POSITION SUMMARY

ADK seeks an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual to direct ADK’s education programs focused on responsible recreation, stewardship and eco-literacy.

The Education Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of goals, objectives, and activities for ADK’s Education Department based on the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. This includes the coordination of multi-faceted environmental and outdoor education programming based at ADK’s Cascade Welcome Center and Heart Lake Program Center in Lake Placid, New York.

The Education Director is a public-facing member of ADK’s management team that provides and cultivates responsible recreation messaging and training to the greater ADK community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Management– 30%

• Responsible for administration of human resource policies with department staff and volunteers:
• Supervision – coaching
• Training – departmental tasks, computer, etc.
• Recognition
• Performance evaluations
• Hiring (as necessary)
• Payroll
• Prepare departmental budget, monitor of budget through monthly financials, and be responsible for staying within the department’s bottom line.
• Serve as a member of ADK’s management team helping guide ADK’s goals, objectives, and initiatives.
• Assist with grant writing or fundraising.
• Work to develop and update the master plan and annual work plans.

Administration– 40%

• Responsible for the implementation and evaluation of the Education Department’s Master Plan by providing opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and appreciation of the natural environment leading to the responsible use, protection, and advocacy of New York State’s public lands and waters.
• Manage and coordinate the administration of programs including outreach, outdoor skills, andinterpretive programs.
• Create, implement, and evaluate outdoor educational programs for schools, youth, and other groups as needed, including writing curriculum/new program development congruent with ADK’s mission.
• Promote Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics, through programming, partnership with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and curriculum.
• Support the implementation of ADK’s interpretive plan for the Heart Lake Program Center and Cascade Welcome Center.
• Utilize a wide variety of interpretive tools and media to reach beyond traditional ADK audiences.
• Formulate, implement and ensure follow through of administrative and standard operating procedures.
• First point of contact to managing field-based program issues and emergencies.
• Serve as an ADK representative and role model in the community with groups, conferences, and events.
• Develop and effectively maintain professional partnerships with outside organizations, municipalities, and businesses that further the mission of ADK.

Teaching and Guiding – 30%

• Support and assist with school and community outreach programs as needed.
• Support and assist with outdoor skills workshops and guided programs for adults and youth including but not limited to backpacking, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, outdoor leadership, and Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic:

• A passion for outdoor and environmental education and a commitment to the mission, values, and vision of the Adirondack Mountain Club
• Self-driven and comfortable working both independently and with a team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage projects
• Provide participants with information in a way that empowers them in their outdoor experience
• High level of competence in areas of instruction: low impact camping, skiing and winter skills, canoeing, natural history, and map and compass.
• High level of competence with trip logistics: route identification, equipment needs, dietary requirements and food packing, and group dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, public speaking, and outdoor leadership abilities.
• Willingness to work extended hours/days in the field while on trips.
• Ability to navigate 5–10 miles by foot over rough terrain with heavy pack loads daily.
• Experience with computers – Microsoft Suite.
• A valid driver's license and ability to drive a large van with trailer.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certificate required or willingness to obtain.
• A valid New York State Guide's license (ADK will assist with obtaining).
• Will pass a background check upon hire.
• Strong people skills, with an ability to work with a wide variety of ages and experience levels.

Preferred:

• 5 years of experience in developing and teaching backcountry outdoors skills programs and/or environmental education programs to adults and youth.
• Supervisory skills including the hiring, training, evaluating and recognition, along with delegation, motivation, follow-up and direction to support staff.
• Trainings as Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor, American Canoe Association Instructor, National Association for Interpretation Instructor.
• Extensive experience hiking and backpacking, especially in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks.