Director of Environmental Education

About Catamount Institute

Catamount Institute, a 28-year-old prestigious organization based in Colorado Springs, is dedicated to connecting kids to the outdoors using a mix of education and adventure through meaningful outdoor experiences. 

We are seeking a self-driven, passionate, and exceptional environmental education leader to further our mission’s impact in our community.  The Director of Environmental Education ensures consistency and quality among our many diverse programs while curating and managing a well-rounded, high-impact environmental education team. 

Position Summary

The Director of Environmental Education is responsible for leading, managing, enhancing, and expanding Catamount Institute’s environmental education (EE) programs. This hand-on leadership role ensures the success of educational programming through strategic planning, staff management, financial stability, and strong partnerships. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Environmental Education will maintain high-impact, best-practice programs that meet community needs while upholding safety, sustainability, and excellence in environmental education.

The position is based at the Catamount Institute offices in the Beidleman Environmental Center at Sondermann Park in west Colorado Springs. The salary is $60,000/year. There is an opportunity to increase dependent on experience. Additionally, Catamount Institute offers robust and flexible PTO with a healthcare stipend for qualifying employees and the Colorado Secure Savings retirement plan. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources, education, or a related field. (Master’s preferred)       
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental or outdoor education, including program creation, management and evaluation.
• Proven experience in staff leadership, training, and supervision.
• Strong skills in environmental education curriculum development and program assessment.
• Prior experience managing budgets for multiple programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in diverse outdoor conditions, including hiking in backcountry terrain and lifting 15+ lbs.
• First Aid & CPR certification (Wilderness First Responder preferred).
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight programs.
• Passion and commitment to the mission of connecting youth to the outdoors.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit management, program administration and team management.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental science, outdoor recreation, and naturalist skills.
• Expertise in public speaking, networking, and community engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Meta, LinkedIn, Canva, CampBrain, JotForms, Google Suite, etc.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with a detail-oriented approach.
• Highly collaborative mindset with internal teams and external partners.
• Resident of Colorado Springs or willingness to relocate

Key Responsibilities:

Program Oversight & Development

• Sustain and enhance existing environmental education programs to serve approximately 6,000 students annually, ensuring high-quality, innovative, and impactful experiences.
• Design and implement new programs and curricula based on community needs and best practices in environmental education.
• Evaluate and refine programming through regular assessment of impact, effectiveness, and participant feedback.
• Manage program budgets to ensure maximum program capacity utilization while maintaining safety and quality standards to meet earned-income goals.
• Develop and manage program budgeting to ensure financial stability and sustainability to meet earned income goals.
• Stay informed on environmental education trends, local resources, and relevant regulations.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, hire, train, manage, and support a team of Environmental Educators, an Environmental Education Manager, seasonal staff, fellows, AmeriCorps Members, and education contractors.
• Conduct regular weekly staff and individual meetings, evaluations, professional development, and mentorship to foster growth and expertise.
• Ensure staff and participant safety at all times, enforcing best practices and risk management policies.
• Work collaboratively with the Environmental Education Manager and Office Coordinator to ensure smooth program operations.

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with organizational partners, stakeholders, and funders.
• Represent Catamount Institute at conferences, community events, and in media appearances to advocate for environmental education.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on development initiatives, including educational partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Function as a resource and consultant for community organizations seeking expertise in environmental education.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Report regularly on educational programming and program evaluation, staff performance, and organizational impact.
• Drive and train others to operate 15-passenger vans for program transportation.
• Oversee logistics such as staff scheduling, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Support additional administrative needs, including technology management, payroll processing support, and event coordination.
• Oversee proper maintenance of program equipment and supplies.
• Manage social media content (5 posts per week) to enhance program visibility and engagement and produce monthly newsletter.
• Support program operations related to facility, finance and external communications.
• Support facilitation of weekly all-staff meetings and contribute to organizational strategy discussions.