Job Summary: Program Coordinator & Educator

Job Title: Program Coordinator & Educator
Location: Combination of Vermont Farm and Forest School & Remote
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Ideal Start Date: May 15
Compensation: $42,000–$50,000

Benefits:

• QUERSA - Health Plan
  
  
• 401(k) retirement plan, 3% match
  
  
• Paid Time Off
  
  
• Professional development funding and opportunities
  
  
• Farm share benefit

The Program Coordinator & Educator plays a key leadership role in designing, coordinating, and implementing Vermont Farm and Forest School (VFFS) programs, while also serving as an active educator. This position is ideal for an experienced educator who is highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about delivering meaningful, engaging, and relevant learning experiences.

The Program Coordinator works closely with faculty, administration, and community partners to ensure that all programs— including Friday Farm & Forest Days, Summer Camp, Mentor-in-Training (MIT), workshops, and special programs—align with VFFS’s mission, educational philosophy, and long-term goals. In addition to program management responsibilities, this position teaches Friday Farm & Forest classes and supports mentor development and staff training and is part time VFFS mini bus driver. Remote work is an average of no more than 2-3 days per week, 2-3 days are in person.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & Coordination

• Develop, organize, and oversee VFFS programs, including Friday Farm & Forest Days, Summer Camp, Mentor In Training, community workshops, and special initiatives.
  
  
• Manage program budgets, timelines, registration, and documentation.
  
  
• Ensure programs align with school mission, educational standards, and strategic goals.
  
  
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team on planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs.
  
  
• Participate in grant writing and fundraising, implementation, and reporting related to programs.

Educational Leadership & Teaching - 25% of the job during the school year

• Teach Friday Farm & Forest Program classes.

• Land Stewardship oversight, weekly land care
  
  
  
• Integrate nature-based mentoring practices into teaching and program design.
  
  
• Model best practices in outdoor, experiential, and inquiry-based education.
  
  

Friday Farm & Forest Days

• Co-lead a learning group
  
  
• Work closely with the Friday Program Coordinator and teaching staff to develop, refine, and implement curriculum.
  
  
• Ensure consistency and quality across program offerings.
  
  

Summer Camp Program - 25 % of the job in summer

• Co-direct the Summer Camp program in partnership with the Executive Director.
  
  
• Manage registration, budgets, camper documentation, and daily operations.
  
  
• Organize curriculum materials and support daily program flow.
  
  
• Train, mentor, and support new and returning staff.
  
  
• Support Mentor-in-Training (MIT) integration and leadership development.
  
  
• Lead workshops and staff training sessions as needed.
  
  

Mentor-in-Training (MIT) Program - 10 % of the job summer and occasional school year dates

• Further develop, manage, and oversee the Mentor-in-Training program.
  
  
• Coordinate registration, workshops, and leadership development opportunities.
  
  
• Co-lead workshops and support mentor growth and engagement.
  
  

Community & Partner Engagement - 15% of the job

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community experts.
  
  
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance place-based learning opportunities.
• Develop and implement community workshops such as farm experiences, broom making, wildlife tracking, etc.
  
  
• Support community engagement initiatives that align with VFFS values and programs.
  
  

Administrative Responsibilities - 35% of the job

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student and program documentation.
  
  
• Manage budgets, schedules, and project timelines.
  
  
• Participate in regular leadership and staff meetings to support program planning and daily operations.
  
  
• Support grant-related administrative tasks as needed.
  
  

Transportation & Learning Journeys - 25% of the job

• Serve as a Mini Bus Driver to support daily programming and learning journeys.
  
  
• Safely transport students for off-site, place-based learning experiences, community partnerships, and day-to-day program activities.
  
  

• Support the integration of transportation into curriculum planning to enhance experiential and place-based learning

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in education or a related field.
  
  
• Strong understanding of place-based, project-based, and experiential education.
  
  
• Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and program management skills.
  
  
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  
  
• Passion for creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement.
  
  
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a small, dynamic, and evolving school environment.
  
  
• Familiarity with technology and database systems.
• Possession of or willingness to receive the Vermont Type II School Activity Bus Endorsement license
  
  

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in a small, private, progressive school or summer camp setting.
  
  
• Background in interdisciplinary teaching and inquiry-based learning.

• Experience or willingness to learn about diverse & neurodivergent learners
  
  
• Experience in program coordination or management.
  
  
• Experience developing community partnerships.
  
  

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Misse Axelrod. In your cover letter, highlight your experience in both program management and teaching.

Vermont Farm and Forest School provides educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital/civil union status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State law.