Youth Education & Rental Programs Coordinator

See the full position description at Mount St. Helens Institute’s Career site.

OVERVIEW: 

Working closely with and supervised by the Youth education & Rental Programs Manager, the Mount St. Helens Institute’s (MSHI) Youth Education & Rental Programs Coordinator coordinates registration and implementation for all of MSHI’s youth education and rental programs.

As part of the education team, the Youth Education & Rental Programs Coordinator will create meaningful outdoor experiences for guests of all ages by leading hikes, facilitating educational activities, and inspiring confidence and connection with the natural world.

During the school season (April – June and September – November), we serve elementary to high school-aged youth for day and overnight field trips called Volcano Outdoor School. The size of school groups ranges from 15 to 60+ people, with a target staff-to-student ratio of 1:15. 

Other programs include: 

• Summer events hosted by Mount St. Helens Institute (including Family Adventure Camp, Sky & Star Party, Base Camp) are capped at 60 participants and serve people of all ages. Summer events include staff working with MSHI volunteers to lead hikes, activities & foodservice.
• GeoGirls is a 5-day overnight summer camp serving middle school and high school youth.
• Seasonal foraging event series with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe
• Facility rentals, such as backcountry running events and university groups.

**Watch this video about our education programs to give a sense of our programs and style.**

Read about our education programs and our facility, the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center.

The Youth Education & Rental Programs Coordinator will ensure that programs are professional, accurate, and engaging, and that they support MSHI’s equity commitment.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Administration & Registration [ 30% program season (Mar – Oct) and 70% off season (Nov – Feb)]

• Serve as primary registrar and provide professional communication with group leaders, parents/guardians, teachers, and rental groups to register and prepare groups for their visit, using custom-built registration and tracking systems in Google Workspace:
• Evaluate program inquiries, respond to group inquiries, and answer questions about program types and offerings.
• Coordinate with the manager to notify group leaders of financial assistance awards
• Schedule groups within the program’s availability.
• Generate quotes and program agreements for education and rental programs;
• Confirm 30-day attendance for groups.
• Create and share program summaries & rosters.
• Maintain website with information packets & other information for registered programs, and Frequently Asked Questions guide for Volcano Outdoor School & rental programs.
• Work with groups and the education team to develop program schedules, including serving as the communication liaison between groups and seasonal staff to coordinate on educational goals, program schedules, dietary needs, and other pertinent information for the group/program.
• Maintain the Registered Events Calendar with program details for staff.
• Determine volunteer needs for different programs; schedule MSHI volunteers and send pre-trip preparation emails to MSHI volunteers

Program Implementation: [20% off season (Nov – Feb) and 40% program season (Mar – Oct)]

• Lead program planning meetings with the seasonal staff team and join program debrief meetings when able; positively contribute to seasonal staff meetings.
• Maintain a safe, friendly, and inclusive learning environment for all participants and staff
• Lead/co-lead guided hikes and other learning activities as needed
• Lead teacher/chaperone orientation for in-person overnight programs as needed
• Be flexible to program needs, including serving as program implementation staff as needed in the roles of Education, Facilities Coordinator, and Chef.
• Promptly and professionally respond to risks, complaints, and injuries in accordance with MSHI risk management protocols.

Leadership:  [20% all seasons]

• Assist the Youth Education & Rental Programs Manager with hiring outreach, Application review, interviewing of seasonal educators, foodservice, and custodial staff.
• Co-develop and implement training for seasonal staff, volunteers, and K-12 teachers.
• Mentor and support seasonal staff; display maturity, responsibility, flexibility, enthusiasm, and sound judgment.
• Actively participate in organization-wide conversations and planning, including weekly staff meetings, EDI meetings, and staff/board retreats.
• Lead or collaborate with other MSHI staff and partners on new and existing initiatives.
• Represent the Mount St. Helens Institute at workshops, conferences, board/staff, and partnership meetings.

Curriculum Development: [10% all seasons]

• Work with the Youth Education & Rental Programs Manager to evaluate and improve existing in-person activities and virtual resources for K-12 age groups.
• Lead and reinforce training with seasonal education staff on education activities.
• Provide feedback throughout the season on seasonal staff curriculum projects.

Facilities, Supply, and Digital Asset Management [5% all seasons]

• Maintain organization and inventory of educational and facility supplies to ensure adequate supplies for program operations.
• Work with the Youth Education & Rental Programs Manager to determine purchasing priorities for education and facility program supplies.
• Manage photo and media collection, including sharing with groups and uploading to the MSHI photo asset database in a timely manner.
• Schedule volunteer work parties based on program needs, such as kitchen prep for large events, facility cleaning, and more.

Marketing and Outreach [5% all seasons]

• Updating and maintaining the directory of youth groups, schools, and contact information.
• Assist with generating content to market programs, including updating content on website pages, writing newsletter articles about programs, etc.
• Assist with defining marketing audiences, including email list segmentation.
• Assist with completing marketing tasks, including sending listserv emails and direct outreach to teachers and youth groups.

Other duties may be assigned.