What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Programs Coordinator position at Kalamazoo Nature Center?
Title: Public Programs Coordinator
Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager
Classification: Full Time Regular, Hourly / Non-exempt
Schedule: ~36-40 hour week, flexible schedule that’s typically Tuesday – Saturday
Compensation: $18-20/hour
Benefits:
Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager
Classification: Full Time Regular, Hourly / Non-exempt
Schedule: ~36-40 hour week, flexible schedule that’s typically Tuesday – Saturday
Compensation: $18-20/hour
Benefits:
- Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days)
- 7 paid holidays off
- Paid snow days during severe weather
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services
- Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings
- Additional KNC Specific benefits
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Job Summary:
The Public Programs Coordinator leads the planning, coordination, and execution of engaging and inclusive public programs that reflect the full breadth of the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s (KNC) mission and values. This full-time position works across departments to ensure that education remains central to all public-facing programs. The Public Programs Coordinator leads efforts to improve the quality and consistency of current programs and to develop new, mission-aligned programming. They draw on both internal and external expertise to deliver dynamic, meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
Duties/Responsibilities
Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
- Facilitate and lead a cross-departmental Programs Committee with quarterly meetings to plan and align programming efforts.
- Foster collaboration across KNC teams to support program planning, execution, and marketing.
- Represent KNC in a positive and professional manner when interacting with the public, community partners, and outside experts.
Program Development & Implementation:
- Design and deliver public programs that represent the full scope of KNC’s mission, including nature, science, sustainability, art, and community engagement.
- Coordinate the improvement of existing programs and the development of new, mission-aligned offerings.
- Identify and engage outside presenters, artists, and experts to enrich program offerings.
- Collaborate with internal staff to showcase KNC expertise and ensure consistency in program quality.
- Work with their supervisor and/or executive leadership to initiate and process contracts or agreements for programs and external experts as needed.
Marketing & Promotion:
- Work closely with the marketing team to promote programs through various channels, ensuring accessibility and community reach.
- Contribute to the development of promotional materials and online content related to public programming.
Logistics & Evaluation:
- Oversee the logistics of public programs including scheduling, supplies, staffing, and registration.
- Track program-related expenses and ensure activities remain within established budgets.
- Track attendance, gather participant feedback, and use data to evaluate and improve future programming.
Preferred Skills/Abilities:
- Strong program development skills, with experience designing, coordinating, and evaluating public programs or events.
- Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative planning efforts and facilitate productive cross-departmental meetings.
- Knowledge of best practices in informal education, interpretive programming, or visitor engagement.
- Experience working with or hiring outside presenters, educators, or artists.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and deadlines.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with promotional tools such as program calendars, social media, email marketing, and web content.
- Commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural relevance in public programming.
- Knowledge of or interest in environmental education, natural history, or sustainability topics is a plus.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, public programming, event planning, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience developing and leading educational or public programs.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Strong ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Availability to work weekends and occasional evenings as needed.
- Passion for connecting people with nature and advancing environmental education.
Working Conditions:
- This is a full-time position that requires a flexible schedule, including regular weekend work and occasional evenings to support public programs and events.
- Work is performed in a combination of indoor office settings and outdoor environments, in all seasons and weather conditions.
- May involve extended periods of standing, walking, or leading activities outdoors on varied terrain.
- Must be able to lift and carry program materials or equipment (up to 30 lbs).
- Work may include interacting with large groups of people, including children and families, in busy or dynamic settings.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $18 - $20
