Manager, Education for Action Program

Manager, Education for Action Program

Location: Lake George, New York, USA 

Salary: $55-$65k/year (commensurate with experience) and a full employee benefits package 

About the Lake George Association: The Lake George Association (LGA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the pristine waters and natural resources of Lake George. Established in 1885, LGA has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives, education, and advocacy to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of The Queen of American Lakes 

Reports To: Managing Program Director 

Managing: Part-time environmental educators, interns, boat captains, first mates 

Programs: Floating Classroom, Salmon in the Classroom, Adopt a Storm Drain, Stream Monitoring, Invasive Species Awareness Week, Lake Protector Summit, LG Visitors Center, Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Event, AlgaeWatch, and NYSDEC's Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE).  

Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Manager of Environmental Education to lead our adult, youth, and public educational programs and initiatives that promote environmental conservation and stewardship within the Lake George community and beyond. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental education, program management, and have experience teaching within the sciences, as well as a deep commitment to fostering environmental consciousness among diverse audiences of the Lake George region 

Responsibilities: 

  • Develop and Teach Educational Programs: Work with the Program Director to design and implement a comprehensive range of environmental education programs targeted at different age groups, schools, community organizations, tourists, and visitors. Teach curriculum of each program, including on the Floating Classroom, in a passionate and engaging manner. These programs will focus on the ecological significance of Lake George, water quality, and sustainable practices to create future stewards of Lake George.  

  • Program Coordination: Oversee scheduling of staff and resources for the Floating Classroom and any other logistics for educational or outreach programming. Maintain educational equipment.  

  • Curriculum Development: Create engaging and age-appropriate educational materials, lesson plans, and resources that align with state educational standards to support the LGA’s learning objectives and goals.  

  • School and Community Outreach: Collaborate with local schools, teachers, and community leaders to foster partnerships and integrate environmental education into their curricula and extracurricular activities. 

  • Hiring and Training: Hire seasonal educators and staff for the Floating Classroom program. Conduct training workshops and seminars for educators, volunteers, and staff to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver effective environmental education programs. 

  • Community Science: Plan engaging community science programs to recruit volunteers, engage the public, and raise awareness about Lake George's environmental challenges and conservation efforts. Programs include the Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Event, AlgaeWatch, and WAVE. 

  • Evaluation and Reporting: Implement assessment strategies to measure the impact and effectiveness of educational programs and generate regular reports for internal and external stakeholders. Create and implement quality control strategies to ensure the highest quality educational programs and materials.  

  • Grant Writing and Fundraising: Assist in the development of grant proposals and support fundraising efforts to secure financial resources for expanding the environmental education initiatives. 

  • Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work closely with local authorities, environmental organizations, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental partnerships and leverage available resources. Additionally, collaborate closely with internal staff, including the lake science team.  

  • Marketing: Work with the Director of Marketing and Communications to build a persuasive marcom plan for each education program, including social media, to increase awareness and attendance.  

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental education, ecology, or related field with relevant coursework. Master’s degree preferred.  

  • Proven job experience in environmental education, scientific program management, or a related role. 

  • Strong knowledge of environmental issues, conservation principles, and ecological systems, particular in freshwater lakes of the northeast. 

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences. 

  • Demonstrated leadership and experience managing teams of educators. 

  • Proficient in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and instructional design. 

  • Grant writing and fundraising experience is a plus. 

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events and programs. 

Desired Personal Characteristics: 

  • Strong team player with ability to work independently  

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written  

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse public audiences  

  • Ability to demonstrate effective constituent service skills, including being approachable, having a positive attitude, displaying enthusiasm/passion, etc.  

  • Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship 

Join our passionate team at the Lake George Association and contribute to the conservation and protection of The Queen of American Lakes. Together, we can inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens and ensure the sustainability of Lake George for generations to come. 

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to [email protected]. No phone calls, please. Any applications missing materials or not emailed to this address will not be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.