Education Coordinator

Salary: Salary is approximately $50,000

Job Type: Full-time staff member

Reports to: Senior Director of Youth Programs

Location: Rockville, MD

Work Type: Hybrid: The expectations for this position range from full-time in-office work to a blend of remote and in-office work, depending on the needs of the Park Trust.

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust’s mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. We work closely with the National Park Service to acquire privately owned lands to expand and complete our national parks. In addition, our Youth and Family Programs support our belief that our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed by, and preserved by all for current and future generations.

Position Overview

Candidates must have a demonstrated enthusiasm for and ability to lead K-12 students of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities in outdoor learning. Strong interpersonal communication skills are a must for maintaining positive partnerships with stakeholders. Individuals must have the ability to manage multiple projects and programs independently. Candidates must be based in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Candidates would work with other members of the Youth and Family Programs team on several of the Park Trust’s national youth programs, including the Buddy Bison School Program, Kids to Parks Day, and other grant-based park experience programs (supporting 250+ schools). The Education Coordinator works directly with teachers of their assigned schools, parks, and other partner organizations to develop, curate, and execute experiential education programs. 

Responsibilities

YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS (80%)

• Assist in all aspects of the Park Trust’s expanding national outdoor youth education programs.
• Administer and coordinate in-person and virtual park experiences for assigned Buddy Bison schools nationwide. These include facilitating logistics, acting as the program lead with parks, schools, and various program partners, preparing trip informational sheets, and tracking funding use.
  • In-state and out-of-state travel will be required for Buddy Bison school events. 
  • Written reports will need to be prepared for Buddy Bison trips, and clear communication regarding all trip details will be maintained with the Senior Director of Youth Programs.
• Contribute to regularly scheduled youth program meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Develop educational materials, including lesson plans, videos, toolkits, newsletters, and social media posts.
• As needed, assist in implementing the annual Kids to Parks Day National School Grants.

DEVELOPMENT/OPERATIONS/OTHER DUTIES (20%) 

• Maintain an organized collection of photos, teacher testimonials, student work, and other collateral for use in development and marketing efforts.
• Assist the development team with grant content and other fundraising materials as needed.
• Assist communications team with social media content, newsletters, and website updates as needed.
• Assist youth programs team with inventory purchase, stocking, shipments, and tracking.
• Administer Buddy Bison mascot costume rental program, including contract management, scheduling, shipping, and cleaning.
• Assist the Senior Director of Youth Programs in preparing materials for board reports.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 4-year college degree from an accredited college or university.
• While this is an entry-level position, prior teaching or informal education experience is strongly desired.
• Passion for parks and the outdoors.
• Strong communication skills (written, phone, and in-person). Written documents will include email communications, newsletters, press releases, website content, social media, etc. 
• Excellent organization skills, with the ability to multitask and pay attention to details. 
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a team or independently, as needed.
• Creative and open to expressing new ideas to improve programming and troubleshoot issues. 
• Proficient in Microsoft and Google suite of applications.
• Basic understanding of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
• Willing to be flexible with hours depending on the organization’s needs, including out-of-state travel and occasional weekend travel and work.

Special Requirements

• Due to working with youth and families, all staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID. National Park Trust provides reasonable accommodations for medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs consistent with legal requirements.
• The candidate must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check.
• First aid training will be required (no active certification is necessary to apply, but you must be willing to get certified).
• Some physical exertion is associated with park activities.
• Lifting items to 45 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car.
• Local and overnight travel including occasional weekend work and travel.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Health and dental insurance with a vision program.
• Life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation, sick leave, and observance of all federal holidays.