Mission: The Woods Project’s mission is to create wilderness education and exploration experiences that develop critical behaviors needed for disadvantaged students to achieve success in school and life.
Fellowship Term: September 1, 2015 – June 1, 2016 (with potential to transition into a permanent position upon completion of term)
Job Summary: The Club Program Fellow will be responsible for implementing TWP’s year-round programming at the school level. Fellows will be responsible for teaching weekly clubs and serving as the primary representative of The Woods Project at those schools. The curriculum for the club program promotes a bigger vision of the world and includes projects related to outdoor skills, environmental studies and leadership training. Students learn everything from Leave No Trace principles to how to work as a team to conquer everyday challenges. Fellows are also expected to help lead overnight weekend trips in the fall and spring. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, experience and a desire for working with youth, a passion for the outdoors and will be a strong team player.
Compensation: Fellow will earn a monthly stipend of $1,750 and will be eligible to receive a $4,000 education award to apply towards a student loan payment or towards future tuition upon successful completion of the fellowship.
General Responsibilities:
- Personally represent TWP and our mission as mentors and teachers at a weekly class for approximately 20 high school students.
- Recruit and build and maintain a mentor relationship with students.
- Collaborate on curriculum development to improve current lesson plans and create new ones to further TWP’s mission.
- Engage students in local service/stewardship projects during club.
- Introduce students to outdoor/environmental knowledge and skills and life and leadership skills; and any unique expertise or skills that an instructor brings to the table.
- Develop strong relationship and meet regularly with school leaders.
- Insure that school partnership proceeds smoothly. Assist school leader with paperwork and trip sign-up.
- Promote TWP weekend and summer trips at schools to recruit new students.
- Take part in leadership of at least three weekend events in both spring and fall.
- Assist with all TWP events, including fundraising and student centered events.
- Be the leads on logistics issues for weekend events.
- Coordinate effectively with other TWP personnel.
- Other duties as assigned
Gear Responsibilities:
- Responsible for maintaining gear warehouse, including coordinating gear usage and return.
- Insure that gear is in fully operable condition, order new gear when needed.
- Develop and maintain gear check-out and return system, including gear quality checking.
- Maintain gear database and inventory, re-structure if needed.
- Maintain relationship with warehouse personnel.
- Enhance the experiences of TWP volunteers.
Outreach Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with TWP volunteers in order to increase volunteer engagement.
- Update and improve volunteer orientation materials as necessary.
- Recruit volunteers for specific events and activities that fit their skillsets.
- Maintain and deepen relationships with alumni.
- Involve alumni in TWP events as may be reasonable.
- Maintain database of volunteers and alumni.
- Insure that positive relationships are maintained with alumni and volunteers.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree required
- Knowledge of and interest in outdoor education and character development
- Experience working with youth in a mentorship role
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral
- Must be a self-starter and able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Passionate about our mission and excited about participating in overnight weekend trips
To apply, send cover letter and resume to katie@thewoodsproject.org and include “Club Program Fellow” in the subject line.