Visiting Programs Coordinator

Overview

The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our High School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in conjunction with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research and sustainable development at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, our research and innovation hub. We are reimagining what education is for, and redesigning how education is delivered. 

Our Visiting Programs department is a dual role of Short Courses and Summer Term. The Visiting Programs department hosts schools from the Bahamas, United States, Canada, and abroad for 3-10 day programs at the Island School. Our Visiting Programs short courses instill within group members a sense of place and leadership that enables them to make meaningful changes in their own communities. Short courses focus on sustainable energy, ongoing environmental research, marine ecology, local outreach, and various aspects of personal development. 

Summer Term is the flagship Island School program offering a residential immersive 45-day experience on Eleuthera for approximately 60 high school sophomores and juniors. Our Visiting Program staff have experience in experiential education in addition to a focus in a specific academic discipline.

Job Summary

We seek educators with a demonstrated career commitment to experiential education and a love for teaching and learning. Visiting Program Coordinators are contracted year round and have a dual role in supporting and leading educational programming for our short course program and our 45-day residential Summer Term. 

Short course programs offer students the ability to step outside of their comfort zones and become immersed in our diverse island community. During our short course programs, Program Coordinators are responsible for coordinating with trip planners and chaperones to organize and plan a tailored trip experience, and then deliver programming when students arrive. Program Coordinators are also team leaders when their assigned school arrives, leading the Visiting Programs team as we deliver programs to the visiting group. 

During the Summer Term, the primary responsibility of the Program Coordinator is to support students in a residential setting. Program Coordinators will pivot to become lead teachers and deliver thoughtful, interdisciplinary coursework in their area of expertise. In addition, faculty are fully immersed in the daily operation of the school; from early morning exercise, to classes, to off-campus expeditions and weekend activities. Our teachers pursue opportunities to guide students in making connections between coursework and life in the community, with the goal of solving real problems and creating new understandings. This includes advising a group of students, engaging in the morning exercise program, doing chores alongside students, leading student activities, and other duties associated with running a residential program in a remote setting. Additionally, teachers lead or assist expeditions, assist with SCUBA or boat driving, contribute to our community outreach program, and support a medical response team in a wilderness setting. 

This position requires the ability to work long hours with a close-knit group of peers and live in an isolated community. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to get valuable experience in organizing and delivering experiential learning programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, create and maintain program curriculum and resources to continue enhancing the Visiting Programs short courses
• Design, create and maintain program curriculum and resources to continue enhancing The Island School Summer Term
• Lead teacher or support teacher role for The Island School Summer Term 
• Execute logistics to run successful educational programs, including coordinating with chaperones  (primary, secondary, high school, university, adult)
• Teach basic courses in marine ecology, sustainable living, leadership and research
• Serve as an instructor for tours on campus and around the island including snorkeling, biking, camping, hiking, and community outreach
• Create and deliver morning exercise programs
• Assist in care and maintenance of Visiting Programs shared equipment including, tents, kayaks, dorm supplies and bicycles
• Oversee the well-being of students and their chaperones/instructors
• Contribute to the daily functions and operations of our campus community (chores, farm, wetlab, dish crew, etc.)

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Skills and Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education 

• Bachelor's Degree in outdoor education, expeditions, marine biology, biology, environmental science, environmental studies or a related field
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in outdoor education or other educational field

Skills

• Driver’s License
• Swimming - Demonstrated snorkeling and swimming ability
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to adhere to a structured schedule and maintain an organized work environment
• Excellent leadership skills and demonstrated positive team influence
• Adaptability to last-minute schedule changes
• Effective at verbal communication at all levels with clients, parents and team members
• Detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple projects at once

Computer Skills 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets)

Adaptability 

• Able to survive and thrive in a small, tight-knit, green, sustainable campus community, located in a remote part of The Bahamas with a “can-do” attitude to address challenges and opportunities of such a place.
• Commitment to the wider mission and values of The Cape Eleuthera Island School

Preferred Certifications/Abilities

• Previous experience using Salesforce CRM
• Previous experience driving a manual vehicle
• Lifeguard or swimming instruction experience or qualifications 
• First Aid - Wilderness First Responder or higher
• SCUBA - Preferably a Divemaster or Instructor 
• RYA Powerboat Level II Certification

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Accommodation and utilities
• On-campus meals when dining hall is open
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Dental reimbursement up to $300
• Life insurance
• 10 paid vacation days
• 7 paid sick days
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities

Schedule

This is a full-time position with annual review.  The Island School operates year-round and working hours vary depending on needs. The Visiting Programs team works a variable schedule including early morning, evening, and weekend work, but working hours are typically limited to 40-hour work weeks.  Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on-site for extended periods.  The successful candidate should expect, and desire to work a variable and mission-driven schedule.

Application

Applicants should submit the following in PDF format to https://ceis.bamboohr.com/hiring/jobs 

Letter of application that states career interests, why you would like to work for Cape Eleuthera Island School and your relevant experience and qualifications for the position

• Current resume
• Three references (to include name, address, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicant's work

Anticipated start date mid-September (exact date TBD)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and job posting will remain open until the job is filled. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Accommodation and utilities
• On-campus meals when dining hall is open
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Dental reimbursement up to $300
• Life insurance
• 10 paid vacation days
• 7 paid sick days
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities