1. PURPOSE OF JOB
This position provides leadership and management of environmental education programming to a wide variety of audiences, on and off the Wolf Ridge campus. The Program Director is responsible for managing all programming teams and cooperatively developing, evaluating, and enhancing program content, goals and objectives, budgets, and resource allocation.
The Program Director demonstrates strong leadership, decision-making and communication skills as well as highly effective staff management and development skills. An active member of the Wolf Ridge leadership team, the Program Director partners with the Executive Director and other leadership team members to set the short- and long-term strategy for Wolf Ridge and to ensure the center’s learning experience and operational goals are met. This position has a lead role in implementing the center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
2. WOLF RIDGE ELC: KEY DATA
Program Participants (all ages) per year 12,000, residential
Total Organizational Staff 23 FTE, 13 PT, plus volunteers
50+ seasonal staff
Programming weeks/year 48
Site size, trails distance 2068 acres, 15 miles
Building Square Feet 130,000
Sleeping Occupancy (Beds) 400 (370 participants, 30 staff)
3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Masters Degree in environmental education or related subject area
• Multiple years of experience in program leadership roles
• Demonstrated leadership and management of teams with a diverse set of programs
• Demonstrated excellence in environmental education operations, written, and verbal communications
• Curriculum development and program lifecycle management skills
• Excellent problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated budget development and management experience, both revenue and expense
• Human resource management skills
• Marketing skills preferred including public relations and media outreach
• Grant writing and administration experience preferred
• Experience with program risk management and emergency procedures
• First Aid and CPR certifications
• Driver’s license
4. PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES/DUTIES
Internal affairs: 80% (administration, educational programs and instruction, human resources management, finance,
and center operations)
External affairs: 20% (resource development, partnerships, marketing, board relations, fundraising, strategic
planning)
% of Job Major Activities
35% Leadership, Management, Supervision
• Assists the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the leadership team in development and implementation of the center’s mission, strategic plans, and policies.
• Maximizes use of center program staff and facilities to set and achieve goals of programs, enrollment, and finances.
• Responsible for daily operations and performance of program team members (effective recruitment, development, deployment, and performance management of staff). Provides timely, constructive performance feedback to develop more effective staff members, and takes action to correct unacceptable performance.
• Establishes and maintains clear communication, responsibility, supervision, and accountability. Demonstrates excellent communication and delegation skills, promoting an open exchange of information and ideas.
• Responsible for all human resource management of program staff.
• Regularly reports on programming to the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Trustees. Keeps staff and Board informed of and engaged in Center programs.
• Participates with board committees as needed.
• Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting customers and visitors to the center.
• Plays a leadership role in risk management for center activities.
35% Educational Programs
• Ensures that program design and execution is clearly aligned to the Center’s mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality educational programming that is safe, financially successful, and effective.
• Responsible for life cycle management of all curricula and associated tracking metrics.
• Provides thought leadership in learning theory, program and instructional design, and representation of Wolf Ridge’s programs.
• Develops and manages initiatives to retain program clients and increase enrollment.
• Teaches as needed in Center programs (K-12, family, and graduate student courses).
• Maintains working knowledge of all Wolf Ridge classes.
• Ensures Wolf Ridge programs meet all local, state, and federal regulations for safety and conduction
15% External Partnerships and Support
• Works closely with the Development Director, Executive Director, and staff to develop and support cooperative relationships that advance Wolf Ridge as an educational center of excellence.
• Supports the Center’s Executive, Communication, and Development functions.
• Assists in fund raising activities, including grant writing/reporting, implementation, and management as appropriate.
• Provides support to the Marketing and Communications Director in achievement of enrollment goals in all programs, website and other communication needs.
• Develops new partnerships and programs as per the Center’s strategic plan and annual goals.
• Represents Wolf Ridge at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.
10% Budget and Finance
• Develops and manages budgets for all center programs, monitors monthly reports, analyzes revenue and expenses, and allocates resources.
• Assists in development of the organizational budget.
• Serves as project manager for implementation of educational projects, grants, and associated reporting.
5% Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Provides leadership, strategy, and implementation plans for the Center’s equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Strives to hire and support a diverse workforce as well as to increase DE&I within the Center's participant/customer group.
• Creates and supports inclusive programs that are welcoming to and supportive of a diverse audience.
General
• Performs other duties as assigned. Wolf Ridge is a small business, requiring support by all employees in all areas as needs arise.
• Leads and participates in staff meetings and hands-on work.
5. DECISION MAKING/FREEDOM TO ACT
• This position is limited by all Wolf Ridge policies and local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• This position has authority for all purchases within approved budget. This position must obtain Executive Director approval for spending beyond planned budget and for any capital spending.
• This position must obtain Executive Director approval for addition of any new programs, curriculums, and initiatives.
• This position works under the direction of the HR Director for implementation of all HR activities and decisions within the program department.
• In the absence of or inability to reach the Executive Director, the Program Director has all the authority and responsibility of the Executive Director position for program specific critical needs and decision-making, and works cooperatively with the Facility Director in a corresponding capacity.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY
• This position is accountable for the successful and timely execution of all programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with the Wolf Ridge mission statement and business needs.
• This position is accountable for budgeted annual revenues of $2+ million, expenditures of $1+ million, and net assets in excess of $12 million.
• This position is accountable for the actions and performance of 30-70 staff.
• This position is accountable for the execution of program activities serving up to 400 customers on site, and dozens more off site.
• In the absence of or inability to reach the Executive Director to perform critical functions, this position works cooperatively with the Facility Director and together they share the accountability of the Executive Director position for critical needs.
7. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
• Employment at Wolf Ridge is “At Will” and is not guaranteed by a contract.
• This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week with a flexible work schedule that may require evenings and weekends, and occasional overnight travel.
• This position requires work outdoors in all conditions possible of northeastern MN, at all times of the year.
• This position requires work at heights of up to 30 feet.
• This position requires the ability to swim while wearing a PFD and adequately facilitate basic water rescue techniques.
• This position requires physical exertion; frequent lifting of up to 20 lbs. and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs., including repetitive shoveling of snow.
• The employee must be able to travel under their own power, for hours at a time, through the terrain of the entire Wolf Ridge property.
• This position requires regular and repetitive tasks related to computer and office work.
• This position requires a minimum of a valid Class D drivers license, with a favorable driving record
• The workplace is an accredited school occupied by hundreds of children and adults.
• This position responds to Center emergencies that can occur at any time.
Program Director
Posted: May 4, 2021 by MAEE Administration
Category: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
1. PURPOSE OF JOB
This position provides leadership and management of environmental education programming to a wide variety of audiences, on and off the Wolf Ridge campus. The Program Director is responsible for managing all programming teams and cooperatively developing, evaluating, and enhancing program content, goals and objectives, budgets, and resource allocation.
The Program Director demonstrates strong leadership, decision-making and communication skills as well as highly effective staff management and development skills. An active member of the Wolf Ridge leadership team, the Program Director partners with the Executive Director and other leadership team members to set the short- and long-term strategy for Wolf Ridge and to ensure the center’s learning experience and operational goals are met. This position has a lead role in implementing the center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
2. WOLF RIDGE ELC: KEY DATA
Program Participants (all ages) per year 12,000, residential
Total Organizational Staff 23 FTE, 13 PT, plus volunteers
50+ seasonal staff
Programming weeks/year 48
Site size, trails distance 2068 acres, 15 miles
Building Square Feet 130,000
Sleeping Occupancy (Beds) 400 (370 participants, 30 staff)
3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Masters Degree in environmental education or related subject area
• Multiple years of experience in program leadership roles
• Demonstrated leadership and management of teams with a diverse set of programs
• Demonstrated excellence in environmental education operations, written, and verbal communications
• Curriculum development and program lifecycle management skills
• Excellent problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated budget development and management experience, both revenue and expense
• Human resource management skills
• Marketing skills preferred including public relations and media outreach
• Grant writing and administration experience preferred
• Experience with program risk management and emergency procedures
• First Aid and CPR certifications
• Driver’s license
4. PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES/DUTIES
Internal affairs: 80% (administration, educational programs and instruction, human resources management, finance,
and center operations)
External affairs: 20% (resource development, partnerships, marketing, board relations, fundraising, strategic
planning)
% of Job Major Activities
35% Leadership, Management, Supervision
• Assists the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the leadership team in development and implementation of the center’s mission, strategic plans, and policies.
• Maximizes use of center program staff and facilities to set and achieve goals of programs, enrollment, and finances.
• Responsible for daily operations and performance of program team members (effective recruitment, development, deployment, and performance management of staff). Provides timely, constructive performance feedback to develop more effective staff members, and takes action to correct unacceptable performance.
• Establishes and maintains clear communication, responsibility, supervision, and accountability. Demonstrates excellent communication and delegation skills, promoting an open exchange of information and ideas.
• Responsible for all human resource management of program staff.
• Regularly reports on programming to the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Trustees. Keeps staff and Board informed of and engaged in Center programs.
• Participates with board committees as needed.
• Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting customers and visitors to the center.
• Plays a leadership role in risk management for center activities.
35% Educational Programs
• Ensures that program design and execution is clearly aligned to the Center’s mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality educational programming that is safe, financially successful, and effective.
• Responsible for life cycle management of all curricula and associated tracking metrics.
• Provides thought leadership in learning theory, program and instructional design, and representation of Wolf Ridge’s programs.
• Develops and manages initiatives to retain program clients and increase enrollment.
• Teaches as needed in Center programs (K-12, family, and graduate student courses).
• Maintains working knowledge of all Wolf Ridge classes.
• Ensures Wolf Ridge programs meet all local, state, and federal regulations for safety and conduction
15% External Partnerships and Support
• Works closely with the Development Director, Executive Director, and staff to develop and support cooperative relationships that advance Wolf Ridge as an educational center of excellence.
• Supports the Center’s Executive, Communication, and Development functions.
• Assists in fund raising activities, including grant writing/reporting, implementation, and management as appropriate.
• Provides support to the Marketing and Communications Director in achievement of enrollment goals in all programs, website and other communication needs.
• Develops new partnerships and programs as per the Center’s strategic plan and annual goals.
• Represents Wolf Ridge at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.
10% Budget and Finance
• Develops and manages budgets for all center programs, monitors monthly reports, analyzes revenue and expenses, and allocates resources.
• Assists in development of the organizational budget.
• Serves as project manager for implementation of educational projects, grants, and associated reporting.
5% Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Provides leadership, strategy, and implementation plans for the Center’s equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Strives to hire and support a diverse workforce as well as to increase DE&I within the Center's participant/customer group.
• Creates and supports inclusive programs that are welcoming to and supportive of a diverse audience.
General
• Performs other duties as assigned. Wolf Ridge is a small business, requiring support by all employees in all areas as needs arise.
• Leads and participates in staff meetings and hands-on work.
5. DECISION MAKING/FREEDOM TO ACT
• This position is limited by all Wolf Ridge policies and local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• This position has authority for all purchases within approved budget. This position must obtain Executive Director approval for spending beyond planned budget and for any capital spending.
• This position must obtain Executive Director approval for addition of any new programs, curriculums, and initiatives.
• This position works under the direction of the HR Director for implementation of all HR activities and decisions within the program department.
• In the absence of or inability to reach the Executive Director, the Program Director has all the authority and responsibility of the Executive Director position for program specific critical needs and decision-making, and works cooperatively with the Facility Director in a corresponding capacity.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY
• This position is accountable for the successful and timely execution of all programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with the Wolf Ridge mission statement and business needs.
• This position is accountable for budgeted annual revenues of $2+ million, expenditures of $1+ million, and net assets in excess of $12 million.
• This position is accountable for the actions and performance of 30-70 staff.
• This position is accountable for the execution of program activities serving up to 400 customers on site, and dozens more off site.
• In the absence of or inability to reach the Executive Director to perform critical functions, this position works cooperatively with the Facility Director and together they share the accountability of the Executive Director position for critical needs.
7. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
• Employment at Wolf Ridge is “At Will” and is not guaranteed by a contract.
• This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week with a flexible work schedule that may require evenings and weekends, and occasional overnight travel.
• This position requires work outdoors in all conditions possible of northeastern MN, at all times of the year.
• This position requires work at heights of up to 30 feet.
• This position requires the ability to swim while wearing a PFD and adequately facilitate basic water rescue techniques.
• This position requires physical exertion; frequent lifting of up to 20 lbs. and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs., including repetitive shoveling of snow.
• The employee must be able to travel under their own power, for hours at a time, through the terrain of the entire Wolf Ridge property.
• This position requires regular and repetitive tasks related to computer and office work.
• This position requires a minimum of a valid Class D drivers license, with a favorable driving record
• The workplace is an accredited school occupied by hundreds of children and adults.
• This position responds to Center emergencies that can occur at any time.
1. PURPOSE OF JOB
This position provides leadership and management of environmental education programming to a wide variety of audiences, on and off the Wolf Ridge campus. The Program Director is responsible for managing all programming teams and cooperatively developing, evaluating, and enhancing program content, goals and objectives, budgets, and resource allocation.
The Program Director demonstrates strong leadership, decision-making and communication skills as well as highly effective staff management and development skills. An active member of the Wolf Ridge leadership team, the Program Director partners with the Executive Director and other leadership team members to set the short- and long-term strategy for Wolf Ridge and to ensure the center’s learning experience and operational goals are met. This position has a lead role in implementing the center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
2. WOLF RIDGE ELC: KEY DATA
Program Participants (all ages) per year 12,000, residential
Total Organizational Staff 23 FTE, 13 PT, plus volunteers
50+ seasonal staff
Programming weeks/year 48
Site size, trails distance 2068 acres, 15 miles
Building Square Feet 130,000
Sleeping Occupancy (Beds) 400 (370 participants, 30 staff)
3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Masters Degree in environmental education or related subject area
• Multiple years of experience in program leadership roles
• Demonstrated leadership and management of teams with a diverse set of programs
• Demonstrated excellence in environmental education operations, written, and verbal communications
• Curriculum development and program lifecycle management skills
• Excellent problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated budget development and management experience, both revenue and expense
• Human resource management skills
• Marketing skills preferred including public relations and media outreach
• Grant writing and administration experience preferred
• Experience with program risk management and emergency procedures
• First Aid and CPR certifications
• Driver’s license
4. PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES/DUTIES
Internal affairs: 80% (administration, educational programs and instruction, human resources management, finance,
and center operations)
External affairs: 20% (resource development, partnerships, marketing, board relations, fundraising, strategic
planning)
% of Job Major Activities
35% Leadership, Management, Supervision
• Assists the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the leadership team in development and implementation of the center’s mission, strategic plans, and policies.
• Maximizes use of center program staff and facilities to set and achieve goals of programs, enrollment, and finances.
• Responsible for daily operations and performance of program team members (effective recruitment, development, deployment, and performance management of staff). Provides timely, constructive performance feedback to develop more effective staff members, and takes action to correct unacceptable performance.
• Establishes and maintains clear communication, responsibility, supervision, and accountability. Demonstrates excellent communication and delegation skills, promoting an open exchange of information and ideas.
• Responsible for all human resource management of program staff.
• Regularly reports on programming to the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Trustees. Keeps staff and Board informed of and engaged in Center programs.
• Participates with board committees as needed.
• Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting customers and visitors to the center.
• Plays a leadership role in risk management for center activities.
35% Educational Programs
• Ensures that program design and execution is clearly aligned to the Center’s mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality educational programming that is safe, financially successful, and effective.
• Responsible for life cycle management of all curricula and associated tracking metrics.
• Provides thought leadership in learning theory, program and instructional design, and representation of Wolf Ridge’s programs.
• Develops and manages initiatives to retain program clients and increase enrollment.
• Teaches as needed in Center programs (K-12, family, and graduate student courses).
• Maintains working knowledge of all Wolf Ridge classes.
• Ensures Wolf Ridge programs meet all local, state, and federal regulations for safety and conduction
15% External Partnerships and Support
• Works closely with the Development Director, Executive Director, and staff to develop and support cooperative relationships that advance Wolf Ridge as an educational center of excellence.
• Supports the Center’s Executive, Communication, and Development functions.
• Assists in fund raising activities, including grant writing/reporting, implementation, and management as appropriate.
• Provides support to the Marketing and Communications Director in achievement of enrollment goals in all programs, website and other communication needs.
• Develops new partnerships and programs as per the Center’s strategic plan and annual goals.
• Represents Wolf Ridge at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.
10% Budget and Finance
• Develops and manages budgets for all center programs, monitors monthly reports, analyzes revenue and expenses, and allocates resources.
• Assists in development of the organizational budget.
• Serves as project manager for implementation of educational projects, grants, and associated reporting.
5% Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Provides leadership, strategy, and implementation plans for the Center’s equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Strives to hire and support a diverse workforce as well as to increase DE&I within the Center's participant/customer group.
• Creates and supports inclusive programs that are welcoming to and supportive of a diverse audience.
General
• Performs other duties as assigned. Wolf Ridge is a small business, requiring support by all employees in all areas as needs arise.
• Leads and participates in staff meetings and hands-on work.
5. DECISION MAKING/FREEDOM TO ACT
• This position is limited by all Wolf Ridge policies and local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• This position has authority for all purchases within approved budget. This position must obtain Executive Director approval for spending beyond planned budget and for any capital spending.
• This position must obtain Executive Director approval for addition of any new programs, curriculums, and initiatives.
• This position works under the direction of the HR Director for implementation of all HR activities and decisions within the program department.
• In the absence of or inability to reach the Executive Director, the Program Director has all the authority and responsibility of the Executive Director position for program specific critical needs and decision-making, and works cooperatively with the Facility Director in a corresponding capacity.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY
• This position is accountable for the successful and timely execution of all programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with the Wolf Ridge mission statement and business needs.
• This position is accountable for budgeted annual revenues of $2+ million, expenditures of $1+ million, and net assets in excess of $12 million.
• This position is accountable for the actions and performance of 30-70 staff.
• This position is accountable for the execution of program activities serving up to 400 customers on site, and dozens more off site.
• In the absence of or inability to reach the Executive Director to perform critical functions, this position works cooperatively with the Facility Director and together they share the accountability of the Executive Director position for critical needs.
7. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
• Employment at Wolf Ridge is “At Will” and is not guaranteed by a contract.
• This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week with a flexible work schedule that may require evenings and weekends, and occasional overnight travel.
• This position requires work outdoors in all conditions possible of northeastern MN, at all times of the year.
• This position requires work at heights of up to 30 feet.
• This position requires the ability to swim while wearing a PFD and adequately facilitate basic water rescue techniques.
• This position requires physical exertion; frequent lifting of up to 20 lbs. and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs., including repetitive shoveling of snow.
• The employee must be able to travel under their own power, for hours at a time, through the terrain of the entire Wolf Ridge property.
• This position requires regular and repetitive tasks related to computer and office work.
• This position requires a minimum of a valid Class D drivers license, with a favorable driving record
• The workplace is an accredited school occupied by hundreds of children and adults.
• This position responds to Center emergencies that can occur at any time.