Youth Education Programs

Position: Youth Education Coordinator
Organization: B.C. Wildlife Federation – Youth Programs
Location: Surrey, Metro Vancouver BC

Role Details

• Department: Education and Volunteer Engagement (EVE)
• Start Date: November 18, 2024
• Reports to: Director of Education and Volunteer Engagement
• Direct Reports: Camp Leaders, EVE Intern, Educators (as needed), CCC Interns
• Oversight of: Wild Kidz, Go Wild, NASP, Classroom Education
• Sub reports: Volunteers, Basic Archery Instructor Trainers (BAITs)
• Salary: $50,000
• Compensation: Extended benefits package available upon successful completion of 3-month probationary period.

Job Overview

The Education and Volunteer Engagement department (EVE) ensures the long-term recruitment and retainment of B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) members and volunteers. The department delivers programs focused on children, youth, families, and volunteerism to promote sustainable membership growth. Programs such as Wild Kidz, Go Wild, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®), Classroom Education, and Gently Down the Seymour are opportunities for children, youth, and families to engage with the BCWF through education and play – increasing awareness of the BCWF and interest in membership. Fishing Forever, and volunteer events inspire members and the public to actively participate in environmental conservation through BCWF programs, projects, initiatives, and events. These engagement opportunities add value to BCWF membership, promoting new memberships and member retainment.

The Youth Education Coordinator oversees the Classroom Education program, the Wild Kidz and Go Wild camp programs, and the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®). The Youth Education Coordinator will occasionally participate in outreach events at tradeshows, festivals, or community events. When needed, this position will also support the Engagement, Women Outdoor, and CORE/Learn-to-Hunt program coordinators under the EVE Department. The prime directive of the position is to provide high quality nature and recreation-based education to the youth of British Columbia and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

Core Responsibilities

Program Development and Management

• Oversee the execution of Wild Kidz, Go Wild, the National Archery in the Schools Program, and Classroom Education.
• Supervise and support staff including but not limited to Camp Leaders, Educators, Interns, and volunteers.
• Create and maintain annual program charters and timelines.
• Develop program schedules for Wild Kidz and Go Wild camps, as well as other program days.
• Lead the hiring process for seasonal EVE staff.
• Facilitate training sessions for seasonal EVE staff.
• Develop new programs, presentations and activities for camps and in-school programs as needed.
• Link programs to B.C. school curriculum.
• Review competing conservation and outdoor education programs to make recommendations to improve reach and quality of BCWF programs.
• Work with host clubs and their youth program leaders to increase youth involvement and develop suggested activities, events, and supportive materials such as lesson plans or templates.

Program Delivery

• Oversee the minimum annual delivery of …
  • 12 NASP® Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) courses.
  • 5 Classroom Education programs.
  • 5 Wild Kidz day camps.
  • 3 outreach events.
  • 1 Go Wild overnight camp.
  • 1 NASP® Provincial Tournament.
  • 1 NASP® Basic Archery Instructor Trainer (BAIT) course (every 2 years).
• National Archery in the Schools Program
  • Receive and maintain NASP® BAIT certification.
  • Conduct BAI courses.
  • Expand NASP®’s reach within BC schools and other organizations.
  • Establish community archery programs/partnerships with local organizations.
  • Support BC BAITs in running BAI courses.
• Classroom Education
  • Lead classroom programs as necessary.
  • Coordinate with schools and other youth groups to facilitate programs.
  • Develop program fee structure.
• Wild Kidz & Go Wild Camps
  • Deliver camp education programs alongside Educators, Interns, Camp Leaders and volunteers.
  • Conduct site visits or research when needed for new locations.
  • Establish connections with partner clubs and community groups.
• Outreach Events
  • Represent BCWF at tradeshows, conventions, meetings, conferences, etc.
  • Collaborate and assist the Marketing and Communications department with event coordination.

Administration and Reporting

• Track revenue and expenses for program budgets.
• Oversee online registration for Wild Kidz, Go Wild, the National Archery in the Schools Program, and Classroom Education.
• Track yearly participation and engagement of Wild Kidz, Go Wild, the National Archery in the Schools Program, and Classroom Education.
• Submit annual program reports.
• Set, record, analyze, and report measured outcomes for Wild Kidz, Go Wild, the National Archery in the Schools Program, and Classroom Education.
• Procure and ensure the maintenance of physical supplies and equipment.
• Research and connect with guest speakers for programs and events.
• Develop and report on evaluation surveys for programs.
• Organize travel logistics for staff, campers, and guests.
• Manage and update Youth Calendar with events and important dates.
• Other duties related to EVE or other BCWF departments as required which includes, but is not limited to procurement of materials, design of outreach materials or learning modules, data collection, management, and analysis, and/or field work (e.g., invasive species removal, native species planting, collecting biological monitoring data, etc.).

Marketing and Communication

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote Wild Kidz, Go Wild, the National Archery in the Schools Program, and Classroom Education.
• Communicate and meet with different rightsholders (e.g., grantors, sponsors, donors, members, parents, teachers, etc.).
• Develop information packages for parents, grantors, sponsors, and other rightsholders.
• Compose Youth and NASP newsletters.
• Prepare and support social media posts (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.), advertisements, posters, blogs, and newsletters to highlight program and project successes.
• Update content on youth program webpages.

• Create email campaigns regarding programs and events.

Member Recruitment and Engagement

• Collaborate with all BCWF departments and staff to recruit and engage members.
• Develop, apply, and execute procedures, policies, and strategies to promote member recruitment, retainment, and engagement in and outside EVE programs.
• Set and achieve targets for new memberships and engagement within EVE programs.

Grant and Fund Development

• Secure program funding through registrations, grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Research grants and funding opportunities for EVE and other BCWF departments/programs.
• Write, assist, and collaborate on grants and other funding opportunities for EVE programs.
• Seek out sponsorship opportunities for EVE and other BCWF departments/programs when applicable.
• Track grant/funding milestones (i.e., interim reports, invoicing, receivable funds, etc.)
• Submit program reports and measure outcomes for grantors and sponsors.
• Foster, maintain, and grow relationships with grantors, sponsors, donors, and other program funders.

Competencies and Skills

Work Experience:

• 2+ years experience working in general education or environmental education.
• 1+ years experience working with not-for-profit organizations.
• 1+ years experience working in a supervisory role.

Education:

• Completion of post-secondary education in a relevant field such as Education, Sciences, Political Science, Economics, English, or Communications. Other fields are welcome but please be advised we may inquire how your education is relevant to this role.
• A combination of work experience and education will be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Suitable Candidates…

• Must have a strong personal alignment with BCWF’s mission, goals, and values (applicants are strongly encouraged to review our website for further details on these topics).
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a professional demeanor and a positive attitude.
• Must be extremely well organized, flexible, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Must be a self-starter, capable of working well independently as well as within a dynamic, multi-faceted team environment.
• Must be able to keep strict confidentiality and sign an oath of confidentiality.
• Must be capable of lifting objects of up to 40 pounds.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours, where necessary, to accommodate activities and events of the Federation.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in natural spaces, occasionally in adverse weather conditions for program delivery (e.g. camping, hiking, etc.), and be able to travel throughout B.C. for an extended period of time (e.g. up to 20 days).
• Must have a valid B.C. driver’s license and on-going access to a vehicle.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, a person whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or be legally able to work in Canada via work permit and visa. Applicants must and have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be eligible to work in B.C.
• Must complete a Provincial Criminal Record check for working with youth and vulnerable adults.

Experience:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive, etc.).
• Proficiency with social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Expertise in developing novel and innovative youth programs.
• Expertise in managing a team of staff.
• Expertise in volunteer recruitment and management.
• Expertise in securing grants and fundraising.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)

To apply, please send a single PDF file combined cover letter and resume to youth@bcwf.bc.ca .

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

For more information, you may contact:
Elyssa Weickert
Youth Education Coordinator
B.C. Wildlife Federation
E: youth@bcwf.bc.ca
T: 604-882-9988 ext. 303

We kindly ask that applications be sent by email only (no fax or mail applications please). Due to the high number of applications, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in the B.C. Wildlife Federation. For other career opportunities, please visit our website – http://www.bcwf.bc.ca/current-opportunities/