Do you want to play a key role in the delivery of educational programs at Yellowstone?

Position:     Director of Education
Location:    Gardiner, Montana - North Entrance to Yellowstone

Reports To:    Executive Director
Posted:            March 1, 2013

The Yellowstone Association (YA) connects people to Yellowstone National Park and our natural world through education.  We have served as the park’s nonprofit educational partner since 1933. Our three main program areas are: 1) educational stores with gross sales of $4 million, 2) a membership program with more than 35,000 members, and 3) an educational program which provides more than 600 in-depth courses each year. These activities are highly interdependent, with the success of each contributing to the success of the entire organization. For a complete description of YA, please visit our website at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org

The Yellowstone Association Institute is our educational program operated in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). We offer a wide variety of educational courses and guided trips for adults, families, youth, and organized groups. This year we will provide more than 110,000 contact hours of education for more than 6,000 park visitors. Courses are based at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus, the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus, at park hotels, and in the backcountry.  This is a year-round program, with highest participation occurring during the summer months.

The Director of Education will provide vision and direction for the Institute program as a member of our senior leadership team. She or he will be directly responsible for managing an operating budget of $1.6 million and leading a team of five managers who oversee an excellent, mission-driven staff of 8 full-time employees, 12-15 seasonal instructors, 80 contract instructors, and 50 volunteers.  The Institute is in very good shape, with opportunities to provide additional educational support for Yellowstone National Park.  Current priorities include increasing the fill rate at our new field campus and developing educational programs for broader and more diverse audiences, including youth. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide strong leadership and strategic focus by overseeing the Institute management team; foster a culture of collaboration and an emphasis on achieving results.
• Prepare and manage detailed annual budgets and work plans based on strategic priorities; monitor financial performance and achieve budget goals.
• Oversee management of a broad selection of educational programs consistent with the mission and goals of YA and NPS; maintain the highest standards of educational quality and safety.
• Supervise the YA Contact Center, which provides centralized customer service, reservations, sales, and administrative support for the Institute, Sales, and Membership departments.
• Take the lead in developing new partnerships and programs which advance the educational mission of YA.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with NPS, the Yellowstone Park Foundation, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, and other park partners.
• Serve as a member of YA’s senior leadership team and a full partner in major decisions regarding organizational strategy; attend board meetings and events.
• Represent the Institute and its mission accurately and positively to various audiences.

Qualifications:

This position requires demonstrated expertise in managing people, budgets, and operations. The ideal applicant will have directed an educational program with a professional staff and a budget of more than $1million for at least five years. A bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree in a related field is preferred. Previous experience with public land partnerships is also preferred. All applicants must have excellent communication skills and a sincere commitment to the educational mission of the Yellowstone Association.

Compensation:

Annual salary of $60,000 to $70,000 based on qualifications. Benefits include paid vacation and sick/personal leave, ten paid holidays, retirement program, employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement, and optional employee-funded Flexible Savings Account. 

Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to live and work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas.

To Apply:

Please send resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:

 Jeff Brown, Executive Director

DOEsearch@yellowstoneassociation.org

This position will remain open until filled. Employment will begin as soon as possible.

Mission Statement: The Yellowstone Association, in partnership with the National Park Service, connects people to Yellowstone National Park and our natural world through education.

The Yellowstone Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Contact Info

• Jeff Brown, Executive Director
• http://www.yellowstoneassociation.org/
• Send an Email
• Apply Now