Youth and Equity Services Director

Description

Youth and Equity Initiatives Director

Wildrock, an innovative non-profit youth service organization promoting nature play for health and happiness, is seeking a 30 to 40 hrs/wk Youth and Equity Initiatives Director to lead our neighborhood outreach work. Responsibilities include leading school and neighborhood-based programs for area youth from preschool to high school. The position also includes responsibilities in program development and supervision of staff and volunteers. Programs focus on nature connection and youth development through the principles and practices associated with: early childhood education, project-based learning, service learning, environmental education, placemaking, adventure-based counseling, social and emotional learning, and trauma-informed care. A demonstrable commitment to learning and growing in the work of cultural humility and anti-racism is required.  This position centers community engagement, collaborative planning, and co-creation of programming with communities served. Programs are offered in urban neighborhoods, at nonprofit partner locations, in schoolyards and area parks, and at Wildrock’s Nature Play and Discovery Center in rural Crozet.  

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Forge strong collaborative partnerships with area nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood organizations. Demonstrate excellent communication skills at all stages of planning and program delivery.
• Create a caring, safe, and engaging learning atmosphere for children. Provide after-school programs and summer day camps with a strong emphasis on play-based learning, social and emotional learning, and nature connection. Programs primarily serve preschoolers through 5th graders though some programs run through the 12th grade. Responsibilities include all aspects of programming, including set up, clean up, evaluation, and follow up. Work may entail exposure to a range of weather conditions, pollen and other potential allergens, ticks, biting insects, and other elements that are part of nature. 
• Supervise interns, volunteers, and Wildrock employees offering day camp and after-school programs. 
• Share Widrock’s mission with enthusiasm and passion. Act as an ambassador for Wildrock in the community.
• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor when interacting with the public and a highly collaborative and respectful working style when partnering with coworkers and partner organizations.

• Commit to understanding and addressing the assumptions and biases that lead to health disparities and discrimination.  Provide leadership in Wildrock’s efforts to create inclusive and equitable program offerings and work spaces.  
• Safely drive a 10-passenger van for afterschool programs and pop up play events in neighborhoods. 

Qualifications:

• Degree in education, environmental studies, natural resources, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Teaching experience in outdoor or environmental education or summer camps, or other relevant experience in the field of mental health or social services. Prefer a minimum of at least 2 years of teaching experience centered on project-based learning, service learning, social and emotional learning, and play in nature.
• Leadership experience in a school, camp, or social service setting.  Ability to set clear expectations for staff and provide constructive feedback.
• Clear passion for the natural world, unstructured play for healthy child development, and community building. 

• Experience working in organizations with a strong DEI focus. Personal commitment to the work of cultural humility and anti-racism.
• Ability to guide and empower staff and volunteers working in Wildrock’s neighborhood outreach programs.
• Enthusiasm for working with children in a variety of natural settings including urban parks, schoolyards, and wilderness areas.
• Comfort with handling and caring for educational animals. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly creative, flexible, adaptive, and mission-driven
• Strong record keeping and organizational skills. Prior experience with or willingness to learn Google Docs.
• Capacity to move heavy play equipment of up to 50 pounds, and to organize and maintain material storage areas.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including occasional weekends when available
• Current first aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification.

This position is a full time, salaried position at $45,000 to $47,000 a year depending on experience.  Three weeks paid leave.  No benefits. A stipend for medical insurance may be available.  

Wildrock is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the organization. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the employees, visitors, and resources of Wildrock, background checks are conducted on employees.