Assistant Director

About POST 84:

POST 84 is a student-led organization that operates mainly out of central and south Seattle. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and one of the largest student-run organizations in Washington. We run an average of 16-18 trips a year (approx. 52 days in total) ranging from 12-120 students per trip, primarily from Seattle Public Schools. Our trips teach skills ranging from setting up camping tents to rock climbing. We introduce students to the outdoors, and challenge students to step out of their comfort zone. Across the program, we strive to empower students who otherwise wouldn’t or couldn’t engage with the outdoors.

POST is a primarily volunteer-run program led by high school students with support from a board of community members, as well as a team of three paid adult staff (one full-time Executive Director and two part-time Assistant Directors).

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director’s main responsibility is working with the Executive Director, the other Assistant Director, and the student leadership team to support POST’s overall trip operations, as well as serve as the lead chaperone on technical trips. This position will be expected to attend at least 2⁄3 of trips throughout the year (approximately 12 trips, ~35 trip days). In addition to attending trips, this position will attend weekly Executive Committee (EC) meetings on Wednesday mornings before school, monthly board meetings on Monday evenings, and assist the Executive Director as needed with trip preparation, curriculum design, community outreach and partnerships, and overall program operations. We expect our Assistant Directors to collaborate with student leaders in driving efforts for inclusion and equity in POST and excel in working with high school students across a wide range of backgrounds. This role will report to the Executive Director, Lucia Hunt.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Attend ⅔ of trips and pre-trip meetings throughout the duration of the year (approximately 12 trips, ~35 trip days, typically Friday - Sunday)
  • Coordinate with the Director and Assistant Director to ensure all trips and pre-trip meetings are covered by at least one employee
  • Pick up, drive and drop off rental trucks/vans as required.
• Serve as the lead chaperone on all technical trips
  • Technical trips are typically smaller (15-30 students) and include rock climbing activities, kayaking, snow camping, and backpacking
  • There are currently 5 technical trips per year, which typically run Friday - Sunday
• Recruit chaperones and serve as a point of contact for chaperones before, during, and after trips when the Director is not available
• Support student leaders in facilitating a variety of outdoor skills during the trips, including but not limited to: rock climbing, snow camping, basic survival skills, backpacking, kayaking, and hiking
• Oversee safety on technical trips
• Work with the Director, Assistant Director and POST’s student leadership team to support and create a physically and emotionally safe environment
  • Act as incident commander when the Director is not available
  • Be on call to support the Director, Assistant Director, and trip lead when not attending a trip
  • Review and update risk management and emergency response plans unique to each trip
• Perform tasks requiring an adult as needed (contracts, interacting with parents, etc.)
• Support and participate in POST’s goals as an inclusive and equitable organization throughout all aspects of the work we do
• Respond quickly when contacted - response within 24 hours, ideally same day
• Attend meetings, events, and mandatory trips:
  • Weekly in-person Executive Committee meetings (Wednesdays at 7:30am)
  • Monthly in-person board meetings (first Monday of each month at 7pm)
  • Executive Committee retreat at the start of the school year (Early September)
  • 2 Staff trainings per year (Fall & Spring)
  • Annual staff overnight training (typically March)
  • Annual fundraising Gala (March 6, 2025)
  • At least one session of Desert School (May 16-23, 2025)

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification, or attend and complete the Wilderness First Responder training within first three months of employment (paid for by POST)
• Safe driving record with consistent access to a vehicle
• Backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and snow camping experience
• Education experience including outdoor/environmental education, leadership skills, and technical outdoor skills
• Experience working with youth
• The applicant must be permanently authorized to work in the United States and be over the age of 25. POST will run a background check before offering employment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Significant backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and snow camping experience
• Bachelor’s degree (or significant experience) in education or related field
• 1+ years working with high schoolers in an education capacity
• 1+ years in outdoor or environmental education
• Experience teaching leadership skills
• Nonprofit management experience, including any of: finance, fundraising, outreach, media, web design, development, administration, human resources, etc.

Critical Success Factors:

• Commitment to expanding the racial diversity of POST
• Excellent judgment and decision making skills
• Strong group facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience in supporting adolescent students in leadership development
• An understanding of how to make outdoor experiences accessible and relevant to students who do not have previous experience and/or who face systemic barriers to participation
• Know how to foster a fun environment for others

Expected Start Date: December 2025

Job Type & Benefits:

• W-2 Hourly Employee
• Part Time (approx. 16-20 hours per week on average, ~75 hr/month)
• Hybrid
• Employees averaging over 16 hours per week are eligible for part-time benefits including PTO and sick leave.

Work Location: All meetings will be held at the community space at the POST Headquarters in the central district (Artspace Hiawatha Lofts, 845 Hiawatha Place South, 98144). Trips start and return from either the POST Headquarters or nearby location and trip locations take place across the state of Washington, though many are within a 1-2 hour drive.

Education: High School Diploma Required

Compensation: $30-34 per hour depending on experience. Expenses related to attending trips and miscellaneous duties (coffee with student leaders, board members) will also be covered or reimbursed. Travel using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed per IRS standard mileage rate. All employees are issued a yearly $200 gear stipend.

At-Will Agreement: This position is an at-will agreement between employer (POST) and employee. At-will employment refers to an employment agreement stating that employment may be terminated either by employer or employee at any time for any reason.

Equal Opportunity Employment: POST 84 is an equal opportunity employer. Our team values equity, justice & belonging, and we seek to recruit and retain talented people who represent a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. People from communities who have traditionally had less access to power and civic opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you require accommodations during the application process– especially if related to a disability– please reach out to Scott MacGowan at scott@post84.org.

To Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to Scott MacGowan at scott@post84.org to apply. Please label each attachment with your name. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting November 1, 2025 until the position is filled.

Employees averaging over 16 hours per week are eligible for part-time benefits including PTO and sick leave. Work is hybrid including in-person and remote work.