Education and Community Outreach Coordinator

OVERVIEW
The Education & Community Outreach (ECO) Coordinator leads Cowiche Canyon Conservancy’s efforts to connect people of all ages to the shrub-steppe ecosystem and to the mission of CCC. This position is responsible for implementing and growing our ECO Program—expanding public awareness of the shrub-steppe ecosystem, creating accessible and meaningful educational experiences, and fostering a strong sense of community support for conservation.

The Coordinator develops and delivers high-quality learning opportunities, both on and off the trail; builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with schools, agencies, arts and environmental organizations; and shares CCC’s stories in ways that deepen engagement and inspire stewardship. This role works closely with volunteers, community partners, and CCC staff to ensure that our lands and programs are welcoming, inclusive, and enriching for the broader Yakima community.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator, relationship-builder, educator, and organizer who enjoys working with diverse groups of people and thrives in a mission-driven environment.

DUTIES

Community & Partner Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with community partners—including schools, nonprofits, cultural and arts organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies—to increase engagement with CCC lands and programs.
• Conduct targeted outreach to schools, youth organizations, and community groups to participate in CCC’s educational activities.
• Represent CCC at community events, partner meetings, and collaborative initiatives that support environmental education and outreach.

Program Development & Delivery

• Lead, coordinate, and grow CCC’s existing Trail Talks field trip program for school-age groups, ensuring high-quality educational experiences.
• Design and implement a variety of events that help people experience and learn about the shrub-steppe, tailored for different ages and audiences.
• Plan and execute annual and seasonal outreach events, including:
• Earth Day Celebration
• Fall Colors Walks
• Monthly Community Walks
• Winter Talk Series (in partnership with Yakima Valley College)
• Additional community engagement activities identified in annual work plans
• Recruit, train, and support ECO Program volunteers; develop and deliver the materials, resources, training, and guidance they need to succeed.

Communications & Storytelling

• Produce and contribute content for CCC’s monthly e-newsletter; generate engaging, mission-aligned content for the website, social media, and press releases.
• Use photos, video, and compelling narratives to tell stories of people, places, nature, and community that highlight CCC’s mission and impact.
• Create educational materials to support field trips, community programs and engagement, and volunteer training.
• Manage website updates to keep web content updated and relevant

Funding & Administrative Support

• Identify potential funding opportunities and write education- and outreach-related grants to help sustain and expand the ECO Program.
• Track program participation, volunteer engagement, and outreach metrics to evaluate progress and inform planning.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in education, community outreach, environmental programming, interpretation, or related fields.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences in clear and compelling ways.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with partners, volunteers, and community members.
• Experience planning and facilitating programs, events, or group activities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and social media platforms.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and programs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, environmental studies, communications, , or a related field—or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience teaching or leading programs for youth, especially in outdoor or environmental education settings.
• Skills in photography, videography, or digital storytelling.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or working with volunteer-based programs.
• Familiarity with ecology, natural history, or place-based education—especially shrub-steppe ecosystems.
• Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, or interpretive materials.
• Grant writing or fundraising experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking participants, partners, and families.
• Contribute to annual work plans, reports, and organization-wide initiatives as needed.

Pay: $46,000.00 - $56,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,000 - $56,000