POSITION SUMMARY
The Community Ecology Institute (CEI) seeks an experienced and dynamic Program Manager to lead our Green Seeds Internship Program, a workforce development and experiential learning initiative that empowers high school and college students through hands-on environmental education, leadership development, community service, and career exploration.
This role is responsible for the program strategy, implementation, and evaluation of the Green Seeds Internship Program. The manager serves as the primary mentor and program leader for interns while building partnerships with schools, colleges, community organizations, and employers to create meaningful pathways into environmental, agricultural, sustainability, education, and community development careers.
The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, environmental education, equity, and community engagement, with demonstrated experience managing educational programs and working directly with young people.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership and Development
- Lead the vision, planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Green Seeds Program.
- Develop annual goals, learning outcomes, and program metrics aligned with CEI's mission and strategic priorities.
- Design engaging educational experiences that integrate environmental stewardship, sustainability, food systems, community leadership, and workforce readiness.
- Ensure programming remains responsive to participant needs, community priorities, seasonal opportunities, and organizational goals.
- Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Recruitment and Outreach
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract diverse and talented youth participants.
- Build relationships with local high schools, colleges, universities, workforce development organizations, and community partners.
- Advance CEI's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through intentional outreach and participant support.
- Coordinate application, interview, selection, onboarding, and orientation processes.
Intern Engagement and Mentorship
- Serve as the primary point of contact for interns throughout the program experience.
- Facilitate orientation sessions, trainings, workshops, and leadership development activities.
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development support.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.
- Support interns in developing workplace skills, environmental literacy, leadership capacity, and career readiness.
Program Operations
- Coordinate intern schedules, projects, assignments, and program logistics.
- Manage participant records, attendance, evaluations, and program documentation.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and youth safety standards.
- Oversee program materials, supplies, equipment, and resource needs.
Community Partnerships
- Cultivate relationships with community organizations, educators, employers, government agencies, and nonprofit partners.
- Identify opportunities for service-learning projects, field experiences, guest speakers, and career exploration activities.
- Represent CEI and the Green Seeds Program at community events, meetings, and outreach opportunities.
Evaluation and Impact Measurement
- Develop systems for collecting participant feedback and measuring program outcomes.
- Track participation, retention, educational outcomes, and workforce development impacts.
- Prepare reports, success stories, and impact summaries for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
- Use evaluation findings to strengthen program quality and effectiveness.
Grant and Resource Development
- Collaborate with CEI staff on grant research, proposal development, reporting, and stewardship activities.
- Contribute program data, participant stories, and impact metrics for funding opportunities.
- Assist in developing annual program budgets and managing program expenditures.
- Identify opportunities for sponsorships, partnerships, and resource support.
Communications and Marketing
- Collaborate with CEI's communications team to promote the Green Seeds Program.
- Create content that highlights participant experiences, program achievements, and community impact.
- Maintain regular communication with interns, families, educators, and community partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in education, environmental studies, sustainability, nonprofit management, youth development, community engagement, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience coordinating educational, youth development, internship, workforce development, or community programs.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with diverse youth populations and community stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
- Commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and community engagement.
- Ability to pass a background check.
Preferred
- Experience in environmental education, outdoor learning, agriculture, conservation, or sustainability programming.
- Experience supervising interns, volunteers, or youth participants.
- Grant writing or grant management experience.
- Familiarity with workforce development and career readiness programming.
- Experience collecting and analyzing program evaluation data.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in outdoor environments during varying weather conditions.
- Ability to walk uneven terrain and participate in outdoor educational activities.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION
This is a part-time, year-round position requiring approximately fourteen [14] hours per week at $31.67/hour. This role may include a combination of weekday, evening, and occasional weekend hours based on program needs, events, and seasonal activities.
BENEFITS:
- Generous paid time off
- Professional development support
- Optional participation in CEI’s benefits package; 100% employee paid
TO APPLY:
Submit a cover letter and resume via Indeed by July 31.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- A thriving Green Seeds Program that engages diverse youth participants annually.
- Strong participant retention, satisfaction, and educational outcomes.
- Meaningful community partnerships and expanded workforce development opportunities.
- Demonstrated growth in intern leadership, environmental literacy, and career readiness.
- Sustainable funding and measurable community impact aligned with CEI's mission.
Pay: $30.00 - $31.67 per hour
Work Location: In person
