Coastal Classroom Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY
City Parks Education has operated interdisciplinary environmental education programs in schools and parks since 1992.  The Coastal Classroom program focuses on coastal ecology, water quality, urban waterfront restoration and preservation on the NYC waterfront, with current sites in Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan, Bushwick Inlet Park and Kaiser Park in Brooklyn, and Socrates Sculpture Park/Hallet's Cove in Queens.  During the school year, the Coastal Classroom Program Manager manages and implements after-school programming for up to 25 middle school students at each of 4 locations, using site-specific inquiry-based lessons to stimulate meaningful learning experiences in their own communities. In the summer season, the Coastal Classroom Program Manager will manage and implement the program at one of our two sites:  Hallets Cove, Long Island City or Kaiser Park in Coney island. 

City Parks Foundation (CPF) seeks an experienced environmental educator with a background in marine science and on-water recreation to provide instruction and guidance to middle school students and paid interns under the supervision of the Senior Manager of STEM Pathways. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge base in aquatic ecosystems and shoreline ecology as well as at least one or two years of experience in delivering instruction to and working with adolescents in an educational setting.    

COMPENSATION:  $50 - $58K per year

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery

• Serve as the primary educator for the Coastal Classroom after-school and one of the summertime programs and as supervisor of the program youth staff
• Plan and implement safe and relevant waterfront park visits that incorporate citizen science research and service learning as well as presentations and guidance by partnering professionals in the mMarine sciences and other fields
• Work with the Senior Manager to plan for and implement leadership activities with the Coastal Classroom youth staff, including opportunities for instruction and guidance on basic job related skills

Pedagogy

• Design and/or adapt engaging, inquiry-based, experiential environmental education activities, field trips and service learning opportunities for middle school students that are sequential and include strong science learning and socio-emotional growth
• Plan (or adapt as needed) and implement quantitative and qualitative program evaluation including formative and summative student assessment tools
• Continually investigate and incorporate best practices through professional development in topics such as environment and marine science, child development and pedagogy.

Administration and logistics

• Work with the Senior Manager to ensure accurate, comprehensive records, and statistics 

• Participate in and form partnerships within citywide coalitions and groups that are relevant to the program
• Nurture partnerships with a portfolio of middle schools, and strategically and consistently build relationships with key stakeholders, such as after-school administrators and principals
• Collaborate with coworkers and school partners to clarify and execute clear vision, goals, roles and responsibilities; address challenges and problems; and implement clear communication strategies
• Contribute to the fundraising and marketing processes, as needed
• Represent CPF and Coastal Classroom at conferences, DOE events and other industry events
• Utilize, maintain, repair and keep inventory of collective educational tools and equipment
• Contribute to the care and maintenance of the CPF Learn living collection
• Provide logistical support and complete general administrative duties, as needed

REQUIREMENTS  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field with a minimum of two years of teaching experience OR at least three years of related experience in the OST field implementing related outdoor, environmental education
• Broad knowledge of environmental education and citizen science
• Basic knowledge of child development and the general abilities and behavior to be expected from middle school youth
• Experience with middle school students preferred
• At least one year of experience supervising and providing guidance to program personnel, particularly youth interns
• Demonstrated experience in program administration, evaluation/assessment, communication and time management
• A strong background in inquiry-based methods and developing interdisciplinary curricular materials 
• Demonstrated success working with diverse students, especially youth from low-income communities
• Recreational boating experience a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive throughout the five boroughs a plus
• Willingness to work outdoors year-round in sometimes inclement weather 
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming New York City parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through arts, environmental education, sports, and community building programs for all New Yorkers. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Community engagement includes Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, which supports and champions a growing network of community leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of our neighborhood parks and the Parks and Open Space Partners-NYC coalition of conservancies and alliances. We also administer the NYC Green Fund, a regranting program for parks and open space nonprofits and grassroots organizations.

We produce SummerStage, the iconic free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC, presenting world-class artists from across the globe and our own neighborhoods on our mainstage in Central Park and in local parks in all five boroughs, and our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and roving PuppetMobile present marionette puppet theater throughout New York City.

We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment through progressive, experiential teaching. Using parks as classrooms, we provide learning experiences and hands-on activities in urban forests, coastal areas, and gardens.

Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. City Parks Foundation does not offer visa sponsorship.