Experiential and Environmental Learning Director

Position Title:

Experiential and Environmental Learning Director Department:
Office of Experiential Learning

Reports To:

Director of Experiential Learning Salary Range: $50,000-$50,500

At the heart of all positions at Urban Promise is the love for and commitment to children and youth. We embrace the value of relationships with our students and commitment to the mission of Urban Promise-- to equip children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth, and Christian leadership.

The Office of Experiential Learning seeks to complement Urban Promise’s highly successful academic programming with experiential and project-based learning opportunities.

The Experiential and Environmental Learning Director (EELD) works as a part of the Office of Experiential Learning team of staff and volunteers. EELD has three related but distinct areas of responsibility. EELD works with the CFS Middle School and UPA teachers to equip, encourage and support them in the implementation of experiential learning opportunities connected to their existing curriculum. Second, the EELD is responsible for leading and supporting environmental education opportunities for students at the middle and high school level.

Finally, the EELD supervises the River Guides program during the summer. Success in this position requires a highly motivated team player and selfstarter with high level organizational and interpersonal skills.

1. Uphold and integrate Urban Promise’s values (Faith, Innovation, Community, Holism) into the program and demonstrate the character qualities of enthusiasm, flexibility, dependability, coachability, integrity, kindness, self control and perseverance.

2. Collaborate with UPA and CFS middle school teachers to integrate experiential and expeditionary learning in all major subject areas.

• Meet with teachers regularly to brainstorm and plan experiential learning opportunities. Ideally these opportunities will enrich existing units.

• Support implementation of teachers’ plans. This support could range from developing the idea to attending and helping lead the experience.

• Debrief with teachers afterwards to determine if the experience is worth repeating and, if so, how to strengthen it.

3. Lead environmental education classes, programs, and field trips. Some field trips include overnight travel with students.

• Organize and lead an environmentally focused club or class for UPA students.

• Work with the Urban Trekkers Program Director to help plan and lead environmental-related expeditions including the overnight trips to Assateague Island and the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory.

• Work with the UPA science teacher to plan and lead the Green Engineers elective. Support other environmental content in the UPA and CFS middle school science classes.

• Facilitate youth participation in local/regional environmental workshops and speaking engagements to advocate for the use and preservation of the watershed. Network and partner with local environmental organizations.

• Work with the OEL team to integrate cycling, boating, trail stewardship and watershed education.

4. Lead all paddling and on-the-water activities.

• Coordinate with Urban Boat Works Program Director for the use, transportation, and readiness of the fleet for paddling trips.

• Oversee the summer River Guide program and promote community participation in on-the-water activities and education.

• Train and manage the River Guide Program Supervisor.

5. Support grant planning process and report on promised outcomes of environmental grants.

6. Participate in and seek out professional training and development opportunities.

7. Attend and actively participate in regular staff…