Program Director 

Founded in 2007, Vashon Wilderness Program (VWP) provides transformative nature immersion experiences that cultivate a deep relationship between, self, community and the natural world. Our all outdoor, experiential programs engender a powerful set of nature, wilderness, and community-building skills that help students live, learn, and lead with joy, vitality, peace, passion, and care. At the heart of our work, we support a deep connection with the wonder and awe of nature for healthy individuals, communities and the planet. VWP believes that nature connection is a birthright and that all humans deserve access to the healing and wholing benefits of a nature-rooted childhood. 

VWP is hiring a new Program Director to help co-evolve and steward our programs, where play, curiosity, compassion, reciprocity and belonging are embodied as we connect youth with themselves, each other and the natural world.  

Job Summary

The Program Director will collaborate with the Executive Director to be a guiding voice for VWP’s transformative programs as well as internal and external community members. They will be responsible for overall high quality program delivery and content development; program communication; safety protocols; field staff training and development; and on-site field support for all of VWP’s programs, community events and special programs.

Collaboration

VWP is actively experimenting with a shared-leadership organizational model. The Program Director will collaborate with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Elder Circle, Equity Council, and Mentor Staff Circle to challenge traditional hierarchical norms through the use of consensus-based decision-making.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities may be adapted to align with VWP mission and community needs while utilizing consent-based decision-making with the Executive Director and in consultation with all those impacted by decisions.

(I) Program Leadership

  • Maintain high-quality nature mentoring programs with integrity to VWP’s approach to deep nature connection mentoring 

  • Train, mentor and support field staff to provide high quality, emotionally and physically safe deep nature connection programs

  • Support Mentors with the incorporation of Twuhlshootseed language learning at our programs

  • Provide excellent communication with prospective and enrolled families regarding program-related topics, questions, and concerns

  • Provide site visits to maintain connection with program families and to mentor staff 

  • Oversee all aspects of VWP’s Young Mentor program and Assistant Mentors

  • Collaborate with VWP’s ED to recruit new Mentor employees 

  • Co-conduct New Employee Orientation

(II) Program Implementation

  • Attend all scheduled school-year and summer camp programs

  • Attend all evening potlucks, overnights, special community events

  • Supervise, observe, provide feedback and guide Mentors in the performance of their duties

  • Ensure all program supplies are procured and on-site

  • Maintain all safety operations and ensure readiness of all staff

  • Ensure that Mentors are present at program locations for Gratitude, Land Acknowledgement, and preparations for the day 30-45 minutes before and are available for brief communication with families and to debrief with staff for 30 minutes at the close of each day

(III) Program Administration
(A) Staffing

  • Conduct interviews alongside ED and recommend qualified Mentors for hiring

  • Coordinate substitute Mentors as needed

  • Co-conduct Staff Development/Training

  • Conduct safety protocol and procedure training for all Mentors 

  • Abide by all VWP policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook

(B) Program Activities/Enrollments

  • Plan annual program calendar of events and schedule of activities

  • Ensure land/space is reserved for all program days

  • Ensure student Sign In/Out forms and maintain attendance log for each program

  • Attend to phone and email correspondence in a timely and effective manner

  • Collaborate and communicate with VWP’s ED to facilitate program enrollment

  • Collaborate with VWP’s Operations & Marketing Coordinator to manage program waitlists 

(C) Fiscal Management

  • Purchase program supplies and equipment as needed and in line with program budgets and approved by VWP’s ED

  • Code all receipts by program and submit to ED for reimbursement

  • Liaison with ED regarding hours and days worked by Mentors for payroll, expenses, ferry ticket system, materials receipts/costs

  • Maintain program budgets, ensuring fiscal transparency and collaborative budgeting with ED and Board of Directors 

  • Ensure that no program goes over budget in either personnel or materiel expenses; work with ED to help solve any budgetary anomalies or unexpected expenses

(IV) Program Communications

  • Provide all welcome, logistical, and ongoing program communications to all program families

  • Observe in the field and regularly offer clear, constructive feedback to staff and volunteers 

  • Role model positive conduct for staff and volunteers including enthusiasm, unity & creative problem solving 

  • Conduct mid- and end-of-year reviews with all field staff 

  • Support conflict resolution efforts among staff, program families and youth enrolled in our programs as needed

  • Uphold strong VWP culture through actions and words

(V) Outreach

  • Collaborate with staff to manage consistent and clear messaging/marketing to the communities we serve

  • Manage all program recruitment efforts, including recruitment of prospective families and staff (Mentors, Assistant Mentors and Young Mentors)

  • Provide excellent communications with VWP’s constituents including schools, businesses, and the community

  • Support the ED’s activities with regard to outreach for programs, including writing articles and blog posts for VWP’s newsletter and website

(VI) Program Development

  • Stay informed and collaborate in implementing equity and accessibility practices in all program development efforts

  • Engage and lead the staff team in exploring, developing and implementing new programs as approved through VWP’s consensus-based decision making process in collaboration with the ED and Board of Directors

(VII) Meetings

  • Conduct monthly all staff meetings 

  • Conduct quarterly planning meetings with teaching teams

  • Attend weekly meetings with the ED 

  • Attend monthly Program Committee meetings

  • Attend quarterly meetings with the Board, and the annual board retreat

  • Co-conduct EOY All Staff Debrief and Board Lunch

  • Conduct mid- and EOY performance reviews

  • Attend networking, conference, and webinar opportunities in consultation with VWP’s ED

  • Attend other meetings as needed

Qualifications

Required

  • A passion for children, nature, community and nature connection mentoring

  • 5 years of demonstrated experience as a professional in the field of nature education and community building, or other related fields, with supervisory experience

  • Willingness to experiment with a shared-leadership model 

  • An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to see the big picture and prioritize tasks in service to organizational well-being

  • Experience with facilitation and supporting other staff

  • Outstanding interpersonal communications skills and partnership building abilities

  • Commitment to the principles and practices of equity, accessibility and belonging, and a willingness to learn and integrate these practices into your work at VWP

  • Ability to be with discomfort, failure and conflict

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and be self-motivated and organized

  • Creativity, initiative, sense of humor, flexibility and team spirit

  • Proficiency in Google Suite

  • Experience communicating with diverse groups of people, including donors, partners, foundations, coworkers, community members and collaborators

  • Fiscal, personnel, and program management skills

  • Comfort with public relations, public speaking and social media marketing

  • Reliable access to a private vehicle, and valid driverʼs license

Preferred

  • An intention to live in this community and be with VWP long-term

  • Training in equity, trauma-informed learning, child development, compassionate communication, and consensus-based decision making

  • Previous experience facilitating deep nature connection programs for youth (the Program Director may be called upon to sub occasionally)

Physical Requirements

  • Willingness and ability to spend significant time outdoors in all weather conditions, mentoring/supporting field staff, interacting with children and families

  • Willingness and ability to spend significant time in an office setting to collaborate with leadership team and carry out administrative job responsibilities

  • Willing to be regularly exposed to fire, smoke, water, and outdoor risks and hazards 

Salary/Benefit Information

The VWP PD is a full-time, non-exempt position. The annual gross compensation is $52,110 - $57,00 DOE. The work effort will vary by season.

Benefits include: 

  • Paid Sick Leave

  • Worker’s Compensation

  • Ferry costs are reimbursed for employees commuting from off-island

  • The Program Director is eligible for meritorious bonuses

  • Employment may count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness 

  • Be a part of a community that values earth-based wisdom

  • Support others in their journey of deep nature connection

  • Receive support for your own learning and growth

Application Process

To apply, please complete our online application and upload your resume, cover letter and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This position will start August 1st. 

Anti-discrimination Statement

VWP works to create a welcoming, inclusive community where all individuals feel a sense of belonging. Discrimination and harassment in any form have no place in our organization, programs, activities, or interactions.

Current research shows that people from marginalized groups including people of color, LGBTQ+, and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the criteria listed in the job application. Your life story, knowledge, and wisdom harvested from experience are incredibly valuable and welcomed!

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including people of diverse races, ethnicities, religions, languages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages even if you believe you do not meet all of the desired qualifications.