The Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon College is accepting applications for a new position: the Assistant Director of Academic and Community Programming. This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all resources required to meet the needs of a broad range of audiences on and off campus. This position will create, coordinate and deliver educational programming and events for BFEC and Kenyon Farm including academic engagement for Kenyon classes and other local universities, Kenyon’s new Pathways initiative, and co-curricular engagement for Kenyon students. This position will create, coordinate and deliver educational programming and events for the wider Knox County community, including but not limited to elementary field trips. This position will work closely with the BFEC/Farm Director and the Farm Manager to develop a vision for educational programming at both venues.
This position is full-time with benefits. We have guaranteed funding for 3 years with the possibility of extending.
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) at Kenyon College exists to engage Central Ohioans of all ages with nature, and to support the goals of Kenyon College by conserving the natural diversity of the Kokosing River valley and providing opportunities for education and research. The Kenyon Farm focuses on sustainable food systems, regenerative food production, and experiential learning. The Farm engages the Kenyon community in a small-scale farming operation within the context of a liberal arts education and supports the academic values of Kenyon College.
Key responsibilities:
- Coordinate Kenyon classroom visitation to and usage of the BFEC and Farm properties and facilities. Interact with / lead Kenyon classes as needed in both locations. This will include careful communications and collaboration with the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager.
- Build relationships with faculty from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and other universities to support their classes as needed.
- Spearhead programming for Kenyon’s new Pathways initiative for students, including but not limited to pre-orientation & orientation programs and iterative programming throughout the academic year.
- Supervise Kenyon student workers in developing informal programming to engage fellow students in place-based learning. Mentor student workers in developing professional skills, expanding environmental knowledge, and exploring careers. Work with students to build relationships with other student organizations and departments.
- For the BFEC and Kenyon Farm, develop and implement on-site and off-site community programming with a wide variety of offerings to meet the needs of various audiences (preschool, youth, family, adult, retiree, and special needs). Maintain natural history knowledge required to lead nature-based programming, or invite guest speakers to present. Supervise and mentor Post Baccalaureate Fellow to do the same. This will require careful communications and collaboration with the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager.
- Supervise Post Baccalaureate Fellow in the creation and delivery of programs to be offered on-site and off-site to local elementary schools, the Salvation Army, and elders at Ohio Eastern Star.
- Coordinate school field trips (grades pre-K to 8) to attend BFEC and the Farm. Create developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with state content standards, and maintain equipment. Recruit, train, and mentor part-time educators, community and student volunteers. Collect teacher evaluations, assess curriculum and revise as needed.
- Oversee the BFEC Post Baccalaureate Fellow as they coordinate annual events at BFEC: River Clean Up, Fall Harvest Festival and Earth Day Festival. Mentor the PBF to organize presenters, publicity, logistics, fundraising, vendors, volunteers, and accompanying materials.
- Work with Farm Manager to support events at the Farm.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Success Factors
- Natural history knowledge and ability to interpret information for various audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively engage people of various backgrounds, including young children, students, college alumni, elderly, donors, and local residents.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other staff members, college offices, community organizations, and volunteers.
- Ability to self-direct, simultaneously manage multiple projects and varied seasonal schedules.
- Resourcefulness and willingness to acquire new skills as varied job tasks demand.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, natural sci, environmental sci, or similar.
- 3-5 years of experience coordinating outdoor educational programs and events.
- 1-2 years experience supervising personnel.
- Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Google drive, and social media.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in environmental education, natural sci, environmental sci, or similar.
- Working knowledge of higher education and how an environmental center can support academic needs.
- Experience building internal and/or external partnerships.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position supervises a Post Baccalaureate Fellow, student workers and part-time, seasonal educators.
Working Conditions
Working conditions vary seasonally. This position will spend time in an office during some months, and a majority of time out-of-doors coordinating programs and events in others. Moving equipment, furniture, and materials is required; ability to lift 25 pounds frequently, and on occasion approximately 50 pounds.
Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.
Compensation and Benefits
Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at nineteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.
We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.
Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.
Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.