Upper James Education Manager

The James River Association (JRA) is seeking a full time Upper James Education Manager to be based in JRA’s Upper James office located at Riveredge Park in Amherst County, Virginia.

About the James River Association:
Founded in 1976, the James River Association (JRA) is the oldest and largest river conservation group in Virginia and the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and restoring the James River.  JRA has offices in Richmond, Lynchburg, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, as well as the James River Ecology School on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge.  JRA pursues its vision of a fully healthy James River that supports thriving communities by protecting the James River and connecting people to it.  We work through four program areas based on a model of individual engagement – awareness, appreciation, action, and advocacy.  JRA’s core values are:  We are optimistic; We are catalysts; Credibility is our currency; and Community drives everything we do.

Summary:
The James River Association (JRA) is seeking an Upper James Education Manager to join our Upper James education team. Our education program connects youth with river-based learning experiences that inspire confidence, ecological understanding, nature appreciation, and conservation action. JRA provides interdisciplinary learning experiences that are correlated to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs). Activities are largely field-based and use the context of the James River to bring complex concepts to life. We engage students through hands-on experiences and student-directed investigations enhanced by technology and real-world applications and provide professional development opportunities to teachers. While much work will take place in the field, some work can be done at home remotely.  This position will report to the Director of Education and will work closely with program staff particularly in JRA’s Upper James office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Assist with scheduling educational programs in the greater Lynchburg region.
• Assist with grant proposals and grant implementation  for both small and large funding opportunities specific to Upper James education programs, and work with Assistant Director of Grants to create budgets, write proposals, and final reports.
• Work to build relationships with partnering school systems in the region to set up schedules, professional development., in class and field experiences.

Student Education

• Lead JRA’s Upper James Education team toward the implementation of MWEEs - Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences with area schools. 
• Work both virtually and in the field to provide environmental education opportunities to students from many different school systems throughout the region with a specific focus on Title 1 schools and schools in underserved communities.          

Professional Development

• Create dynamic professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers, help bring environmental knowledge to teachers that might not have used it in the classrooms in the past. Organize multiple day professional developments that engage and bring a passion for teaching environmental science to K-12 teachers.
• Connect the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs)  for each grade level to the professional development so the teachers can feel confident that what they are teaching will prepare students for their SOL exam. 

Curriculum/Staff Training

• Help develop outdoor learning opportunities that correlate with Virginia’s SOLs. 
• Oversee training and professional development for the education team based out of JRA’s Upper James office. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Education or Environmental Science
• Preferred teaching experience in a public, private or outdoor educational setting
• Skilled in Microsoft office and Google platforms
• Experience managing projects and staff 
• Excellent at problem-solving, following schedules, and communicating with teachers and administration at public schools. 
• Ability to coordinate with partners and collaborators - including communicating with and working with diverse audiences. 
• Experience with canoeing and kayaking is preferred. Must be able to lift, load and unload canoes and kayaks for outdoor field experiences.
• Strong communications, teamwork, integrity, and reliability.
• Valid driver’s license.

Compensation:
JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment.  This is a full-time, exempt position. A generous and comprehensive benefits package is provided, including 4 weeks of PTO, 11 paid holidays, 4% 401(k) match, fully paid employee only health and dental coverage, Life and LTD insurance. Salary will be commensurate with experience; expected salary range $42-$45k.  JRA is an equal opportunity employer.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by email to scoleman@thejamesriver.org. 

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates starting March 15th, 2022. Otherwise, no calls or visits, please.