Outdoor Learning, Education, Nature Connection

Position: Program Manager
Organization: Take Me Outside
Location: remote, anywhere in Canada

We are looking for a self-motivated, dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about outdoor learning and creating accessible avenues for learners to spend more time outside. Is that you? Keep reading and apply by Tuesday April 30th.

Applications will be reviewed as received – thank you for your interest!

Summary:

Take Me Outside is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness and facilitating action on nature connection and outdoor learning in schools across Canada. We believe in a future where spending time outside learning, exploring and playing is a regular and significant part of every learner’s day. We work collaboratively with other organizations, school boards/districts and individuals to encourage children and youth to spend more time outside through various projects and initiatives. TMO’s target population is learners and educators across Canada (and increasingly, North America) who we reach mainly through the education system. Our goal is to encourage schools to extend the learning environment beyond the desk and four walls and to use the great outdoors as part of the regular teaching practice. The ultimate goal is to encourage more time spent outside during the school day to counter balance excessive screen time and sedentary tendencies. Our programs are intended to be simple, fun, and accessible to all.

We are looking for a self-motivated, dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about outdoor learning and the mission of TMO. In this full-time role, you will work with the Education Outreach Coordinator and report directly to the Executive Director. You will coordinate and execute large nation-wide initiatives such as Take Me Outside Day and the Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge to help grow and connect an engaged community of outdoor educators – and by extension, their learners. You will use your organizational and interpersonal skills to plan events, conduct outreach, consult with the community, build relationships and partnerships, and oversee and develop all upcoming programs and workshops to maximize the impact of our work, to encourage engagement and participation in outdoor learning, and to follow the organization’s strategic priorities. Because we are a small grassroots organization, we are looking for a strong team player who is resourceful, flexible, and able to adapt to changing responsibilities as needed. A working knowledge of French and experience with MailChimp and/or WordPress are strong assets.

Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the position include, but may not be limited to:

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY

• Oversee successful coordination and delivery of TMO’s initiatives with assistance from the Education Outreach Coordinator, including Take Me Outside Day, Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge, Winter Challenge, Student Video Contest and other projects/activities as directed by the direction of TMO’s Executive Director and Strategic Plan
• Collect and integrate feedback to improve initiatives in response to educator needs and consultation with TMO Board of Directors and Teacher Advisory Committee
• Participate in strategic planning processes and yearly reviews, including synthesizing information into annual impact reports and similar grant reporting requirements
• Co-host seasonal virtual workshop series alongside organizational partners to engage educators in a variety of outdoor learning topics and resource connections

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDING REVIEW

• Develop and maintain reciprocal relationships with organizational partners through meetings and communications, including specific collaborations, working groups, and steering committees where relevant
• Research funding/grant options for TMO (grants, fundraising, wage subsidies, etc.), track timelines, and oversee application processes
• Maintain an up-to-date funding document outlining timelines, eligibility, requirements and other considerations for funding TMO’s operations and initiatives
• Explore partnership opportunities as agreed with the ED; build and maintain partner / supporter / funder relationships

COMMUNICATIONS

• Prepare and circulate monthly newsletter to TMO’s general audience
• Manage contacts to ensure Mailchimp contacts as current as possible
• Coordinate campaigns to engage TMO’s current contacts and bring in new audience members through a multipronged approach using Mailchimp and social media
• Work collaboratively within the team to plan engaging and relevant social media content, both around specific TMO events, and to help promote similar initiatives and relevant other info (eg. new research)
• Stay updated on partner events and initiatives to help promote via TMO’s communication channels (ie. website, newsletter, social media)
• Oversee communications plans, media kits, etc. for larger events such as Take Me Outside Day

ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET

• Regularly and consistently monitor TMO e-mails, responding or forwarding as needed
• Ensure board member and staff information is up to date on the website and internally
• Support the annual budgeting process and quarterly reviews as needed
• Keep TMO website relevant and up to date, conducting audits and recommending changes where needed

Requirements:

• Must provide your own workspace with reliable internet based from your home location.
• Regular weekday availability, ie. the ability to be online during regular working hours from Mon—Fri (with some flexibility)
• Be legally able to work in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident.

Desired Competencies:

• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to express ideas openly and honestly with staff and partners. An active listener.
• Self-Management: Self-directed, motivated, and resourceful. Able to work independently and maintain own work schedule. Takes initiative and can self manage. Has good attention to detail and superior organizational skills.
• Digital Proficiency: Comfortable with learning and using digital tools efficiently and effectively for communication and connection.
• Inclusive Attitude: Adaptable and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Values and embraces differences.
• Creative: Innovative problem solver. Open minded and adaptable. Passionate storyteller.

Assets:

• French-language skills: Ability to translate communications and potentially co-host workshops in French would be an asset.
• Education background: BEd and/or some combination of experience in the education system with familiarity in outdoor learning principles
• Specific platform experience: MailChimp, WordPress, Quickbooks, and/or Google suite

Additional info:

• Location: Remote – anywhere within Canada. Please note your location in your application.
• Term: 1 year contract, with possibility for extension based on performance and funding.
• Hours: 35 hours per week, most of which must occur during daytime weekdays.
• Annual Salary Range: $56,000 – $62,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Application Deadline: Please apply by Tues April 30th.

To Apply:

Send your cover letter and resume as a single PDF file with subject referencing the job title and your full name to info@takemeoutside.ca by Tuesday April 30th. Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this posting is taken down.

Within our small team, Take Me Outside is committed to fostering an inclusive organization which reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. All qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to apply and are welcome to identify any accessibility needs required during the selection process. We specially encourage applications from folks who are from historically marginalized cultures and backgrounds, racialized communities, or those with diverse sexual and gender identities, and physical or mental abilities. You may self-identify if you wish to do so.