High School Program Director

The High School Program Director will serve as the lead strategic architect for the Rochester Ecology Partners expansion of Timbuctoo Climate and Careers Summer Institute (Timbuctoo Institute) into the Greater Rochester region. As the primary leader, you will be responsible for the design, integration, and long-term sustainability of the initiative. 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.

As the primary leader, the director will oversee the programmatic framework for a 5-day intensive program (comprising 6 sessions in Summer 2026) that combines classroom instruction with experiential learning at local institutions and natural spaces. You will serve as the main liaison between SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Rochester Ecology Partners, ensuring the curriculum and experiences meet goals and expectations of Timbuctoo Summer Institute. We are seeking a visionary program director to oversee the design and development of curriculum, as well as the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of 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, Strategy, and Evaluation (60%)

• Lead the strategic design and multi-year roadmap for the Timbuctoo Rochester expansion, ensuring alignment with the Rochester Ecology Partners mission and Timbuctoo Institute goals.
• Steward high-level institutional partnerships, serving as the primary liaison with SUNY ESF, educational institutions, community organizations and other key regional stakeholders to ensure justice integration.
• Establish and oversee the operational framework for session scheduling and resource allocation.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of data to evaluate program effectiveness and generate an impact report on outcomes related to student engagement and career pathway awareness.

Program Facilitation (20%)

• Lead the team in designing immersive field experiences that challenge students to think critically about climate science through a justice-oriented lens.
• Lead facilitation initial discussions that set the tone for the week, helping to bring students together to think critically about their experiences, and further explore the impacts of environmental and social justice and local policy.
• Ensure systemic programmatic excellence by setting the quality standards for instruction, safety, and engagement that define the Rochester Ecology Partners and Timbuctoo Rochester brand.

Team Leadership and Management (20%)

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of educators and assistants for Timbuctoo Rochester fostering a culture of professional growth and commitment to environmental justice.
• Collaborate with the REP Leadership Team to integrate Timbuctoo Rochester into the organization’s long-term strategic plan and financial model.
• Collaborate with the SUNY ESF Timbuctoo team
• 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
• Master’s degree in education, environmental studies, or a related field
• A minimum of 6 years experience in classroom teaching or educational leadership
• Demonstrated expertise in mentoring and facilitating programming for late-adolescent and early-adult populations.
• Extensive background in the design and implementation of environmental education initiatives
• Proven ability to lead teams, foster professional growth, and champion a culture of equity and inclusion
• A growth mindset
• 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
• Ability to manage a variety of tasks
• Flexibility and creativity when faced with challenges
• 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 operate 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 in New York State
• 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

Professional development opportunities