High School Program Manager

The High School Program Manager is responsible for the management of Rochester Ecology Partners expansion of Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Summer Institute into the Greater Rochester region (Timbuctoo Institute). Centered on equity and inclusion, this initiative provides early high school students with academic and professional pathways into the green economy and natural resource management.

In this role, you will manage a 5-day intensive program (comprising 6 sessions in Summer 2026) that combines classroom instruction with experiential learning at local institutions and natural spaces. Created in partnership with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Timbuctoo Institute explores climate science through the lens of social and environmental justice. We are seeking a program leader to help design a curriculum and coordinate experiences that will empower the next generation of environmental leaders.

About Rochester Ecology Partners

Rochester Ecology Partners serves people in Greater Rochester through nature-based education and activities that cultivate community connectedness. We believe that integrated and innovative approaches to helping people find nature where they live, work, and play can improve our community’s capacity to co-create a bright and hopeful future.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (40%)

• Lead the expansion and delivery of the Timbuctoo Rochester, ensuring programming is impactful, inclusive, and high-quality.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with SUNY ESF, local education institutions, regional experts, leaders, and community organizations to facilitate program experiences.
• Execute equitable recruitment strategies for high school students (ages 14-17) who have experienced barriers to higher education.
• Develop and refine climate science and social justice curriculum tailored for Rochester’s high school students and local natural spaces.
• Manage all scheduling and experiences with external partners and REP staff.
• Collect program evaluation data related to student engagement and career pathway awareness.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to safety plans, background check requirements, and youth protection protocols.
• Operate a 12-passenger van to transport students to field sites and activities, ensuring strict adherence to safe driving practices and organizational vehicle policies.

Program Coordination and Facilitation (40%)

• Coordinate daily transportation, field trips, and meal services meeting USDA/NYS guidelines.
• Lead experiences in the field, visiting local institutions and natural areas with student cohorts.
• Lead pre- and post- experience discussions that bring students together to think critically about their experiences, and further explore the impacts of environmental and social justice and local policy.
• Ensure all program activities align with the goals of Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Summer institute, REP standards for engagement and instruction, and student safety policies.

Team Leadership and Management (20%)

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of 3 Timbuctoo program support staff. Lead the hiring and training of seasonal staff in youth safety, cultural competency, and risk management.
• Work closely with the full REP team to ensure Timbuctoo Rochester is integrated into the organization’s overall mission.
• Work closely with the SUNY ESF Timbuctoo Team
• Manage student stipend administration and disbursement.
• Act as a lead representative for REP, modeling the organization's values of equity, inclusion, and community connectedness.

Desired Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

The following qualifications are desired. The position will be filled by someone who is the best fit.

• A passion for transforming education through connection to nature and community
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in youth education programs involving environmental or social justice
• Experience with Environmental Education and/or classroom experience
• Management and leadership experience
• Cultural competence and experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Experience developing and delivering educational and engaging curriculum and/or informal educational programs for diverse audiences
• The ability to work collaboratively in person and digitally with members of a team
• Experience coordinating logistics and managing multiple schedules
• CPR / First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Comfort and experience working with different technology platforms
• Valid driver’s license in good standing with a clean driving record
• Ability and willingness to operate a 12-passenger van for student transportation
• Ability to operative effectively in the Rochester/Monroe County region
• Capacity to meet SUNY background check and safety training standards

Work Environment / Expectations

• Full-time (35-40 hours/week) through September; part-time the remainder of the year. Note: Part-time hours may be supplemented with additional work to reach full-time status, contingent upon available grants and other contracts.
• Flexible schedule with general working hours from 8-5 Monday through Friday
• Some evenings and weekends required
• Travel within New York state required
• Flexible work-from-home policy
• Outdoor work, in all types of weather, is an essential element of this position
• Work in the field at schools, community organizations, and natural areas

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance available