Youth Opportunities Program Leadership and Training Coordinator, Boston, MA

The AMC’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) provides training and support for more than 250 youth workers in the Northeast region to independently lead youth groups into the outdoors. YOP makes the outdoors accessible to urban and at-risk youth through provision of training, trip planning assistance, reduced rates at AMC destinations, and use of equipment. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordination of all aspects of the program’s Boston-based YOP outdoor adventure services for youth workers, which serve approximately 5,000 youth per year. This position reports to the Director of the Youth Opportunities Program and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and instruct outdoor leadership trainings and workshops for professional youth workers to prepare them to lead youth on outdoor excursions.
• Conduct outreach to recruit youth workers for participation in the program, and to encourage their retention and long-term participation as outdoor leaders for their youth.
• Recruit and support volunteers, including organizing and attending volunteer committee meetings. Manage the Volunteer Logistics Crew.
• Manage the trip planning resource center, providing assistance, logistical support, and advice to youth workers as they develop plans for leading their youth into the outdoors. Ensure materials are current, relevant, and support youth worker’s needs.
• Produce outreach, fundraising, curriculum, and public relations materials, including the YOP newsletter and web site content. Create program materials advertising program opportunities.
• Work closely with AMC facility reservations staff and ensure successful booking of YOP leaders and groups at budgeted and approved rates.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date statistics on trips, trainings, participants, youth served, equipment needs and usage, facility usage, expenses, and other data as needed. Compile year-end report.
• Manage outdoor equipment inventory, including distribution, safety, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Assist with fundraising by attending meetings and completing other projects as assigned.
• Implement AMC risk management procedures in all trainings and workshops.
• Collaborate with other YOP staff in program planning and delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Employment Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education or related fields with course work completed in experiential education, outdoor adventure-based recreation, and leadership.
• At least 2 years of program administration experience required, with 3 years facilitating outdoor leadership and related activities.
• Experience leading outdoor trips for youth and adults. Must be able to work comfortably and professionally in office and in field.
• Strong outdoor leadership skills including backpacking, hiking, camping, and winter skills. Canoeing experience a plus.
• Experience working with a variety of diverse populations including youth, adults, volunteers, and staff.
• Outstanding organizational and communication skills. Public speaking experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to hike and camp in mountain terrain carrying a 40-50 pound pack, in all weather conditions. Ability to lift 65 pounds from ground to waist high.
• A general knowledge of the AMC and its mission, desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Must be flexible and able to work weekends and evenings.
• Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.

To Reply

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Director, Youth Opportunities Program, Appalachian Mountain Club.  Mail to: 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA, 02108  OR email to:  amcjob122@outdoors.org  OR  Fax to: 617-523-0722. 

No calls please.  Expected start date: May 28, 2008.

Benefits of Working With the AMC

The AMC offers a great benefits package! Here is a partial list that highlights some benefits offered for our regular full-time employees.  Benefits may vary based on position.

• Group Health Plan, 75 percent employer paid.
• Group Life Insurance, 100 percent employer paid
• Long-Term Disability Insurance, 100 percent employer paid
• Vacation, three weeks accrued each year
• Holidays, 13 paid holidays/year
• Use of AMC Facilities, free and discounted rates
• Free AMC membership

The Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace.