Program Director, Roots & Wings

The Community Ecology Institute (CEI) seeks an experienced and passionate Program Director to lead Roots & Wings, our immersive nature-based program serving homeschooled children ages 5–17 through hands-on environmental education on our six-acre farm in Columbia, Maryland.

At CEI, we believe children thrive in environments that nurture curiosity, creativity, independence, and meaningful connections to both people and the natural world. The Director provides strategic leadership for all aspects of the program, including curriculum development, staff supervision, daily operations, budgeting, program evaluation, and risk management.

This role oversees a team of 12 educators, fosters a positive and collaborative staff culture, and ensures exceptional educational experiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety for students and staff. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader with experience in outdoor, environmental, experiential, or youth education who is excited to refine and strengthen an innovative program that inspires environmental stewardship, resilience, and lifelong learning.

As a member of CEI's leadership team, the Director will help shape the future of CEI's outdoor education program, contribute to organizational strategy, and advance CEI's vision to cultivate healthier communities through environmental education, engagement, and stewardship.

CEI values diversity, inclusion, and belonging and seeks a Director who will champion these principles throughout the program. The Director is responsible for cultivating an inclusive environment, modeling respect for diverse perspectives and experiences, and ensuring that program practices reflect the organization's commitment to equity and belonging.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Curriculum Design:

• Coordinate the development and refinement of program materials — teacher guides, curriculum, lesson plans, and training resources — in collaboration with the team.
• Research and implement best practices in outdoor and experiential education in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Develop the annual program calendar.
• Manage the scheduling of specialty guest instructors and enrichment activities.

Staff Management:

• Recruit, supervise, and mentor a team of 12, including Lead Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and the Visual Art Instructor.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture and provide ongoing support and professional development for staff.
• Schedule and lead daily team check-ins, meetings, and trainings
• Conduct annual performance reviews and recommend merit increases within approved budget guidelines.
• Conduct annual market analysis and benchmark salary ranges to recommend competitive pay adjustments.

Risk Management:

• Assess program implementation for adherence to safety standards; collaborate with the Director of Operations to uphold and evolve those standards.
• Ensure staff understand and consistently follow all safety policies; proactively manage operational hazards, maintain culturally responsive safety briefings, and drive continuous improvement through timely incident reporting and analysis.

Operational Oversight:

• Collaborate with CEI leadership to oversee the program's financial performance, including budgeting, revenue forecasting, staffing expenditures, program expenses, organizational cost allocations, and financial data analysis.
• Manage annual program enrollment, registration communications, billing plans, family correspondence, and student placement in partnership with educators.

Risk Management:

• Assess program implementation for adherence to safety standards; collaborate with the Director of Operations to uphold and evolve those standards.
• Ensure staff understand and consistently follow all safety policies; proactively manage operational hazards, maintain culturally responsive safety briefings, and drive continuous improvement through timely incident reporting and analysis.

Communications:

• Provide leadership and support to staff in responding to parent inquiries, addressing child behavioral concerns, and navigating participant needs.
• Lead program-wide communications, ensuring staff and families receive clear, consistent, and timely information and key updates.
• Serve as a liaison between the program and the broader CEI organization by sharing program updates during staff meetings, contributing to CEI-wide newsletters, and supporting the development of the annual CEI Impact Report.
• Update the Roots & Wings program’s public and private Facebook pages, sharing timely information, program highlights, and community updates.
• Coordinate and conduct tours for interested families, introducing them to the program, highlighting the space and culture, and addressing questions about enrollment and program offerings.

Quality Control & Evaluation:

• Establish and monitor comprehensive program KPIs to evaluate overall success and drive continuous improvement.
• Distribute annual feedback surveys to parents and caregivers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Environmental Science, Recreation, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, or related fields.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, at least 5 in leadership or management roles overseeing teams in a nonprofit setting.
• Deep understanding of experiential education and positive youth development, with a demonstrated ability to facilitate programming that supports young people's social, emotional, and academic growth
• Experience supervising staff and developing teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, delegation, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential education.
• Ability to think strategically while also managing day-to-day operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse constituencies and programs.
• Comfortable navigating both strategic vision and operational realities.
• Digital proficiency, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with database management systems, such as Brightwheel, CRM platforms, or comparable tools for maintaining records, communications, and program data.
• CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of teaching in indoor and outdoor environments.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, experiential learning, camp leadership, or related fields.
• Experience implementing alternative education models like Forest School, Montessori, Waldorf, Tinkergarten, or Reggio Emilia
• Additional training or certifications in nature-based education, e.g., Association for Nature-Based Education

Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position requiring 40 hours per week. Roots & Wings students attend the program from September through May, Monday through Thursday. During the program year, the Director is expected to work onsite Monday through Thursday to support daily operations, staff, students, and families. The Director may work remotely on Fridays, except when all-staff meetings or trainings are required.

During scheduled winter and summer breaks, when the program is not in session, the Director has the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule, with the option to work remotely up to three days per week, while continuing to fulfill program, administrative, and organizational responsibilities.

The 2026-2027 program year begins on September 14; however, the target start date for this role is August 31.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Employer-shared health insurance
• Professional development support
• 401(k) with 3% employer matching
• Optional participation in CEI’s benefits package

To Apply

For best consideration, submit a cover letter and resume via Idealist by July 31. Interviews will begin immediately.

About Community Ecology Institute

The Community Ecology Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Columbia, Maryland. Through environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and community engagement, CEI creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the natural world, deepen their sense of belonging, and contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.