Experiential Educator

The National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project, Inc.(NIYLP),dba Project Venture (PV),is a Native-led nonprofit organization based in New Mexico. With more than 35 years of experience, PV delivers innovative, evidence-based programs designed to empower Native and Indigenous youth. PV has offices in Albuquerque, NM;
Gallup, NM; and Kyle, SD.

The
Experiential Educator
deliversoutdoor, adventure-based, and experientialprogramminggrounded inthePVprogram modeland its Guiding Principles:
Strengths-Based Approach, Experiential Education, Engagement with Nature, Service Ethic, Culture and Tradition, and Connection Building
. In alignmentwithPV’smissiontosupport

Native and Indigenous youth to develop healthy lifestyles and positive relationships with the natural world, achieve their full potential, and become leaders in their communities , the Experiential Educator facilitatesprogramming that supports youth development and leadership.

The Experiential Educatorfacilitates outdoor adventure, experiential learning, leadership development, service-learning, and community-based activities usingstrength-based, culturally responsive, and positive youth development approaches. The position works directly with youth and collaborates with program staff, schools, families, Tribal communities, and community partners todeliversafeandculturally relevant programming.

The Experiential Educator models PV’s full Value Commitment:
Be Here, Be Safe, Speak Your Truth, Let Go&Move On, Set Goals, and Care for Self & Others.This position reports to a Senior Experiential Educator.

The ideal candidate:

• Is Mission-Driven:Demonstrates a commitment to supporting Native and Indigenous youth, families, and communitieswhileadvancingPV’smission.
• Is Passionate About the Outdoors& Experiential
  
  Education:
  
  Brings enthusiasm for outdoor and adventure-based educationandengagesfully in experiential learning alongside youth and colleagues.
• Builds Trust and Relationships:Develops authentic, respectful relationships and demonstrates integrity, reliability, and follow-through.
• Leads with Humility and Self-Awareness:Reflects on personal strengths and areas for growth and approachesotherswith curiosity and humility.
• Values Culture and Community: Demonstrates cultural humility and respect for the knowledge,traditions, perspectives, and experiences of the communities served.
• Builds Connection and Belonging:Createsinclusive environments whereyouth and colleagues feel welcomed, respected,and valued.
• Develops and Empowers Others:Recognizes strengths in youth and colleagues and encourages confidence, leadership, growth, and ownership.
• Shares Accountability and Responsibility: Takes ownership of commitments, supports team members, and understands that strong outcomes are a shared responsibility.
• Communicates with Respect:Listens to understand and communicateswithhonesty, respect, and empathy.
• Embraces Growth and Change:Demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, receive feedback, and improve.
• Collaborates Effectively:Contributes to a team culture of collaboration,accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

• Facilitate in-school, after-school, out-of-school, and multiday overnight programs using the Project Venture model, with a focus on outdoor experiential education and strength-based youth development.
• Lead experiential activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-beingand developconfidence, social-emotional skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and problem-solving.
• Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with youth and create inclusive group environments that promote connection, belonging, and teamwork.
• Guide youth through experiential life skillsactivities, including initiative games, ropes courses, outdoor activities, and reflective experiences.
• Facilitate outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking,backpacking,swimming, rock climbing, archery, rappelling, and other adventure-based activities as appropriate to program needs and staff qualifications.
• Create opportunities for youth to practice leadership, make decisions, take…