model, mentor, and coach classroom teachers in the use of inquiry-based teaching methods utilizing outdoor classrooms, and neighborhood green spaces to integrate science and the environment throughout their curriculum. Each semester you will work with teachers to coordinate new curriculum, classroom teaching in schoolyards and neighborhoods, and ensure school yard clean-up and greening events. During the school year, you will be a part of a dynamic, creative education team that plans, prepares, and conducts age-appropriate, hands-on science units in Boston Public Schools and neighborhood preschools. Your role includes modeling, mentoring, and coaching classroom teachers in inquiry-based teaching methods. You will utilize outdoor classrooms and neighborhood green spaces to integrate science and environmental education into the curriculum. With each partner school, you will coordinate new curriculum development and organize schoolyard clean-up and greening events. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental education and urban nature, strong leadership and team management skills, and experience in curriculum development and implementation. You should be able to work with diverse communities and age groups, and demonstrate a commitment to climate change education, equity, and justice. BNC is a 67-acre wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Boston, offering nationally-accredited summer camps, a licensed nature preschool, public programs, and professional development for local educators. We serve over 17,000 children annually, ages 3-18. Our collaborative, forward-thinking team is committed to high standards of performance, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Join our team and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Boston! Application Instructions Please submit resume and cover letter with your ADP application. Responsibilities Management/Supervision
- Plan, coordinate, and manage all details of BNC camps (Mattapan and Hyde Park) and vacation programs (February and April)
- Recruit, hire and supervise part-time and seasonal/per diem camp staff including camp administration, counselors, and assistant counselors; supervision includes providing new employee orientation, developing work plans, reviewing and monitoring performance, and providing ongoing training/mentoring
- Responsible for the planning and preparation of camp informational brochures, website, and camp related marketing activities
- Closely monitor program registration and work effectively with camp registrar to address enrollment needs and follow-up on camp paperwork
- Develop and monitor camp budgets with the Education Manager
- Maintain records and files of program revenue and expenses
- Track expenditures against budget and work with team members to take corrective action as necessary
- Participate in development of regions complete education budget, including revenue forecasts
- Orient staff, campers, and community in Mass Audubon's mission, programs, and stewardship.
Education
- Develop and implement integrated science and nature units as part of Mass Audubon's deep impact programming in Boston K-12 schools
- Collaborate closely with classroom teachers to support outdoor learning in schoolyards and neighborhoods
- Demonstrate skills and ability to work with diverse groups of students, teachers and partners, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices in inclusion
- Oversee and contribute to the preparation and implementation of activities for community engagement, events, and other related educational activities
- Work in collaboration with supervisors, including Regional Education Managers, statewide Education Department, and Mass Audubon's Director of Camps to ensure adherence to relevant program standards and regulations, as well as alignment with Mass Audubon audience frameworks and instructional best practices; make suggestions for programmatic improvements based on best practices and insights gained from evaluation and assessment of programs in specific audience area
- Lead professional development of full-time/part-time/per diem field teachers to ensure high quality program design and instruction
- Coordinate and market special trainings for professional audiences, including professional development for schoolteachers, organized groups, and Mass Audubon staff. Implement formative assessment tools for programs, including lessons, unit plans, and other teaching resources, as appropriate. Analyze results for evaluation and communicate outcomes with regional and statewide Education Managers to inform decision making
- Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, in accordance with specific program regulations and policies; depending on program coordination, this may include preparing documentation for licenses, ACA accreditation, and state permits
- Serve as a trusted resource on natural history, legislative priorities, conservation science issues including climate change and biodiversity for visitors, program participants, other staff, and volunteers
- Attend regional staff meetings and actively participate in statewide education staff meetings, audience professional learning communities, and professional development trainings, as required; depending on expertise, professional development opportunities for education colleagues and other departmental staff
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
- Bachelor's degree in biological or earth science, environmental studies, nature interpretation, or education or equivalent
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in camp/environmental education or Master's degree in biological or earth science, environmental studies, nature interpretation, or education or equivalent, and a minimum of 3 years' experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience
- 4 years of prior supervisory experience of staff/volunteers
- Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
- MA Driver's License or the ability to apply for one
- First Aid and CPR certification upon hire
Nice to Haves
- Strong community engagement and organizational skills
- Familiarity with inquiry-based learning and the development of curricula aligned with state standards
- Fluency in English/Spanish (or other languages) is desirable
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, Monday through Friday with occasional events in the evening and on weekends. 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.