Camp Programs Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Are you a passionate environmental education professional ready to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards? Join our team as the Camp Programs Manager! You’ll oversee engaging summer camp experiences and lead dynamic outdoor education programs. If you have a strong background in program coordination, a zeal for working with children from urban and rural backgrounds, and exceptional leadership skills, we invite you to be a catalyst for learning and exploration. As the driving force behind our programs, you’ll be responsible for recruiting staff, ensuring camper safety, fostering a positive learning atmosphere, and delivering impactful educational experiences.

TITLE: Camp Programs Manager

PRIMARY LOCATION: McLane Center – Concord, NH

SECONDARY LOCATION: Massabesic Center – Auburn, NH

HOURS: 35 hours per week, full-time, hourly position.  

SCHEDULE: Days & hours vary according to programming schedule, but mostly between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Schedule will include some evenings and weekends.

FUNCTION: This position will fulfill NH Audubon’s commitment to provide exemplary environmental education by being responsible for managing all aspects of NH Audubon’s Nature-focused vacation day camps.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Vacation Day Camps: Winter Vacation (February, 1 week); Spring Vacation (April, 1 week); Summer Vacation (June – August, 8 weeks)

• Supervise seasonal camp staff (e.g., recruiting, interviewing, assigning, training, evaluating, coaching, handling misconduct issues, providing staff development opportunities, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel, and meeting safety and learning objectives
• Foster a safe and inclusive camp environment, addressing any conflicts or issues that may arise between staff, campers, and families
• Cultivate and grow programming to encourage progression of participants from camper to leader-in-training to seasonal staff member
• Monitor and maintain camp facilities, equipment, and resources to ensure a safe, compliant, and enjoyable experience for all participants
• Foster open communication with parents/guardians, addressing any concerns or inquiries promptly
• Implement policies, procedures, and/or processes for the purpose of providing direction and/or complying with NH Department of Health & Human Services, health, safety, IDEA, ADA, and other mandated requirements
• Manage camp registrations and paperwork in ActivityHero database, SharePoint, and physical file cabinet systems
• Review and award camp scholarship applications in line with NH Audubon policy

Year Round

• Serve as role model for NH Audubon’s philosophy of environmental education: an inquiry-based, student-led approach to our teaching methods which is aimed at promoting curiosity and understanding of the natural world
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop a comprehensive engagement plan to recruit and retain camp families, camp staff, and to foster partnerships
• Work with education staff to develop new programs as appropriate
• Assist with the organization and facilitation of special on- and off-site educational events
• Evaluate and improve programs, policies, and procedures to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met
• Other duties as assigned

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Director of Education

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity. Our offices are non-smoking, accessible, with open workspaces at the Massabesic Center and the McLane Center where program supplies and ambassador animals are located. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, outdoor recreation, education, or natural sciences preferred; equivalent real-world experience considered.

Experience: Eagerness to design and deliver lessons in biology/ecology and conservation to youth in fun, interactive, and experiential ways is required. Demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions while maintaining a high level of organization is required. Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must work effectively within a diverse community. Experience with and understanding of American Camp Association standards is preferred. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the outdoor education field is preferred with a proven track record of coordinating and managing educational programs; experience growing program impact desired. Lesson planning and content delivery within the natural sciences for pre-K, elementary, and middle school ages is preferred; experience reaching other target age ranges with natural science content considered. Previous animal handling experience is desired but can be trained. Experience with inclusive and innovative accessibility adaptations is desirable. Spanish, French, or American Sign Language fluency is desirable.

Skills, Traits, and Characteristics Necessary for Success:

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage staff & campers and collaboratively problem-solve
• A resilient and optimistic mindset when dealing with impromptu schedule and location alterations, fluctuating weather conditions, behavioral challenges, and any unexpected situations that may arise during interactions with students
• Good conflict management skills and exemplary work ethic
• Proficient in conflict resolution and problem-solving, especially in a camp or outdoor setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including children, parents, teachers, and community partners
• Must have the ability to prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow
• A familiarity with or the ability to learn how to use online learning platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Skype, etc.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office & SharePoint or able to effectively adapt
• CPR and First Aid certifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Youth Mental Health First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required by camp and program schedules
• Enthusiasm for environmental conservation and a genuine passion for inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards

Background Check: All NHA staff working directly with children (including this position) are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check. 

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting and transporting a minimum of 25 pounds. Must be able to climb stairs as well as be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

COMPENSATION: $20-22 per hour, commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for NH Audubon’s generous benefit package, including paid time off (13 holidays, vacation, & sick time), medical and dental plans, a health reimbursement agreement, retirement account with employer match, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals, and paid professional development opportunities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT: NH Audubon is a welcoming inclusive organization that is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. 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. Join us in our mission to create a diverse and welcoming environment.