Summer Bridge Program Director - Outdoor Education
The Princeton-Blairstown Center (PBC) is a 113-year-old non-profit that serves young people, primarily from historically marginalized communities, by nurturing their social-emotional skills through experiential, environmental, and adventure-based programming. on a 268-acre campus. The Summer Bridge Director (SBD) is responsible for implementing and overseeing PBC’s award-winning Summer Bridge Program, including hiring, training, and supervising staff; implementation of interdisciplinary academic curriculum (STEM/Literacy/SEL) as well as associated adventure-based programming at the Blairstown Campus and in Newark and Trenton, NJ. This position involves training, monitoring, and motivating all summer staff to efficiently deliver high quality programming in a safe and culturally responsive manner.
SUMMARY: Working in conjunction with the Director of Programs, the Summer Bridge Director is responsible for designing and implementing the Princeton-Blairstown Center’s (PBC) Summer Bridge Program. This includes hiring, training, and supervising staff, specifically the Summer Bridge Instructors and Facilitators, and the Assistant Coordinator. The Summer Bridge Director is also responsible for the safe and effective implementation of PBC’s interdisciplinary academic curriculum (STEM/Literacy/SEL) as well as associated adventure-based experiential education programming at the Blairstown Campus and off-site locations. This position involves training, monitoring, and motivating all PBC summer staff to efficiently deliver high quality programming in a safe and culturally responsive manner. The Summer Bridge Director demonstrates good character, champions equity and diversity, and creates a safe/brave space for staff and participants to grow through experiential learning.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Design and implement the Summer Bridge program model serving up to 360 young people from Newark and Trenton, New Jersey.
- Utilize program evaluation forms, chaperone feedback, survey data, and the debrief process to make and ensure continuous quality improvements.
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise Assistant Coordinator and Summer Bridge Instructors/Facilitators, as well as any other assigned staff.
- Provide weekly supervision meetings, on-going observation and coaching, and mid-season and end of-season written evaluations for Assistant Coordinator and Summer Bridge Instructors/Facilitators.
- Take a lead role in the coordination, development, and implementation of Summer Bridge staff orientation, on-boarding, and training.
- Communicate and manage relationships with Summer Bridge program partners and other related stakeholders.
- Perform statistical, narrative, and record keeping duties as required including data entry.
- Conduct end of program debrief and write Summer Bridge report, documenting the program, related outcomes, and strengths/areas for growth.
- Perform other program-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must possess or be working toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Experience working with children and adolescents in education, youth development, and/or experiential education settings.
- Program development experience or documented training and experience leading/developing and or facilitating low and high ropes courses, canoeing, backpacking, expeditions, or rock climbing.
- Experience in the area of risk management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Outstanding customer service skills, group facilitation skills, and logistical planning experience required.
- Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.
- First Aid, CPR, and/or ARC Lifeguard certification preferred.
- Able to work well with a team of others.
- Able to work long hours, including evenings and weekends in high stress conditions.
- Able to live and work in both outdoor places and urban spaces.
- Able to lift and carry up to 40 plus pounds for extended periods at a time while backpacking.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders in a multi-cultural environment.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, professionalism, a commitment to lead by example, and dedication to the mission of Princeton-Blairstown Center.
- Valid driver’s license required, along with two years of driving experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Compensation: $800/week plus room and board (valued at $330/week). Flexible start date (June 14th preferred). BIPOC are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note - full COVID vaccination series should be completed prior to start.
Please have 3 references submit an online reference form by clicking on the green "Apply Externally" button.
For more information please contact Mark DeBiasse at mdebiasse@princetonblairstown.org or 908-362-6765 x4