School Programs Manager

Job Overview: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) seeks an School Programs Manager who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of ACES’ school-based programs, including the supervision and management of ACES Educators. The School Programs Manager also improves and grows existing programs, and may develop new education programs, under the guidance of the Education Director.

ACES is a nonprofit environmental science education organization. Since 1968, ACES has inspired a lifelong commitment to the Earth by providing innovative and immersive programming for all ages. We have three locations in the Roaring Fork Valley: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and Catto Center at Toklat. Our programs reach more than 140,000 individuals every year, and focus on ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture, forest and ecosystem health, land restoration, and environmental leadership.  

ACES teaches in schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, and provides youth camps, field trips, adult classes, and guided hikes. ACES works diligently to directly affect environmental and climate change education, awareness, and action. We also engage our community by hosting public lectures and events. ACES collaborates with land trusts, public agencies, and other nonprofits to achieve our mission.

Ideal candidates are inspiring and skilled educators who are committed to giving all youth meaningful experiences with nature in classrooms and in the field. They have demonstrated leadership and are passionate about supporting the continued professional development and growth of educators. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Supervise and manage ACES Educators at various program sites.
   1. With the ACES Education Director, recruit and hire ACES Educators.
   2. Onboard new ACES Educators, and support their professional development throughout the year. 
   3. Collaborate with ACES Education staff to plan, organize, and implement fall and summer training, and seasonal field program training for Educators.
   4. Plan and facilitate Education team meetings.
   5. Observe Educators in the classroom and provide feedback.
   6. Prepare and execute mid-year check-ins and annual reviews.
   7. Maintain awareness of, and implement, risk management best practices.
2.  Develop and teach ACES Education classroom curriculum and programs.  
   1. Work with ACES Educators to develop, revise, and refine place-based and culturally relevant units and lesson plans for grades K-4 that are
      1. Based on best practices in environmental education and instruction
      2. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards/2020 Colorado Academic Science Standards
      3. Aligned with the inquiry learning cycle 
   2. Teach ACES’ classroom, field, and community programs, as needed.
3. Coordinate and manage school programs.  
   1. Work closely with the Field Programs Coordinator to schedule education staff for school and field programs.
   2. Work with education staff to manage the organization, development, and transportation of educational materials between schools.
   3. Plan and coordinate Family Science Night programs with ACES Educators and partner schools.
   4. With the Education Director, meet annually, and as needed, with partner school principals and assistant principals. 
   5. Help prepare, distribute, and administer student evaluations in partner schools, and analyze data.
   6. Assist with data collection for grant proposals and reports.
      
4. Assist with ACES’ youth community programs. 
   1. Work with the Community Programs Director to provide observation and feedback for summer camp staff.
   2. Collaborate with the Community Programs Coordinator at Rock Bottom Ranch to plan, prepare, and implement summer programs and maintenance in the Children’s Garden.
   3. Assist with summer program administration tasks (e.g. signing-in of participants and collecting waivers), as necessary.
   4. Support the Community Programs Director in coordinating and scheduling winter and spring break programs, and scheduling education staff, as necessary.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Perform onsite duties at Rock Bottom Ranch and Hallam Lake, as needed.
• Maintain an understanding of best practices in environmental and outdoor education, and knowledge of local ecology.
• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of ACES.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, plus a minimum of 4 years of experience teaching elementary students in a classroom and/or field setting.
2. Prior supervisory or leadership experience of 2+ years preferred.
3. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, parents, and youth.   
4. Strong administrative and organization skills; demonstrated strong attention to detail. 
5. Experience with curriculum writing and the Next Generation Science Standards.
6. History of relationship-based classroom/group management and capacity to maintain a positive learning environment.
7. Ability to inspire and encourage others.
8. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
9. Knowledge of western Colorado ecology.
10. Current CPR and First Aid certifications; Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification preferred.
11. Fluency in Spanish is desired, but not required.
12. Teaching certification is preferred.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the ACES Education Director.

Location

This position is based at Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt and/or Hallam Lake in Aspen, CO. Work hours are generally Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5pm. Occasional evening, weekend and overnight work is required. Travel to sites and schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and Garfield County is required.

Benefits and Compensation

This is an exempt, full-time, salaried position. Salary is commensurate with experience and begins at $37,000 with employee housing and utilities provided. If housing is not provided, additional compensation of $12,000 per year will be offered. ACES’ benefit package includes a medical insurance plan, dental insurance plan, matching retirement savings plan, health reimbursement account, flexible spending account, paid time off, a recreation benefit, and a discount on items in the ACES gift shops and on ACES classes.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2024 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Start Date

May 21, 2024 or as negotiated

ACES employees work with school children, therefore ACES conducts background checks for criminal history and motor vehicle records.

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, genetic information, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.