Salish Sea Expeditions
Director of Program Outreach
Salish Sea Expeditions Salish Sea Expeditions develops curiosity and confidence through student-led scientific research and adventure on the waters of the Salish Sea
Salish Sea Expeditions 647 Horizon View Pl. N.W. Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
phone: 206.780.7848 email: [email protected] www.salish.org
Director of Program Outreach Salish Sea Expeditions Organizational Overview Children are born with a natural curiosity about the world around them. By ninth grade, however, there is a documented decline in science achievement, and curiosity has faded or been transformed into apprehension or disinterest. This problem is evidenced by the fact that two-thirds of Washington’s 8th and 10th graders failed the state science exam (WASL) for the last four years that the test was delivered, which is consistent with nationwide trends. Furthermore, only half as many girls as boys show an interest in science in 8th grade, while in the 4th grade the two genders recorded equal interest. By inspiring young and curious minds, we will promote scientific literacy in Puget Sound’s youth, and by exposing them to the complexities of the marine ecosystem, build lasting stewardship. Salish Sea Expeditions was founded to develop curiosity and confidence through student-led scientific research and adventure on the waters of the Salish Sea. Our boat-based educational programs encourage leadership development, a sense of curiosity and empowerment in students as they design and carry out multi-day scientific research projects aboard a 61’ sailing research vessel. Now celebrating our 15th year of programs, we’ve built a reputation for providing outstanding inquiry-based science education programs, and have been recognized by our peers as a leader in this pedagogical method. On our boat-based programs, Salish provides voyages of discovery for up to 600 students annually from 30 schools and organizations; 75% of all programs serve public schools and 25% receive additional cost subsidies to ensure that our programs are accessible to schools of all demographics. In 2008 and 2010, Salish received federal grants through NOAA’s B-WET program. (We were one of just five awardees in the Northwest Region’s inaugural year of this important program.) The grants support our expanded Sound and Source program, enabling us to support up to 1250 students annually in on-shore research of their own design focusing on the watersheds that feed into Puget Sound, and specifically on issues related to stormwater. Salish Sea Expeditions is at a particularly exciting time in our organizational development. For the last several program seasons, demand for our programs has exceeded our capacity. We anticipate this interest to continue with the growing public awareness of the shortcomings in science education and the need to keep children connected to nature, as well as the Washington state initiative focused on restoring the Sound’s health by 2020. As a result, Salish’s strategic plan calls for adding our vessel capacity, enabling us to double our spring and fall capacity and launch a summer program. Salish Sea Expeditions Director of Program Outreach - Job Announcement
June 2011 www.salish.org
Position Summary Salish Sea Expeditions seeks a Director of Program Outreach with a passion for education and an unwavering belief in the power of exceptional learning experiences for youth. Leading many aspects of educational programs, the Director will support the vision, planning and implementation of our current programs, our expanded program offerings through our Sound and Source programs, as well any future summer offerings that a second vessel could afford. As a member of a small yet highly dedicated and engaged staff and board, the Director must be a team player with a cooperative and collaborative style. The successful candidate will serve as an external programmatic voice for Salish, effectively communicating with teachers, parents, students, school administrators and the education/boating/scientific/environmental communities. The position has great growth potential, including opportunities in fundraising, and program, curriculum and evaluation development. Salish is committed to providing an outstanding work environment, highlighted by a resourceful, talented and collegial team, flexible work hours, and a mission-driven spirit. The position reports to the Executive Director. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership • Recruit and schedule up to 30 research expeditions and Sound and Source projects annually in accordance with strategic plan, mission and program budget • Create and implement Outreach and Marketing strategy to ensure long established traditions of full program enrollment with target students groups • Develop and manage scheduling expedition calendar as well as pre and post expedition classroom visits • Develop, implement, analyze, report and respond to teacher and student evaluation of program • Oversee admissions process for schools, including development of supporting materials for teachers and students • Serve as Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Student Research on Puget Sound • Lead coordination of the Salish Sea Student Student Science Symposium • Oversee risk and crisis management procedures and policies; ensure educators, staff and board are prepared for response • Engage with Board of Directors and serve as staff liaison on board committees (e.g. education, risk, vessel and science). • Explore opportunities for creative and innovative summer programs. • Support the processes to recruit, hire, train, support and inspire educators, including both marine scientists, watershed specialists and boat crew • With Program Director, support the design and implementation of staff trainings. Communication and Outreach • Build relationships/alliances with complementary educational, maritime, and research institutions • Prepare for and participate in visits with supporting foundations and key donors • Communicate the Salish program and vision with parents, students • Contribute articles to and help in Salish communication and outreach materials • Cultivate relationships with teachers, schools and school districts Salish Sea Expeditions Director of Program Outreach - Job Announcement
June 2011 www.salish.org
•
Share in grant proposal formulation and writing, as well as data collection and reporting for subsequent reports.
Budgeting and Fiscal Oversight • Create and manage annual program revenue budget, including scholarship allocation. Ideal Skills and Experience • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the poise, polish and self-confidence to make a strong and favorable impression with teachers, parents, students, staff, board and funders. • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate the value of educational experiences. • Significant experience and love for teaching 5th-12th grade students (classroom and/or field). Boatbased teaching and/or research, and outdoor/environmental education experience desirable • Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Science, Marine Science or related field, or 3+ years relevant experience • Confidence in and proven ability to market and sell programs • Strong commitment to organizational mission, with desire to participate in all aspects of organizational growth and program development Hours and Compensation Full time, 40 hours per week, with additional hours as needed on weekends or during the program season. Competitive wage and benefits package. Creative employment opportunities may be considered. APPLICATION PROCESS Candidate review will be ongoing with process starting July 8, 2011; early submissions are encouraged. Please email resume and cover letter to [email protected] (SUBJECT: DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OUTREACH) addressed to Stephen Streufert, Executive Director. The 1-2 page cover letter should explain a) what experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for the position, b) why the position is the preferred next step in your career, and c) why the mission and educational model of Salish Sea Expeditions appeals to you. Further questions may be directed to this email address.
Salish Sea Expeditions Director of Program Outreach - Job Announcement
June 2011 www.salish.org
Salish Sea Expeditions Salish Sea Expeditions develops curiosity and confidence through student-led scientific research and adventure on the waters of the Salish Sea
Salish Sea Expeditions 647 Horizon View Pl. N.W. Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
phone: 206.780.7848 email: [email protected] www.salish.org
Director of Program Outreach Salish Sea Expeditions Organizational Overview Children are born with a natural curiosity about the world around them. By ninth grade, however, there is a documented decline in science achievement, and curiosity has faded or been transformed into apprehension or disinterest. This problem is evidenced by the fact that two-thirds of Washington’s 8th and 10th graders failed the state science exam (WASL) for the last four years that the test was delivered, which is consistent with nationwide trends. Furthermore, only half as many girls as boys show an interest in science in 8th grade, while in the 4th grade the two genders recorded equal interest. By inspiring young and curious minds, we will promote scientific literacy in Puget Sound’s youth, and by exposing them to the complexities of the marine ecosystem, build lasting stewardship. Salish Sea Expeditions was founded to develop curiosity and confidence through student-led scientific research and adventure on the waters of the Salish Sea. Our boat-based educational programs encourage leadership development, a sense of curiosity and empowerment in students as they design and carry out multi-day scientific research projects aboard a 61’ sailing research vessel. Now celebrating our 15th year of programs, we’ve built a reputation for providing outstanding inquiry-based science education programs, and have been recognized by our peers as a leader in this pedagogical method. On our boat-based programs, Salish provides voyages of discovery for up to 600 students annually from 30 schools and organizations; 75% of all programs serve public schools and 25% receive additional cost subsidies to ensure that our programs are accessible to schools of all demographics. In 2008 and 2010, Salish received federal grants through NOAA’s B-WET program. (We were one of just five awardees in the Northwest Region’s inaugural year of this important program.) The grants support our expanded Sound and Source program, enabling us to support up to 1250 students annually in on-shore research of their own design focusing on the watersheds that feed into Puget Sound, and specifically on issues related to stormwater. Salish Sea Expeditions is at a particularly exciting time in our organizational development. For the last several program seasons, demand for our programs has exceeded our capacity. We anticipate this interest to continue with the growing public awareness of the shortcomings in science education and the need to keep children connected to nature, as well as the Washington state initiative focused on restoring the Sound’s health by 2020. As a result, Salish’s strategic plan calls for adding our vessel capacity, enabling us to double our spring and fall capacity and launch a summer program. Salish Sea Expeditions Director of Program Outreach - Job Announcement
June 2011 www.salish.org
Position Summary Salish Sea Expeditions seeks a Director of Program Outreach with a passion for education and an unwavering belief in the power of exceptional learning experiences for youth. Leading many aspects of educational programs, the Director will support the vision, planning and implementation of our current programs, our expanded program offerings through our Sound and Source programs, as well any future summer offerings that a second vessel could afford. As a member of a small yet highly dedicated and engaged staff and board, the Director must be a team player with a cooperative and collaborative style. The successful candidate will serve as an external programmatic voice for Salish, effectively communicating with teachers, parents, students, school administrators and the education/boating/scientific/environmental communities. The position has great growth potential, including opportunities in fundraising, and program, curriculum and evaluation development. Salish is committed to providing an outstanding work environment, highlighted by a resourceful, talented and collegial team, flexible work hours, and a mission-driven spirit. The position reports to the Executive Director. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership • Recruit and schedule up to 30 research expeditions and Sound and Source projects annually in accordance with strategic plan, mission and program budget • Create and implement Outreach and Marketing strategy to ensure long established traditions of full program enrollment with target students groups • Develop and manage scheduling expedition calendar as well as pre and post expedition classroom visits • Develop, implement, analyze, report and respond to teacher and student evaluation of program • Oversee admissions process for schools, including development of supporting materials for teachers and students • Serve as Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Student Research on Puget Sound • Lead coordination of the Salish Sea Student Student Science Symposium • Oversee risk and crisis management procedures and policies; ensure educators, staff and board are prepared for response • Engage with Board of Directors and serve as staff liaison on board committees (e.g. education, risk, vessel and science). • Explore opportunities for creative and innovative summer programs. • Support the processes to recruit, hire, train, support and inspire educators, including both marine scientists, watershed specialists and boat crew • With Program Director, support the design and implementation of staff trainings. Communication and Outreach • Build relationships/alliances with complementary educational, maritime, and research institutions • Prepare for and participate in visits with supporting foundations and key donors • Communicate the Salish program and vision with parents, students • Contribute articles to and help in Salish communication and outreach materials • Cultivate relationships with teachers, schools and school districts Salish Sea Expeditions Director of Program Outreach - Job Announcement
June 2011 www.salish.org
•
Share in grant proposal formulation and writing, as well as data collection and reporting for subsequent reports.
Budgeting and Fiscal Oversight • Create and manage annual program revenue budget, including scholarship allocation. Ideal Skills and Experience • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the poise, polish and self-confidence to make a strong and favorable impression with teachers, parents, students, staff, board and funders. • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate the value of educational experiences. • Significant experience and love for teaching 5th-12th grade students (classroom and/or field). Boatbased teaching and/or research, and outdoor/environmental education experience desirable • Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Science, Marine Science or related field, or 3+ years relevant experience • Confidence in and proven ability to market and sell programs • Strong commitment to organizational mission, with desire to participate in all aspects of organizational growth and program development Hours and Compensation Full time, 40 hours per week, with additional hours as needed on weekends or during the program season. Competitive wage and benefits package. Creative employment opportunities may be considered. APPLICATION PROCESS Candidate review will be ongoing with process starting July 8, 2011; early submissions are encouraged. Please email resume and cover letter to [email protected] (SUBJECT: DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OUTREACH) addressed to Stephen Streufert, Executive Director. The 1-2 page cover letter should explain a) what experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for the position, b) why the position is the preferred next step in your career, and c) why the mission and educational model of Salish Sea Expeditions appeals to you. Further questions may be directed to this email address.
Salish Sea Expeditions Director of Program Outreach - Job Announcement
June 2011 www.salish.org
