Program Associate

Friends’ education program, the Katahdin Learning Project nurtures connections between learners and land in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and the surrounding communities. We work closely with NPS staff at the national monument, a strong team of volunteers, and a variety of community partners to deliver our programs and connect with youth around the region. Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is undertaking a deliberate, year-plus long transition to a teams-based model and as such the Program Associate will frequently report to designated Team Leads across the organization. Core Duties of Program Associate \\+ Develop knowledge and understanding of Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities. Katahdin Learning Project (education programs) (65%): \\+ Collaborate with the Education Director to carry out the goals and objectives of the Katahdin Learning Project’s recently adopted three-year strategic framework and resulting annual plans \\+ Lead research, creation, and delivery of educational programs for youth of all ages on local plants, animals, ecosystems, history, culture, and more in consultation with the Education Director, program partners, and when applicable, National Park Service staff \\+ Support the Education Director in the work to implement place-based projects throughout the Katahdin region \\+ Maintain and build relationships with teachers, students, and community partners across the region through one-on-one meetings and presentations at regional meetings/gatherings \\+ Follow-up with teachers and students to gather feedback after programs \\+ Communicate with teachers and program leaders interested in participating in Friends education programs \\+ Maintain organization of Katahdin Learning Project program administration including shared google drives, photo drive, and program tracker \\+ Collaborate with volunteers and maintain communication before and after activities and events \\+ Participate in planning and organization of annual events and professional development opportunities and manage youth involvement in events alongside other Friends staff \\+ Support operations of youth trail crews working in the national monument through local partnerships Development and Grants (25%): \\+ Collaborate with grants team to seek funding for education programs and Friends operations \\+ Provide feedback and edits on drafts of grant submissions \\+ Research potential funding opportunities \\+ Lead and coordinate hikes, trips, and other programs for Friends members, donors, and community members alongside Friends staff and volunteers Communications (10%): \\+ Design print and digital promotional materials for education programs and events \\+ Manage outgoing virtual communications from education program through social media and through email/newsletters Qualifications \\+ Strong commitment to public lands and the natural, recreational and cultural features of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument \\+ Experience creating and leading programs on flora, fauna, ecosystems, history, and/or culture \\+ Experience working in both indoor and outdoor environments with youth of a variety of ages \\+ Self-motivated with the desire to take on a variety of diverse projects \\+ Team player who can work independently as well \\+ Exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and organization \\+ Passion for outstanding physical and digital organization Preferred Qualifications \\+ Experience collaborating with community partners \\+ Experience working in rural communities facing economic barriers \\+ Experience working with tribal communities \\+ Familiarity with Maine state educational standards \\+ Current Wilderness First Aid certification \\+ Current Maine Guide license \\+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and Google Suite \\+ Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) or other graphic design software Location and Travel --- Friends maintains an administrative office in Portland and is exploring opening a second administrative office in the Katahdin region.