Program Director

Description

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–Position Summary–
The Program Director ensures that Living Earth School’s mission and values are not just articulated, but lived – consistently and with care – through every program and every staff interaction. This role builds the people, systems, and operational practices that allow Living Earth School to consistently deliver safe, high-quality, mission-aligned programs while growing sustainably.

Serving as the bridge between vision and practice, the Program Director designs, coordinates, and stewards programs so they are safe, meaningful, financially responsible, and operationally sound. By anticipating risks, strengthening systems, developing staff, and translating on-the-ground realities into clear insights for leadership, this role helps the organization grow without losing its integrity, its people, or its purpose.

–What Success Looks Like–
When the Program Director is successful:
Programs run safely, smoothly, and consistently across seasons, sites, and formats
Staff feel prepared, supported, fairly treated, and accountable to high standards
Families experience responsive communication, professionalism, trust, and belonging
Policies and safety procedures are consistently implemented
Operational challenges are anticipated and addressed before they become crises whenever possible
Program budgets, staffing, and resources are managed responsibly
Strong systems make programs easier to operate each season
Living Earth School grows without compromising its values, culture, staff wellbeing, or program quality

–Core Responsibilities–

-Program Design & Stewardship-
Design and oversee the annual program calendar in alignment with organizational mission, strategic priorities, staffing capacity, and budget.
Ensure all programs reflect Living Earth School’s educational philosophy, curriculum, and values, incorporating 8 Shields, Coyote Mentoring and other core nature connection principals
Oversee implementation of year-round youth, homeschool, summer camps and expeditions, and custom school programs
Steward program budgets in partnership with organizational leadership
Maintain relationships and agreements with landowners and program partners
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on participant and parent feedback, staff input, and organizational goals

-Program Operations & Systems-
Lead day-to-day operational coordination of all programs
Ensure programs are appropriately staffed, supplied, equipped, and scheduled
Oversee inventory systems, equipment maintenance, purchasing, transportation, and logistical planning
Develop and improve operational systems that increase consistency, efficiency, and quality across programs
Monitor weather, environmental conditions, staffing, and logistics, making operational decisions as needed

-Safety & Risk Management-
Ensure consistent implementation of organizational safety policies, Emergency Action Plans, and risk management practices
Make timely operational decisions regarding participant safety, weather, environmental hazards, staffing concerns, and emergency situations
Respond to and document incidents, injuries, and safety concerns
Ensure first aid supplies, emergency equipment, and safety documentation remain current
Promote a proactive culture of safety, preparedness, and sound judgment

-Staff Leadership & Development-
Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, develop, and retain instructors, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers
Facilitate staff training, coaching, performance feedback, and professional development
Create equitable staffing plans, schedules, and workload distribution
Foster healthy communication, collaboration, and a positive team culture
Hold staff accountable to organizational expectations, policies, performance standards, and Living Earth School values through coaching, documentation, and corrective action when necessary

-Organizational Leadership-
Serve as a key operational partner to the Associate Director by identifying emerging risks, capacity constraints, opportunities, and organizational needs
Develop, implement, and improve operational policies, procedures, and documentation.
Support scholarship administration, participant communications, and organizational planning
Collaborate across departments to support fundraising, marketing, communications, and community engagement
Actively support and contribute to strategic and organizational initiatives that strengthen Living Earth School over time

-Community & Partnership Development-
Build strong relationships with families, participants, volunteers, landowners, suppliers, and community partners
Represent Living Earth School professionally in the community
Support a welcoming, responsive experience for all participants and stakeholders

–Decision Authority–
The Program Director has primary responsibility for day-to-day program operations, instructor supervision, staffing, scheduling, logistics, implementation of approved budgets, and operational decision-making during active programs.
Strategic organizational priorities, compensation philosophy, major budget decisions, and significant policy changes are the responsibility of the Executive Director.

–How This Role Works–
This role is both inward- and outward-facing and requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on leadership.
The work combines planning, systems development, staff leadership, relationship building, and regular presence in the field. Success requires sound judgment, comfort with complexity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions under changing conditions.
Workload varies seasonally. Evening, weekend, overnight, and on-call responsibilities are expected during active programming periods, especially the 8-week summer season, with greater flexibility during slower seasons whenever operationally possible.

–What We’re Looking For–
We’re less concerned with credentials than with how you think, lead, and care for people.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:
Strong systems thinking paired with genuine care for people
Experience leading teams in dynamic, fast-changing environments
Excellent organizational and project management skills
Sound judgment and the ability to balance competing priorities
Comfort making decisions with incomplete information
Ability to communicate clearly, directly, and compassionately
Commitment to accountability, continuous learning, and collaborative leadership
Alignment with Living Earth School’s mission and values; experience in or willingness to learn 8 Shields, Coyote mentoring and earth skills practices
Personal nature connection practice

–Minimum Qualifications–
Demonstrated experience in program management, outdoor education, experiential education, or related field
Experience supervising staff or teams in a dynamic operational environment.
Strong organizational, logistical, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple programs and competing priorities simultaneously.
Ability to work in outdoor environments in variable weather conditions
Experience with safety management and risk assessment in outdoor or youth program settings
Current First Aid/CPR certification required (WFA or WFR preferred)
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass required background checks

–Physical & Work Requirements–
This role includes regular work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain. The position may require hiking, lifting and carrying program equipment, setting up outdoor learning spaces, driving organizational vehicles, and participating in overnight programs and extended outdoor workdays.

–Work Schedule & Conditions–
Standard expectation: approximately 40 hours per week, averaged annually
Work hours will vary significantly by season and program demand
Evening, weekend, and overnight work is required during active program periods, particularly the summer season
The role includes on-call responsibilities during active programming periods for emergencies, staffing issues, and weather-related decisions
Overnight programs may require extended shifts considered part of scheduled work hours
Workload balance is maintained through reduced hours during off-peak periods when possible

–Compensation & Benefits–
Annual salary: $48,900
Paid bi-weekly over 52 weeks
Health stipend: $170/month (pre-tax)
Paid sick leave: 5 days annually
Paid time off: 4 scheduled weeks annually (typically aligned with program calendar)
Retirement plan: 403(b) with employer match up to 3% of salary
Professional development stipend: $500 annually
Access to industry pro-deals (Outdoor Prolink or equivalent)
Additional compensation may be approved in advance by Associate Director for approved additional roles or responsibilities

–Travel & Expense Reimbursement–
Organizational vehicles should be used when available for work-related travel.
Personal vehicle use may be required and may be eligible for mileage reimbursement when pre-approved
Mileage reimbursement does not apply to travel within 25 miles one-way of the LES office
All expenses require receipts and must follow organizational reimbursement policies
Purchases over $100 require pre-approval unless included in an approved program budget
Expense documentation must be submitted within the month incurred unless otherwise specified

–Our Commitment–
Living Earth School is committed to integrity, equity, and care for people and land. We believe sustainable organizations are built through healthy relationships, thoughtful systems, and shared responsibility.
We seek leaders who share that belief and who are excited to help build an organization where both people and programs can thrive.

–To Apply–
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Kathryn Abbott, Associate Director, at Kathryn.a@livingearthva.org

Job Duties