Job Title:  Programs Region Manager - Piedmont

Direct Supervisor:  Executive Director

Location:   Hybrid: a blend of working from home and in-person, with occasional fieldwork

Hours:    Full Time (35+ hrs/week)

Compensation:  $47,000 - $57,000

Muddy Sneakers operates at the crossroads of outdoor science instruction, public education, and conservation to awaken in children a deeply felt connection to the natural world – one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to form a connection to nature and benefit from the wellness it provides. We are committed to becoming a national model for closing the science literacy gap and instilling an understanding of one’s role in the greater ecosystem. In doing so, we cultivate healthier generations committed to the stewardship of our natural resources. 

The Programs Region Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, delivery, and evaluation of all programs conducted in the region. This includes managing all field staff, ensuring the safety and quality of programs, communicating with schools, and conducting periodic community outreach. This hybrid position should anticipate 4 to 5 “office days” (working from home) per week. 

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Delivery

• Deliver programs no more frequently than two days per month (in situations of staff shortage). If additional coverage is needed, supervisor approval is required.

Program Management

• Serve as the on-the-ground program manager for the geographic region and its program hubs.
• Oversight of program operational logistics, which include maintaining the program vehicle fleet, coordinating inventory, and maintaining necessary supplies/equipment.
• Ensure the quality of programs, which may include periodically shadowing a program, assessing risk management, and updating the curriculum per the NC Standards.
• Prioritize safety practices in the field to minimize risks to participants and the team; maintain detailed records and follow up appropriately on all incident reporting.
• Assist with the development of programs, systems, and operating procedures.
• Produce and distribute print materials, including educational handouts and curriculum resources, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines, in cooperation with the Director of Communications
• Ensure the inventory of programming gear and equipment is maintained in a safe and adequate condition.
• Manage the purchasing and distribution of programming materials.
• Submit required monthly reports in a comprehensive and timely manner.

Relationship Management

• Support the Programs Director in partnering and collaborating with non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies as applicable.
• Manage regional site partner relationships, including sourcing and securing new sites, managing ongoing site relationships, submitting site permits and reports, and other related tasks. 
• Provide immediate, quality customer service and logistical support to all customers, working in cooperation with the Reservations Manager.

Travel

• Regional travel is expected regularly.

Staff Management & Supervision

• Supervise field staff (instructors, interns, and apprentices) to include hiring and recruitment, work agreements, scheduling, completing payroll, training (see below), tracking certifications, implementing performance reviews, and providing coaching and feedback.
• Supervise all hubs (geographic service zones) in the region; currently, there is one hub in each region.
• Ensure the organization's employment policies and procedures are implemented.

Curriculum Development

• Lead the development and implementation of educational curricula and program content to support the organization's objectives for all youth and adult programs.
• Apply program evaluation findings to continually update programming, ensuring impact and quality, and adapt to state curriculum changes.
• Oversee programmatic approach and methodologies to ensure maximum impact.

Training Oversight

• Ensure that all instructors are trained and prepared to deliver high-quality Muddy Sneakers’ programs.
• Collaborate with region managers to plan pre-season, mid-year, and periodic staff training across all regions to ensure youth and adult programmatic consistency and quality.
• Ensure program quality and consistency by periodically shadowing and coaching staff in the field across all regions; provide written program-delivery evaluations.
• Support the Executive Director/Acting Director of Programs with contracting external training partners as needed.

Teacher Coaching & PD

• Oversee the Teacher Coaching program and ensure program effectiveness.
• Develop and implement teacher professional development (PD) programs in partnership with school systems.

Evaluation of Impact

• Assist with the development and implementation of program evaluation tools for students and teachers.

Internship and Apprenticeship Programs

• Oversee the Intern and Apprenticeship Programs, including onboarding, training, recruitment, and interviews (the daily supervision of interns and apprentices will be the responsibility of Region Managers).

Internal Communications

• Support constructive and thorough intradepartmental and interdepartmental communications.
• Provide monthly and weekly reports on metrics and updates on regional progress in relation to the department's goals.

Budgets

• Assist with annual programs budget development and tracking.
• As needed, track expenditures tied to grant funding for auditing and reporting purposes.

Communications & Marketing

• Contribute to ongoing communication efforts such as newsletters and social media.
• Serve as a representative at community tabling events, fairs and festivals, etc. 

Development

• Support fundraising efforts, including attending internal events and more.

Other Duties

• Participate in occasional teaching (less than 10% of time) and serve as Lead Instructor for 1-2 schools.
• Prepare and submit credit card reports and other data.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A bachelor’s degree or higher is required.

Experience

• At least 5 years of management experience, including staff and program management.
• At least 2 years of experience in experiential education or teaching.
• Experience managing a remote team is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Primary: Strong leadership skills; demonstrated ability to manage and lead a dispersed team.
• Professional background in EE, STEM, and/or IS education; experiential learning philosophies, curriculum and experience design; experience in developing, implementing, and leading workshops, and professional development for educators.
• Proven ability to improve & manage systems and projects to implement programs.
• Knowledge of management best practices within a non-profit organization.
• Ability to manage time and competing priorities and delegate tasks as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal and ability to communicate effectively.
• Attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
• Experience using the following or comparable software: Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Forms, Meet), Microsoft Office Suite, survey tools, online learning platforms, project management software (Monday.com).
• Excellent facilitation and training skills, working with children, adults, and educators.
• Ability to interpret results of feedback and evaluation and implement changes.
• Strong commitment to the conservation of North Carolina’s natural environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lead groups of students and accompany guests in the field, including walking across uneven and largely unpaved surfaces.
• Requires prolonged computer use.
• Possible moving of boxes that contain programming or other materials (not a requirement).
• Reasonable physical accommodations can be made.

Working Conditions:

• Predominantly indoor and some outdoor conditions, including exposure to inclement weather, cold, and heat.

Other Requirements: 

• This is a work-from-home, remote/hybrid role, with some travel to our regional offices and program sites throughout NC.
• Some evening and weekend work is required.
• A valid driver's license is required for some statewide travel.

BENEFITS

• Eligible to participate in Muddy Sneakers' medical benefits plan.
• 3% 401k match.
• Cell phone stipend.
• Competitive PTO policy.

HIRING STATEMENTS

Muddy Sneakers is an NC-based 501(c)3 non-profit environmental education organization.

Muddy Sneakers, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Muddy Sneakers, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. 

Muddy Sneakers Outdoor Classroom 

P.O. Box 10971

Raleigh, NC 27605

828-862-5560

www.muddysneakers.org