Director of Programs

Director of Programs
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) seeks a dedicated and experienced individual passionate about environmental education and land conservation to lead the organization’s programming. We are looking for a self-motivated individual with the ability to bring creativity and enthusiasm to their work. Join our small, collaborative team in beautiful Harpswell, Maine! 

TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Matt Newberg at info@hhltmaine.org. Applications are due by 9 a.m. on February 28, 2025. The tentative start date for this position is March. Questions can be directed to Executive Director Matt Newberg at matt@hhltmaine.org or 207-721-1121.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Director of Programs is responsible for overseeing, organizing, and implementing HHLT’s educational programs and events, including public programs for all ages, school-based educational programs, and Nature Day Camp. This position requires the employee to perform tasks independently, to communicate consistently, to pay close attention to detail, to manage volunteers and seasonal staff, and to excel at developing positive working relationships with the community. The Director builds and maintains collaborative relationships with other nonprofits and community groups.

Duties include:

• Program Administration – Organize and support HHLT’s year-round public programs in collaboration with the Programs Committee. Plan and carry out programs and events, including the Annual Meeting and seasonal celebrations. Ensure impeccable record-keeping. Ensure accuracy in program and event registration. Take on other record-keeping tasks as needed.
• Community Education – Envision and implement educational initiatives to reach all ages, including school programming and public programming. Collaborate with community partners to design programming that serves community needs. Plan and teach place-based science and play-based programming at Harpswell Community School.
• Nature Day Camp – Serve as Director for Nature Day Camp, organizing camp and communicating with camp families. Recruit, hire, and supervise camp staff. Create age-appropriate curriculum and lead risk management for all camp related activities. Supervise and support camp leaders. Manage Nature Day Camp registration.
• Supervise volunteers, staff, and independent contractors associated with program delivery and support.
• Grant Applications – In collaboration with other staff, prepare relevant grant applications.
• Staff Liaison to Committees – Serve as the staff liaison to the Programs Committee.
• Professional Development – Pursue opportunities to improve, grow, and learn about trends and best practices in the land trust world.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to develop strong professional relationships.
• Experience managing volunteers and/or employees and experience working with youth, ideally in the field of outdoor education, is required.
• Experience in the nonprofit and land trust fields is preferred but not required.
• Applicant must be self-motivated with demonstrated skill in managing multiple projects and consistently meeting deadlines. Creative problem-solving and organizational skills are essential.
• Strong teaching skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and consistently through phone and email, are required.
• Applicant must be comfortable working in outdoor settings with the ability to hike on rough terrain and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Competency with standard computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace is required.
• Fingerprinting and background check may be required to work with community school.
• Valid Driver’s License in good standing and access to a reliable vehicle is required.
• Applicant must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

LOCATION AND WORKING CONDITIONS 
The HHLT office is located at 153 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell, Maine. The Director of Programs will work primarily in the office, though there will be time spent out of the office teaching and leading programs. Part-time remote work is possible with computer equipment provided.

COMPENSATION
This is a full-time position with benefits including a health stipend, a retirement savings plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, and holiday), mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate, a flexible work schedule, and a great work environment. Annual salary will be in the range of $53,000-$58,000.