Program Director

Wild Society (wildsociety.org) is a wilderness education nonprofit based in Kitsap County in Washington State. Our mission is to cultivate wonder and belonging in the natural world.   Wild Society prioritizes diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage individuals from all cultures and communities to apply, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color), women, non-cis-gendered people, and other people underrepresented in outdoor organizations. In ecosystems and human societies alike, we know that diversity makes communities stronger. Thank you for considering joining us. All Wild Society staff and volunteers are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination as stated in our health and safety policy.

Job Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual excited to help us grow as an organization with the support of volunteers, community partners, donors, board members, and program participants. You will have the opportunity to help guide the future direction of our work alongside our Development and Communications Director and Board of Directors.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Program planning, logistics, and implementation.
• Guide afterschool programs, summer camps, community events, etc. 
• Hire seasonal guides, plan and facilitate staff training, support staff in the field.
• Curriculum development for programs, design and implement pilot programs that are mission aligned.
• Work with community partners to develop relationships and programs.
• Work with staff to continually reexamine organizational practices around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Manage the volunteer coordinator and volunteer program.
• Help design and manage the organizational budget.
• Assist co-director with program outreach and marketing efforts as needed.
• Manage the scholarship program and fund.
• Non-profit administration, including bookkeeping, insurance, human resources, etc. in collaboration with co-director and other Wild Society staff and volunteers. 

Time Spent:

• 40% Program planning and implementation, including staff management, curriculum development, permits, volunteer management, etc.
• 40% Wild Society administration, including working with board of directors, insurance and non profit management, budget and bookkeeping, grant writing and marketing support, etc.
• 20% Guiding Wild Society Programs, including afterschool, community events, and summer sessions.

Special Benefits

Benefits include:

• $300/month reimbursement of health insurance premiums via QSEHRA.
• Paid sick leave accrued hourly, at 1hr for every 40hrs worked.
• 10 days paid time off per calendar year. 
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year. 
• Training & professional development for job roles.
• Reimbursement for WFR recertification.  
• Access to gear, equipment, and trip planning support for outdoor adventures.
• 50% off all Wild Society programs for your partner and/or dependents.

Minimum Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Strong sense of personal relationship with the natural world.
• Two years experience teaching (especially outdoors).
• One year experience managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience backpacking, camping, hiking, etc.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or ability to obtain in the next three months.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to think creatively.
• Welcoming people from different backgrounds, willingness to listen and learn.
• Demonstrated commitment to and consideration of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all organizational decisions and development.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in curriculum writing, program design, and program implementation. 
• Backpack guiding experience. 
• Knowledge of the Olympic Mountains and Kitsap County. 
• Non-profit management work. 
• Experience working with budgets.
• Creative, collaborative, and self-directed mindset.
• Ability to operate at multiple operational levels—both big picture and details.

Expectations and Commitment: 

• 30-50 hours per week depending on the season, flexible schedule.
• Some evenings and weekends required for meetings and programs.
• Must have a personal vehicle and valid drivers license.
• Comfortable driving a 15 passenger mini bus, must be 21 years of age or older and maintain a good driving record. 
• Access to the internet and computer required, positions are 100% remote except for programs, which all take place on public land. 
• Willingness to meet weekly or as-needed, both remote and in-person in Kitsap County (when safe to do so. Meetings are currently remote or outside and physically distanced due to Covid-19).