Day and Military Families Program Coordinator

Grade Range/Job Status: Coordinator/Exempt
Time/Wage: Full time, salaried position with benefits 
Starting Salary Range: $42,025 – $54,250
Reports To: Day Programs Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities: None, mentor to Outdoor Leaders

Priority application due date: November 6th 

Overview: 

Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

Wilderness Inquiry Beliefs and Values: 

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs in the outdoors. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in all outdoor spaces. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary: 

The Day and Military Families Program Coordinator is responsible for establishing and maintaining Wilderness Inquiry’s engagement with military families through day and overnight outdoor experiences. The Day and Military Families Program Coordinator will work collaboratively within the Adventures Team to support outreach, partnership management, and operational effectiveness for all Wilderness Inquiry day and overnight programs. This is a new position focusing on Wilderness Inquiry program expansion to new locations and deeper engagement with military family audiences, supporting communities with deeper connections to the outdoors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Coordination and Implementation 35% FTE.: Support expansion efforts of Canoemobile programming to military families in new and existing communities.

1. Facilitate Canoemobile logistics and event planning for local programs, extended tours, and virtual programs.
2. Clearly communicate program objectives to external stakeholders to ensure program goals are met. 
3. Support logistics, outreach, and registration other military family program implementation including extended adventures.
4. Assist in compiling program evaluations part of the full evaluation process.
5. Assist with program content development focusing on Social Emotional Learning and relevant curriculum for youth and military families.
6. Support development and delivery of staff training materials relevant for youth and military-family programming.

Partnership and Account Management, 25% FTE.: Establish partnerships and programming opportunities for military-connected schools, community groups, and families.

1. Under direction from Adventures Team, assist in targeted outreach to military-connected communities in Minnesota and nationally including, but not limited to, Blue Star Families, Purple Star Schools, Department of Defense primary and secondary schools. 
2. Provide exceptional customer service to Wilderness Inquiry external accounts from outreach to post-trip experience, including, but not limited to: planning events, writing service agreements, issuing invoices, and sending post-trip evaluations. 
3. Regularly meet with partners to ensure we are providing quality programs and meeting their organizational needs.
4. Conduct follow-up meetings/debriefs of programs to verify that desired objectives were accomplished effectively and efficiently.
5. Update partner and event information in FileMaker Pro to maximize future efficiencies.

Trip Directing, 30% FTE. Serve as a trip director for Wilderness Inquiry trips and events.

1. Provide exceptional customer service to group organizers and Wilderness Inquiry contractees to foster positive relationships and ongoing engagement.
2. When necessary, coordinate and communicate with park/natural area agencies and service providers to ensure program sites are adequate and safe. 
3. Ensure that outdoor leaders are able to serve individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities by adapting/modifying content and activities.
4. Provide guidance to seasonal Outdoor Leaders as a staff advisor to promote a welcoming environment, share resources and materials, and be a positive point of contact for ongoing program feedback with the greater team.
5. Occasionally lead Wilderness Inquiry programs in the field.

Day Programs Administrative Responsibilities, 15% FTE. Assist Day Programs team with varying administrative tasks. 

1. Assist with evaluation data entry, administration, and educational kit prep.
2. Assist with program material preparation, organization, and post-trip data entry.
3. Assist with review of key program data (contacts, events, procedures, etc.) in database for accuracy and efficient use of systems.

Additional Roles and Responsibilities: Organizational phone shifts, emergency on-call, weekend trip support, special event support, etc.

Please note: these are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Qualities we are looking for in this position:

• Passion for WI’s mission, values, and core audience sectors
• Experience and interest in program design, delivery, and logistics
• Experience working with Wilderness Inquiry core audiences – military families, BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, and school and youth groups
• Demonstrated experience in project management 
• Excellent computer and database skills
• Outstanding written and communication skills
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Willingness to listen and learn 
• A self-starter who takes initiative
• Flexible, persistent, and attentive to detail 
• Enjoys variety and is open to learning new roles

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor’s degree or two years related professional experience. Candidates must have a military family connection and/or experience working with military audiences. 

 Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with non-profit organizations
• Passion for the outdoors and nature-based recreation
• Experience in youth or young adult program coordination, event planning, and partnership management. 
• Multi-cultural competence and experience working with historically and currently under-represented communities in outdoor recreation spaces
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and/or other commonly spoken second language

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to operate a telephone and computer. Employees must be able to communicate effectively with English speakers. Employees are regularly required to navigate independently in indoor and outdoor settings. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Work Environment:

This position is hybrid, with some on-site work as part of a professional office environment, as well as outdoor field work to lead programs and training. 

Non-discrimination Policy:

Wilderness Inquiry prohibits discrimination against any participant, applicant, volunteer, intern, or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or military status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other protected class under law. 

Applicants who may not meet all of the desired skills are encouraged to apply. Training may be available for some job functions.