About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
The Director of Camp, Youth & Family Programs is responsible for the oversight and management of Mass Audubon’s 17 nature camps and nature education programs for youth and families offered at our nature centers and in partnership with community groups. The majority of their time is focused on supporting site-based camp directors and youth & family education coordinators across our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries, including: coordination of management and operations, budget development, risk management, high quality program development, and compliance with all state regulations and American Camping Association accreditation requirements.
The Director of Camp, Youth & Family Programs brings expertise and knowledge of best practices in creating and stewarding an inclusive and culturally responsive camp community. This position serves as one of Mass Audubon’s subject matter experts on positive youth development, camp program design/development, out-of-school-time programming, child safety/protection policies, and risk management in youth programs. They take on the responsibility of staying informed and maintaining a strong understanding of the evolving needs and trends in highest quality camp programs including, but not limited to, inclusive and equitable camper care, family engagement, and staff training and development. They are responsible for developing and managing program specific budgets and have a role in supporting fundraising for camp financial assistance and the administration of our sliding scale camp tuition program.
This position is responsible for annual assessments of all of our nature camps and youth and family public programs through site visits, evaluation, and regular meetings with camp directors, education coordinators, and regional education managers. They also participate in regional/national conferences and initiatives that aim to increase the importance and value of nature play and learning in camp as well as how camps play a critical role in promoting environmental and climate literacy and lifelong stewardship of nature, particularly among youth, teens, and camp staff.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.
Responsibilities
Program Management
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Responsible for ensuring high quality camp and public programs through ongoing program innovation and strong commitment to ongoing staff development
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Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of all summer day camps, vacation week camps, and public programs for youth and families
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Provide subject matter expertise and support the development and ongoing refinement of curricular resources and training for camp and public programs that support and complement Mass Audubon Action Agenda priorities and Education Department curriculum frameworks
Professional Development
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Develop and steward a Camp Director professional learning community, designing strategies to enhance professional and personal development, and building tools and methods for supporting camp directors during camp and in preparations for the next summer
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Work with Camp Directors to develop and implement a statewide professional development plan for all camp counselors. Design a strategy for implementation that include asynchronous, synchronous, and in-person methods for program delivery
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Stay abreast of current issues, priorities, and research in camping to better inform the design and implementation of professional development for all of our camp and public programs staff
Regulatory Compliance
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Accountable for the compliance to all licensing and operations of camps in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the American Camping Association
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Provide support to Camp Directors via ongoing internal assessments of camp programs, drafting and revising policies and guidelines as needed, and conducting ongoing quality review to ensure all program risks are managed
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Responsible for program staff maintaining all certifications and trainings required for safe operations of camp and youth programs
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Develop and ensure effective records and tracking of required safety trainings
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Serve on the statewide safety committee, representing all camp and youth programs
Budget Management
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Develop and manage high quality and effective financial management of all camp programs by providing guidelines on pricing, impact-focused budgeting tools, and ongoing support for a statewide sliding scale tuition program
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Provide key support for annual fundraising and capacity building for camp financial aid programs and ongoing development of statewide camp priorities
Collaboration & Coordination
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Support Regional Education Managers in the review of camp staff and education staff who coordinate youth and family programs
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Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Department to ensure successful marketing and promotion of all Mass Audubon camps and public programs for youth and families
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Work with the Senior Director of Education and Camp Directors to develop, coordinate, and implement partnership building with other camp professionals across the state, regionally, and nationally
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Sustain and build upon existing Mass Audubon partnerships in youth camping
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Serve as the lead representative of Mass Audubon camps, participate in regional and national conferences and committees, serve on relevant camp boards and advocacy groups, and position Mass Audubon as a recognized leader in nature-based camping
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications.
The ideal candidate will have off-the-charts enthusiasm for camping and environmental education, a strong interest in developing teen leadership programs and supporting camp staff, a background in program management, program design and delivery, staff development, and building effective teams, as well as proven budget management experience.
Must Haves
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Bachelor’s degree in education, camp administration, recreation management, or environmental science/studies, or similar degree
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Seven or more years combined experience in camp administration or program leadership in environmental education
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Ability to relate to a diverse range of perspectives and facilitate an inclusive and collaborative team environment
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Demonstrated ability to promote, embrace, and respect ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity and physical and intellectual disabilities
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Excellent attention to detail
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Strong experience working across disciplines and departments
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Strong communications and public presentation skills
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Experience and ability to respond to safety and emergency situations
Nice to Haves
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Experience writing and implementing grants
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Fluency or proficiency in a second language
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $70,000-$78,000 per year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, with some evening, weekend, and holiday work.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon 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.