What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Coordinator position at Douglas-Hart Nature Center?
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Program Coordinator is responsible for developing and leading all public programming for the Douglas-Hart Foundation (Coles County, Illinois) at three unique properties: Friendship Garden, The Whiteside Garden, and the Douglas-Hart Nature Center. Public programs include repeating monthly/annual events, specially scheduled programs, summer camps, and similar programs. Programs hosted by the Douglas-Hart Foundation should be diverse to offer ample opportunities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to enjoy programming at one of our facilities. Examples of monthly programs include preschool programs, affinity clubs, live-to-learn adult lecture series, art classes, homeschool naturalists, etc. Specially scheduled programs include programs when school is out of session, themed events around holidays such as Earth Day, and the largest component of this position is managing the summer camp program. This position is approximately 50% administrative and 50% leading/teaching programs.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIMARY DUTIES:
PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION
- Develop, plan, promote, implement, lead, evaluate, and document all public programs for individuals of all ages and backgrounds
- Develop, promote, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and document summer camps
- Manage and coordinate program schedules, registrations, and data using CRM systems, calendars, and spreadsheets
- Assign, schedule, train, and manage staff and/or volunteers for programs
- Set up, tear down, clean, organize, and properly store program materials and supplies
- Clean and organize educational classrooms/spaces
- Refine and improve program efforts with a focus on educational outcomes and community needs
- Prepare education resources and exhibits for displays, hands-on activities, and similar for trail activities, visitor center activities, library activities, etc.
- Work with the Executive Director to plan special events and festivals
- Coordinate programs and schedules with the Education Coordinator
- Coordinate and lead professional development workshops for the public in tandem with the Education Coordinator
- Coordinate and lead the Eco-Meet competition for public schools in tandem with the Education Coordinator
- Coordinate with the volunteer coordinator about volunteer roles and opportunities
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and program team to create educational exhibits and signs
OPERATIONAL DUTIES
- Assist with daily operations of the organization, including but not limited to clerical and correspondence duties, managing facilities, gift shop duties, and other relevant office tasks in a timely and professional manner
- Maintain accurate program records, including, but not limited to, program evaluations, attendance records and submit reports as required
- Attend relevant staff and committee meetings
- Provide general housekeeping and maintenance of the visitor center, but especially programming space (indoors and outdoors)
- Utilize CRM system to track and record program and business data
- Work with the Executive Director on grant opportunities
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Design and market programs using various outlets: Canva, social media, website, e-newsletters, press releases, etc.
- Develop interpretive materials and resources including displays, informational pamphlets, bulletin boards, newsletter articles, and similar
- Assist with Douglas-Hart Foundation publications and content as needed
- Be available to visitors by providing personal facilitated experiences
- Participate in appropriate community events to promote the Douglas-Hart Foundation which may include some travel
- Support and assist all Foundation activities including fundraising activities, membership activities, special events, conservation activities, or similar
- Hire, train, and lead a diverse team of educators, interns, and volunteers that embraces the Douglas-Hart Foundation's values and vision
- Provide vision and leadership that advance the Douglas-Hart Foundation’s mission to be a leader in environmental education
PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exhibit enthusiasm and respect for the outdoors, nature, and education
- Knowledge of flora and fauna in the East Central Illinois region (or willing to learn)
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong organization skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent teaching skills and experience with a wide range of ages
- Ability to establish rapport with diverse audiences
- Be comfortable in a variety of work conditions; be outside in all types of weather, stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and lead groups through various terrain or other locations such as schools, libraries, and other indoor/outdoor locations
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the diverse program schedules (this includes some nights, weekends, and holidays as needed)
- Represent the Douglas-Hart Foundation in a professional manner
QUALIFICATIONS
- Valid driver’s license
- Degree in education, environmental science, environmental education, biology, or a related field OR
- Previous experience in the operation of educational or interpretive programs at a nature center, museum, arboretum, zoo, botanical garden, or park is preferred OR
- Previous experience in an educational setting such as a school, library, daycare, etc.
BENEFITS
- Salary range of $17-$19 per hour
- Paid professional development opportunities and memberships
- PTO Accrual
- 75% Insurance Premium
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Full-time, permanent position
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This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Executive Director. This position is subject to change as the future needs of the Douglas-Hart Foundation require.
The Douglas-Hart Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, family, national origin, military service, or citizenship.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Ability to Relocate:
- Mattoon, IL 61938: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $19