Senior Program Coordinator and Outdoor Instructor

Senior Program Coordinator & Outdoor Instructor

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid; frequent local travel for programming)

About Elevate Youth

Elevate Youth empowers young people to explore the outdoors alongside mentors, sharing awe and the richness of the natural world. Through year-round outdoor experiences, leadership development, and meaningful relationships, we help youth build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to nature.

Why Join Elevate Youth?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a dynamic nonprofit committed to expanding equitable access to the outdoors. You'll work alongside a passionate team, build meaningful relationships with young people, and have the opportunity to further your career into increased leadership roles and responsibilities.

Position Summary

The Senior Program Coordinator & Outdoor Instructor plays a key leadership role in planning, coordinating, and delivering Elevate Youth's year-round outdoor programming. This position balances program management with direct youth engagement, ensuring high-quality experiences that are safe, organized, and mission-driven.

Working closely with the Executive Director and Special Project Manager, this individual will help strengthen program systems, mentor seasonal staff and volunteers, and support the continued growth of Elevate Youth. will also dedicate time to direct facilitation of youth programs. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and increased leadership responsibilities over time.

The ideal candidate is energized by the opportunity to help young people discover confidence, belonging, and awe in the outdoors. They are able to show alignment with Elevate Youth’s values. They take initiative, embrace challenges as opportunities, and thrive in a collaborative environment. Though technical experience in outdoor recreation is a plus, such as knowing how to sail, it is not a requirement. Experience with youth group facilitation, passion for the outdoors, and ability to work outside year round are skills and qualities that strong candidates will possess. 

Responsibilities for the Senior Program Coordinator & Outdoor Instructor

Program Coordination (40%)

• Plan and schedule logistics for year-round outdoor programming, with leading coordination with schools and agency partners, and third party outfitters, including transportation, equipment, schedules, meals, and participant communication.
• Maintain program calendars, registration systems, waivers and other required documentation pertaining to programming. 
• Effectively communicate with youth and families. 
• Manage gear inventory and equipment maintenance.
• Support risk management documentation and program records.

Programming & Outdoor Instruction (40%)

• Lead outdoor experiences including hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and other adventure activities (technical expertise a plus, but not required).
• Build positive relationships with youth ages 10–14 and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
• Adapt programming to meet participant needs and weather conditions.
• Model leadership, teamwork, and Leave No Trace principals. 
• Ensure participant safety, assess risk and follow risk prevention and management protocols.

Leadership & Organizational Support (20%)

• Supervise up to two fellows, interns, or part-time staff members.
• Grow and lead our volunteer and Outdoor Mentor program.
• Help improve program systems and operational efficiency.
• Manage data collection and program evaluation.

Qualifications Required

• Experience working with youth in outdoor education, recreation, camps, or youth development.
• Excellent communication; be able to demonstrate relationship-building. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work one Saturday per month. 
• Valid driver's license. 
• Reliable transportation to several locations in Boston.

Preferred

• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Experience with facilitating outdoor recreation 
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers
• Familiarity with Boston youth-serving organizations

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary $52,000
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employer sponsored health insurance
• Paid time off, including vacation (14 days) and federal holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work environment