PROGRAM MANAGER
Job DescriptionJob Description
Position Summary
The Program Manager is responsible for the coordination and delivery of high quality school field trips, community education, recreation, and day camp programs to students, children, adults and families throughout the calendar year. We are looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead and develop our team of talented program staff members who deliver these programs. This is a highly collaborative position, working closely with team members in multiple areas of the organization, including wildlife, marketing, registration, camp, and visitor services. The ideal candidate should have a love of people, experience in program management, and embody a desire to continue Blandford’s reputation for delivery of engaging, mission-driven, nature-based programming.
Duties and Responsibilities:
● Hire, manage and develop Blandford Nature Center’s team of year-round program staff in delivering all BNC onsite and off-site programs
● Manage daily operations of school and community education programs year-round at BNC
● Coordinate a team of BNC staff and volunteers to deliver festivals and other large events at BNC
● Oversee the pre-season organization of our Summer Camp, including hiring of camp staff
● Provide support to the camp team throughout the summer camp season
● Oversee and administer the annual programs calendar in conjunction with others in the organization
● Assist in the development of the annual Programs budget
● Collaborate with the Director of Program Operations to optimize programs, including planning, registration systems, program evaluations, and DEI efforts on behalf of the whole organization
● Assist with planning digital strategies for program promotion
● Assist with tracking program data and required reporting
● Lead yearly program curriculum review, ensuring best practices and relevancy
● Maintain BNC standards of safety and well-being for all program participants and staff
● Ensure the maintenance and storage of program resources and facilities
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
● Represent Blandford’s Programs Team at community outreach and fundraising activities
● Build and maintain positive, effective external relationships with schools, community contractors who lead programs at BNC, and other education- and environment-focused organizations in West Michigan
● Assist with organization-wide special events
● Maintain a positive work environment and relationships with colleagues, staff, and volunteers
● Occasionally serve as support to Visitor Services staff
● Assist with other organizational duties as assigned
Minimum Required Qualifications
● Experience in Education or a non-profit services-related field
● 3+ years of program management experience
● 5+ years experience leading a team of 5 or more people
● Highly collaborative work style; capable of implementing goals while fostering cooperation and consensus
● Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
● Positive role-model in attitude and behavior
● Ability to work effectively with adults and children in a professional manner
● Strong interest in and enthusiasm for the the outdoors and environmental issues
● Excellent judgment and reliability
● Ability to work effectively and efficiently with all Blandford Nature Center staff and volunteers
● Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask and manage time effectively
● Experience with Google suite, program registration systems, and design tools, or willingness to learn these applications
● Must pass a criminal background check and maintain a valid driver’s license with clean driving record
● Ability to work effectively with people in the outdoors, in all types of weather and over uneven terrain
● Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs.
● Ability to work occasional nights/weekends, approximately 2-4 times per month
Qualifications
● Experience working in outdoor education
● Experience working for a non-profit organization
● Experience working with communities with diverse backgrounds and cultures
● Ability to speak the Spanish
● Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to get certified
Core Competencies:
● Organizational: Teamwork, Cultural Responsiveness, Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Effective Communication, Courage, Organizational Awareness
● Management Level: Resource Management, Emotional Intelligence, Planning, Assessment & Decision Making, Assess & Evaluate
● Position Specific: Technical Capacity, Human Capacity Management, Adaptability, Program Management
Compensation
This is a paid, exempt, full-time position working 40+ hours per week. The salary for this position starts at $45,000 per year, based on experience. This position qualifies for paid holidays and paid time off, participation in health insurance, Blandford Nature Center membership, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA Plan with an up to 3% employer match.
To Apply:
Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org/employment-opportunities/ and click on the Job Board to complete your application. When applying for this position, please note:
● Submit resume and cover letter with your application
● Include three (3) professional (not personal) references with your application
Blandford Nature Center’s Mission
To engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.
Blandford Nature Center’s Vision
A thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.
Blandford Nature Center’s Values
● : Intentionally welcoming and embracing everyone
● Stewardship: Responsibly using and caring for all our resources
● Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization and community
● Experiential: Providing direct opportunities to enjoy, explore, and learn in nature
● Partnership: Connecting and collaborating to effectively serve our community
● Innovation: Using creativity and curiosity to continuously improve
The policy of the Blandford Nature Center is to ensure that , inclusiveness, and respect are integral parts of our day-to-day management and work. Blandford staff, board and volunteers commit to ensure equal access to Blandford and all of its educational opportunities by all people.
In essence, includes all the characteristics, experiences, and cultural influences that make each of us unique individuals. All individuals are welcome at Blandford Nature Center, and all individuals, regardless of , , , , (including transgender status, , and ), , , genetic information, , marital status, political affiliation, status as a parent, will be treated with respect and dignity. By fostering an atmosphere of and respect, we can continue to value and appreciate the strengths afforded by in the styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. We all share the responsibility to ensure and throughout Blandford, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.