Executive Director

Job type: Full-time, Permanent

Compensation: $54,000 annually, plus mileage reimbursement

Reports to: Board of Directors

Start Date: May 2025 (exact date TBD)

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Klamath Outdoor Science School (KOSS) is a non-profit organization based in Klamath Falls, Oregon, providing residential outdoor school and summer programs at our camp in Sun Pass State Forest, near Ft. Klamath, OR. We also provide day programs at locations throughout southern Oregon. KOSS’s mission is to inspire a deep appreciation for natural resources, community, and the arts, through hands-on outdoor education.

Job Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of KOSS and its programs, supervising multiple employees, working with considerable independence, but under the supervision of the Board of Directors to carry out KOSS’s mission. This is a full-time position. Hours are flexible and will vary seasonally, according to need. Much work can be completed from home, especially during the winter months, but this position also requires travel to field sites in the Klamath Basin and occasionally the Rogue Valley region of southern Oregon.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administration, Development, and Reporting (50%)

• Support best practices for equity, diversity, and inclusion in all KOSS hiring, personnel relations, and programming
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate an administrative assistant, program coordinator, instructors, and camp staff
• Supervise and coordinate with an administrative assistant in the management of staff payroll, bills and invoices, and incoming mail
• Review Outdoor School, summer camp, and rental prices and policies periodically and update as needed
• Manage contracts with schools, staff, and rental groups
• With the Board President, identify sources of funding
• Write grants and grant reports
• Market programs to target audiences
• Assist board in fundraising efforts
• Maintain good communications with the Board of Directors, including attending meetings of the Board of Directors and preparing a written report to the board at least 3 days prior to each board meeting.
• Work closely with the administrative assistant and treasurer on financial matters.
• Prepare an annual budget for presentation to the board
• Prepare reports for OSU-Extension ODS and others as needed

Program Management (30%)

• Oversee all programs that take place at the KOSS Camp 
• Schedule staff for programs in a manner that maintains appropriate instructor-student ratios and provides all staff with equal work opportunities
• Actively cooperate with Oregon State University Extension-Outdoor School and participate in regional and statewide ODS meetings and conferences
• Develop, oversee, and ensure proper safety and risk management protocols.
• Oversee organization, maintenance, and storage of all curriculum materials and other equipment
• Oversee day-to-day camp maintenance during camps and staff work sessions
• Work closely with the KOSS board on facilities management
• Assist with teaching during programs as needed

Program Development (20%)

• Assist the Program Coordinator and Board of Directors with curriculum development that aligns with Oregon Outdoor School Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, best practices, and the KOSS strategic plan
• Assist with program development to fulfil the KOSS mission in accordance with its strategic plan
• Develop both residential and day summer camps that meet Southern Oregon community needs
• Perform program evaluation that informs program improvement
• Attend events and meetings to promote KOSS offerings and increase our visibility in the community
• Establish and maintain good working relationships and communications with other outdoor schools, community organizations, government agencies, ESD’s, school districts, schools, and teachers.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator to: 
• establish program dates and offerings
• identify and actively recruit school and community clients for all programs, market programs to target audiences
• schedule field trips, overnight programs, summer camps, and other programs

Working Conditions

• Much work can be accomplished from a home office. KOSS will provide the Executive Director with a work laptop.
• When overseeing programs, this position requires long periods of standing, walking, and hiking. Certain activities may require bending, crouching, kneeling, etc.
• The residential camp is rustic, with some uneven terrain, wooded trails, and variable weather conditions. The bathrooms and dining areas are enclosed and heated. Other program locations have variable conditions and amenities. Programs are held outdoors in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe for students/instructors.
• If the Executive Director resides on site during residential programs, housing and most meals are provided. 

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and strong natural science background.
• Several years’ experience as an outdoor science educator.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills:
• Ability to work fairly and effectively with children and adults.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of KOSS, including staff, board, and volunteers
• Ability to connect effectively with the public, including school administrators and teachers, parents, collaborators, and resource professionals.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Supervisory experience and ability to complete performance evaluations.
• Experience managing budgets, time sheets, contracts, and invoices.
• Familiarity with education standards, particularly with NGSS.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to implement and coordinate multiple work assignments, with the ability to work independently, prioritize projects, and meet all commitments and deadlines.
• Strong support for equity, diversity, and inclusion practices, and ability to work with a diverse range of people and groups in various settings.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule with long hours during busy seasons.
• Possess basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and Google Suite.
• Possess or be willing to obtain standard First Aid/CPR/AED certification. More advanced first aid certification preferred.
• Ability to drive (must be in possession of a valid Oregon driver’s license and proof of current insurance)
• Moderate physical fitness, including the ability to hike several miles on primitive trails carrying a 25 lb. pack and the ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Reside in, or be willing to relocate to, Klamath County, OR.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• B.S. or higher degree in environmental science, education, biology, or natural sciences
• Extensive knowledge of Oregon ecosystems and ecological concepts
• Nonprofit management experience and/or training.
• Moderate to excellent fluency in Spanish
• Possess or be willing to obtain advanced first aid or wilderness first responder certification.
• Social media marketing skills.                                                                                

Additional Requirements

• There will be a 6-8 week training period followed by a six month probationary period and a formal evaluation. Upon satisfactory evaluation, employee can expect annual formal evaluations thereafter.
• Position will be subject to a criminal background check and fingerprinting.