Job Title:  Vice President of Programs & Partnerships 

Reports to: President & CEO 

Classification:   Exempt; Full-time (40 hours/week)  

Location: Hybrid, with regular office hours at our Excelsior location 

Who we are 

With nature as our catalyst, Camp Fire Minnesota energizes youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. Youth spend 90% of their time indoors – and that was before COVID-19. Camp Fire Minnesota addresses this challenge by delivering culturally relevant, nature-based programs onsite at our camp property in Excelsior and throughout the community to thousands of youth from all backgrounds each year. We help youth “light their spark within” through summer and school break camps, environmental education & STEM classes for schools (in-person and virtual), and community-based out-of-school time nature programs.  

We are proud to offer inclusive and welcoming programs to youth in the community, including free and reduced rate programs and a scholarship program. As a result of their Camp Fire experience, 93% of youth report valuing nature and stewarding the environment.   

Where we are headed  
Camp Fire Minnesota envisions a future where every youth has access to nature-based experiences and learning.  Looking ahead, our organization's 2024-2026 Strategic Plan focuses on advancing our mission through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Central to our strategy is the active engagement of both youth and adults in co-designing impactful experiences that center youth voices, giving them more power in decision-making processes. The plan includes three strategic goals: expanding community-building efforts to involve a broader range of partners; infusing nature learning into all programs to promote environmental sustainability; and transparently sharing our organization's journey, emphasizing our inclusive approach centered around youth experience and ideas.  

Statement of Inclusion 

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships. All are welcome at Camp Fire. 

Position Overview: 

The Vice President of Programs & Partnerships is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing Camp Fire Minnesota’s community partner programs, including Environmental Education Field Trips and Afterschool Explorers. This position leads the strategic development and execution of year-round programs that connect young people to nature and learning through hands-on STEM and Outdoor Education lessons aligned with Minnesota State Education Standards. 

In collaboration with over 70 partner organizations, the Vice President of Programs & Partnerships will build and strengthen relationships to expand equitable access to nature-based experiences while integrating trauma-informed practices. In 2025, 93% of youth participated at no cost through these programs, a commitment this role will continue to advance. Working closely with the Vice President of Operations, this leader will ensure that school break and summer camp opportunities remain accessible for the young people served through these initiatives. 

As the primary program leader, this position will oversee program outcomes and evaluation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and continuous improvement. The Vice President of Programs & Partnerships will lead reporting for state grants and collaborate with the Vice President of Development & Communications to craft compelling grant narratives, support reporting for other institutional funders, and help share the impact of Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission-driven work. 

Additional responsibilities include oversight of organizational evaluation, youth leadership opportunities (including supporting our youth Board members and our middle school leadership program) and key partnerships, all with the goal of ensuring that youth from all backgrounds can access the power of nature through Camp Fire Minnesota year-round 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• A strategic thinker, who can provide both vision and execution 
• A thoughtful and authentic leader, who can listen and take action 
• Deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) 
• Knowledgeable and/or passionate about environmental education and youth development 
• A strong relationship builder 
• Dedicated to our mission and ensuring all young people have access to nature 
• Able to create and manage evaluation systems 
• Joyful and appreciates a good sense of humor  

Primary Responsibilities 

Programs 

• Provide strategic oversight in support of Director of School Programs of all school-based program development and delivery, including K–12 Environmental Education & STEM opportunities, field trips, and Out-of-School Time programs. 
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with school districts and community organizations that expand access and generate program revenue  
• Lead the creation and implementation of Camp Fire’s Leadership Track, designed to cultivate diverse leaders who reflect the youth we serve and meet the needs of community partners. 
• Oversee Camp Fire Minnesota’s first-ever Youth Board member opportunity, ensuring youth participants feel seen, heard, affirmed, and supported. 
• Champion program integration of service-learning and community engagement. Support staff in co-creating programming with teachers, youth, and partners to ensure content reflects community priorities.  
• Develop new, culturally relevant programs responsive to community needs, ensuring DEI principles and trauma-informed practices are embedded throughout staff training, board engagement, and program delivery. Examples of current practices include bilingual programming, culturally familiar meals, access to appropriate outdoor gear so all youth feel they belong, etc. 
• Provide staff training and coaching to ensure staff development and program excellence. 
• Lead program evaluation and use data to integrate partner feedback and youth voice into continuous improvement plans 
• Collaborate closely with the VP of Operations to align school-based and camp programs. 
• Develop and refine program policies and processes to ensure ongoing quality, safety, and innovation. 

Partnerships 

• Build and maintain strong, strategic partnerships with 70+ schools and community organizations to ensure nature-based programs are accessible for all young people. 
• Deepen relationships with existing partners through expanding community engagement. 
• In partnership with the Community Partnership and Event Manager, develop and implement a volunteer engagement strategy with a primary focus on corporate volunteer partnerships. 
• Develop strategy for all family events at Camp Fire 
• Advance Camp Fire’s community-based initiatives as outlined in the strategic plan, including free community programming on our 103-acre property and in local neighborhoods. 
• Work collaboratively with the VP of Operations to make Camp Fire’s facilities available to community partners at little or no cost. 
• Serve as an active community representative and ambassador for Camp Fire Minnesota, ensuring we remain connected to evolving community needs and opportunities. 

Organizational Support 

• Support fundraising efforts, including grant reporting. 
• Serve as a member of the Camp Fire Minnesota Leadership Team. 
• Supervise the Director of School Programs, providing leadership to the School-Based Programs team and oversight of 10+ indirect reports. Lead key organizational initiatives as identified in the Strategic Plan. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

• Ensure all partnerships and school-based programs are inclusive, accessible, and equity-centered. 
• Participate in Camp Fire’s four DEI Subcommittees, serving on at least one. 

Collaborative Team Support 

Camp Fire Minnesota is a highly collaborative organization. During busy seasons, all staff pitch in to make our mission possible! This may include helping with camp check-in, greeting guests at a fundraiser, or supporting special events. We’re looking for someone with a team-oriented and humble spirit who enjoys jumping in where needed to help create joyful experiences in nature. 

Skills and Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications 

• At least ten years of professional experience in the social sector (nonprofit, government, community organizing, or foundations), including senior leadership responsibilities in program development and impact. 
• Proven success in program planning and implementation, strategic operations, and change management. 
• Deep understanding of and commitment to DEI principles and practices, with experience integrating them into organizational strategy and daily work. 
• Strong strategic thinker and skilled planner who also enjoys hands-on implementation in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. 
• High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to support partnerships  
• Experience with evaluations processes, including oversight   
• Strong belief in the power of young people and their abilities  
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) 
• Professional and highly motivated – able to thrive in a fast‐paced, remote work environment, while maintaining quality and accuracy 
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary 

Salary is $100,000.  Eligible for health benefits as well as a 3% retirement contribution and sabbatical policy. Full Benefits Package including medical, dental, life, AD&D, long term disability, 3% 401K matched. Up to 22 days Paid time off in a year, 7 paid holidays, plus 3 Floating holidays days and mental health days. Additional benefits include Professional Development Funds, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program to support employees and their families.   

Camp Fire Minnesota is strongly committed to addressing environmental justice.   

We encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA2S individuals, and unemployed persons to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Camp Fire we are most interested finding the best candidate for the job and someone who is committed to our mission and values. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.