Program Director

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Pine Mountain Settlement School— whose mission is to enrich lives and connect people through Appalachian place-based education for all ages—is in the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky. Since 1913, the school’s programs have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the community and region. Today’s programs include environmental education, agriculture and sustainable food systems, and traditional Appalachian culture and craft. The richness of Pine Mountain Settlement School’s 1,000 acre campus, which includes a 350 acre nature preserve, a 20 acre farm, and 20 historic structures, provides the ideal learning environment for a broad range of students of all ages and walks of life.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Director is charged with expanding and evolving a dynamic portfolio of educational programs and events for Pine Mountain Settlement School under the guidance of the Executive Director and Board. He/she will work with the Executive Director as part of the senior leadership team to articulate and implement the strategic vision. This role includes program innovation, program fund development, program evaluation, including new program design, and growth of our existing programs to advance the mission of Pine Mountain Settlement School. The ideal candidate is steeped in environmental education and natural sciences and has experience connecting environmental education to the world we live in.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS

Programming

• Serve as a strategic manager of Pine Mountain Settlement School programs and activities, including work in environmental education, agriculture and sustainable food systems, traditional Appalachian culture and craft, community programs, and related initiatives, ensuring that each has the appropriate infrastructure (including staffing, systems, processes, accountability, and lines of communication) and aligns with the mission of Pine Mountain Settlement School. Reports directly to the Executive Director. –
• Grow existing programs and shepherd new program development processes, including conception, planning, budgeting, fund development, staffing, implementation, and evaluation. In collaboration with the Executive Director, program staff and board.
• Identify program success goals, and regularly tracking progress, grant and funding metrics, resetting strategy as need.
• Oversee program budgets and monitors contract/grant compliance and expenses in close partnership with program staff, Executive Director and bookkeeper. –
• Ensure efficient and effective data collection, analysis, and reporting to funding partners, Executive Director, and Board of Directors to inform them of program and operational decision.
• Oversee program impact communications, in collaboration with the Executive Director, that bring Pine Mountain Settlement School in front of our audiences and stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director create a nurturing, collaborative and inclusive culture across the programs; and provide support for staff success.
• As appropriate, assist the Executive Director in hiring and onboarding of program staff and contractors.
• Design marketing and registration instruments for all programs with appropriate staff.
• Develop relationships with programmatic stakeholders
• Be confident in designing programs that appeal to a wide age range. Our stakeholders range from pre-K to senior citizens.
• Schedule groups and individuals
• Manage the program team
• Teach classes when necessary

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Completion of bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, recreation, arts administration, or related field, masters preferred; 3 to 5 years of experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting; and demonstrated experience developing programs or courses for a cultural or educational institution.

Skills

Excellent writing and communication skills, especially public speaking; ability to work independently as well as with a team; strong organizational skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; familiarity with the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and email are required. Working with diverse populations.

Additional Components

• Ability to hike moderately steep trails in variable weather
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification ( Willingness to obtain once hired)
• Ability to lift 20 pounds
• Ability to pass a thorough background check

Competencies/Behavior Dimensions of the Position:

• Behave ethically
• Embrace diversity
• Work collaboratively
• Value and steward our natural and built environment
• Understand, appreciate, and communicate with the local community, its history, and culture
• Assess situations, make thoughtful decisions, plan ahead, and solve problems
• Communicate effectively

Salary and Benefits

• The annual salary is commensurate with qualifications.
• Matching 403(b) retirement
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Free on-campus housing
• Free meals