Wildlife Expeditions Director

Position Purpose:                                        

The Wildlife Expeditions Director is part of the leadership team and is responsible for the programmatic and financial oversight of all aspects of Wildlife Expeditions at Teton Science Schools. They collaborate with leaders across the organization to vision and execute the strategic plan, enable transformative programming, supervise and facilitate the professional growth of all members of the Wildlife Expeditions team, and leverage the resources of Wildlife Expeditions to support other program areas and the mission of Teton Science Schools.                                                                           

Qualifications:                                        

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred                                        
• Experience guiding or teaching in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem preferred                                        
• Experience managing complex budgets                                        
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build business relationships with partnering organizations                              
• Ability to problem solve in the moment                                        
• Superior organizational and prioritization skills                                         
• Ability to solve customer service challenges to provide an exceptional customer experience                                        
• Ability to manage risk and make leadership decisions in front and backcountry settings                                        
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products and Google Apps and ability to adopt new technologies as needed                                                

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:                                        

• Primarily based at Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools with potential meetings/interactions/work on all campuses locations                                        
• Primarily indoors in an office setting: sitting and standing for long stretches while using a computer                                    
• Able to write / type / communicate                                        
• Stretches of time outdoors in all weather, including extreme temperatures and arid conditions                                        
• May be expected to work evenings,weekends or holidays to support programs and events                                        
• Able to drive 15 passenger vans for extended periods (up to 10 hours per day)                                        
• Ability to participate in multi-day travel                                        
• Ablity and wilingness to obtain a guiding and WFR certification to assist in field as needed                                         
• Able to bend/stoop/reach and lift up to 50 pounds 

Responsibilities:       

Operational Leadership

• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Registration, Finance, Property Management and Operations teams to ensure the success of all Wildlife Expeditions programming  
• Ability to manage risk and make leadership decisions in front and backcountry settings
• Responsible for meeting budget targets set with Finance 
• Regularly assess and evaluate operational & business systems to ensure consistent and competitve quality and efficiency 
• Support the Registration team in the management of registration and financial systems
• Work directly with Marketing to evaluate and create content and initiate website updates
• Serve in a rotation of on-call program leaders providing emergency after hours support to staff and participants
• Work with Outdoor Learning Experiences and collaborate with partner ograngaizations to manage program logistics and oversee contract fullfillment                        
• Work with Registration to create and manage guide schedules. 
• Execute data reporting and requirements set by land management agenicies for Wildlife Expeditions
• Serves as a logistical point person for participants, partners, vendors and guides during programs
• Responsible for all Road Scholar, Orbridge, BackRoads multiday programs,  including hotel, dining and activity reservations Main contact, planner and facilitator of requested itinerary. Provide support when guides are in the field 
• Responsible for creating and editing Wildlife Expeditions program materials such as schedules, information packets, and rooming lists 

Program Development, Permits and Relationship Building

• Collaborate with Partner Sales team to coordinate interdepartmental sales ie tours combined with Outdoor Learning Expereiences programs 
• Work with Finance and Sales to manage fixed and custom pricing
• Complete and submit permit applications for public lands partners, ensure we are in compliance with all regulations. Work with operations to comply with the conditions of all permits
• Provide vision, pricing, program outlines, and contracts for custom and multi-day programs 
• Maintain maximum fill rates through persistent marketing, expanded partnerships and entrepreneurial program design            
• Assist in program creation and leadership for all adult and family programs in Wildlife Expeditions and Field Education. 
• Design tour itineraries in consulation with Wildlife Expeditions Faculty, the Wildlife Expeditions Guides and guests/partners

Staff & Educator Supervision and Development 

• Directly supervise the members of the Wildlife Expeditions team, providing coaching and goal review. Payroll review and approval 
• Responisble for hiring, training, evaluation and ongoing professional development for the WIldlife Expeditions team 
• Responsible for applicant review, hiring, and onboarding for new wildlife guides. Collaborate with HR for onboarding documents 
• Review and approve expenses for all WE purchases  
• Optimize staff capacity by providing cross departmental work to support TSS projects and maintain sustainable work through shoulder season. Promote sustainable work conditions and retain staff. 

One TSS Responsibilities                                        

• Represent Wildlife Expeditions on the TSS Leadership Team and Operations Team
• Actively cross market TSS to all program participants and support offsite marketing efforts
• Actively seek opportunities for internal and external collaboration through programs, resources, curriculum and staff to efficiently and effectively support the mission of TSS
• Contribute to inclusive work and learning environments through continually developing cultural competency. Cultural Competence is one’s ability to interact effectively across various dimensions of diversity. It lies at the intersection of awareness of others, self-awareness, and applying skills & knowledge to promote inclusion and equity 

This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their manager in compliance with federal and state laws.