ABOUT ABWF

The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting stewardship of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and fostering appreciation of all wild lands. We work closely with the Custer Gallatin National Forest to deliver on-the-ground stewardship, wilderness education, and community engagement focused on the AB Wilderness. Our education programs connect diverse communities to the wilderness through experiential learning, volunteer programs, and public outreach.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is a 943,648-acre wilderness area nestled against the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park. One of the largest wilderness areas in the U.S. outside Alaska, it is characterized by rugged peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation, alpine lakes, broad expanses of tundra-covered plateaus, and a diverse array of flora and fauna.

POSITION SUMMARY

As an integral part of the ABWF team, the Education and Outreach Manager leads ABWF’s wilderness education and community engagement work, developing and delivering mission-aligned education and outreach programs that build community, inspire responsible recreation, and foster appreciation for the wilderness. This role works closely with the Executive Director, Stewardship Manager, and Communications Consultant to deliver effective, mission-aligned programming.

This position leads ABWF’s education initiatives, such as the Women in Wilderness and Indigenous Youth programs, represents ABWF during a wide variety of outreach activities, and oversees ABWF’s popular Trail Ambassadors program. The Education and Outreach Manager supports volunteer recruitment and retention, and, reflecting the collaborative nature of a small, mission-driven team, works alongside ABWF teammates to help advance the organization’s strategic plan and communications and development goals. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The percentages detailed below are estimates, and proportions may shift in alignment with the demands of specific schedules and seasons. 

Trailhead Ambassador Program Leadership (25%)

• Oversee volunteer recruitment, retention, and scheduling of TA volunteers; provide training, support, and ongoing mentorship that ensures volunteer safety and effectiveness. 
• Collect program data, monitor program effectiveness, and adapt program design based on field observations and volunteer feedback.
• Support the development and implementation of the new Ambassadors-in-Residence pilot program, which will place long-term volunteers at key wilderness trailheads. 
• Coordinate with USFS recreation and wilderness staff to align the TA program with agency priorities and address emerging visitor use concerns.

Experiential Education Programs (20%)

• Plan, coordinate, and lead logistics for two major education events – the ongoing annual Women in Wilderness program and the inaugural Indigenous Youth Program.
• Ensure all education programs incorporate ABWF values, wilderness ethics, cultural sensitivity standards, and safety protocols.
• Collect and analyse program data and participant feedback to support continuous program improvement.
• Identify and develop new experiential education opportunities that expand ABWF's reach across the region and provide opportunities for diverse audiences.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Coordination (20%)

• Lead recruitment and retention efforts for TA and education program volunteers.
• Design and deliver comprehensive volunteer training programs that prepare volunteers to represent ABWF effectively.
• Foster a strong volunteer community through consistent communication, relevant training, mentorship, troubleshooting support, and volunteer appreciation practices. 

Community Engagement and Fundraising Support (15%)

• Support organizational fundraising goals by representing ABWF at regional fundraising events, supporting fundraising content generation, and developing compelling impact messaging for education programs. 
• Represent ABWF at outreach events, public meetings, and partner events.
• Cultivate partnerships with community organizations, clubs, businesses, and other nonprofits to expand ABWF's visibility and supporter base.
• Contribute to organizational marketing and communications priorities with periodic content creation (blog posts, social media content, newsletter blurbs, web copy, etc.)

Program Planning and Data Management (10%)

• Work with the Executive Director to develop annual priorities, work plans, and budgets for all education programs.
• Manage education program budgets, track expenses, and compile budget reports. 
• Collect and analyze program data to support grant reporting and goal setting. 
• Provide accurate and timely program information to support grant applications, donor reports, annual reports, and communications materials.

Organizational Priorities and Special Projects (10%)

• Contribute to planning and execution of upcoming milestone celebrations, including the foundation's 20th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Wilderness Act designation for the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
• Support special projects and organizational initiatives as needed, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to ABWF's mission and long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate regularly with ABWF staff, consultants, and board to identify strategic opportunities for program growth and community impact.

SCHEDULE AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time, year-round position with variable seasonal demands. This position is primarily office-based, but requires frequent travel to communities around the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to attend meetings and events, conduct community-based education, and oversee volunteer programs. Occasional backcountry work may also be required. Standard business hours apply for much of the year, but weekend and evening availability are required — particularly during the peak season of June to September — as needed for program delivery. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• At least three years of demonstrated experience in environmental education, outdoor recreation programming, community engagement, or related field.
• Experience coordinating with various partners and diverse stakeholders. 
• Experience working with volunteers, especially in a leadership capacity.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple programs simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software (email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases) and a willingness to learn new technologies as needed.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate organizational vehicles and personal vehicles for work-related travel.
• Physical capability to hike on difficult terrain, facilitate outdoor programs in variable weather conditions (cold, rain, heat, smoke, snow), and operate safely in occupied grizzly bear habitat.
• Deep, demonstrated commitment to wilderness stewardship and education.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing barriers to wilderness access and participation for diverse communities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with youth and designing youth-centered curricula.
• Experience working with state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and tribal partners. 
• Experience developing, running, and evaluating volunteer programs. 
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising practices and grant management.
• Familiarity with the Indigenous cultures and histories of the Absaroka-Beartooth landscape, particularly with Apsáalooke (Crow) perspectives. 
• Familiarity with the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, including knowledge of gateway communities, tailheads, trail systems, ecology, and cultural significance.
• Connections within regional conservation, recreation, and/or wilderness education communities. 
• Relevant certifications, as Leave No Trace Trainer certification, Naturalist certification, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification.