Learning Center Programs Manager

Job Description
Summary of Position
Based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, the ELC Programs Manager provides leadership and program oversight for a suite of programs including: Base Camp, Conferences & Retreats, Family Getaways, and Skagit Tours. Key responsibilities include: developing and managing program budgets; hiring a high-functioning program instruction team; evaluating and updating program curricula; supervising key staff responsible for delivering the program; and collaborating closely with other Institute departments and programs. A key member of the Institute's Program Team, this position works closely with program coordinators, staff instructors, and other managers to ensure high quality instruction, provide logistical support, and implement effective risk management.

Specific Program Areas
Base Camp
Base Camp offers visitors to the ELC a flexible, affordable program option. Visitors may participate in a variety of guided activities or choose their own adventure. Visitors stay for one or more days.

Conferences & Retreats
Various organizations and groups come to the Environmental Learning Center to host their own programs. The Institute provides a base level of educational programming and guided activities, while the rest of the schedule is planned by the host. Groups range from yoga retreats to professional conferences, and everything in between.

Family Getaways
A 3-day weekend program for families at the Learning Center. Curriculum is focused on intergenerational learning opportunities, and activities include: day hikes, nature-based and art activities, natural history lessons, paddling on our big canoes, and campfire programs.

Skagit Tours
Skagit Tours offers guests an inside look at the relationship between humans and the landscape of the upper Skagit Valley. Participants embark on a 1- hour boat tour on Diablo Lake learning about natural history, the hydroelectric project, early European settlement, and pre-contact use of the landscape.

Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program Development, Management, And Oversight

• With the Program Director, provides leadership, guidance, design, revision, and management of ELC Programs and their curricula.
• Creates and nurtures programming that is welcoming to and supportive of a diverse audience
• Develops and manages program assessments and evaluations for ELC Programs
• Tracks emerging programmatic issues, and develops solutions and strategies as needed in collaboration with the Program Director and the Leadership Team
• Regularly reports on programming to the Program Director and program team
• Prepares materials, as requested, to keep board and staff informed and engaged
• Develops and manages budgets for ELC Programs
• Develops the annual schedule for ELC Programs
• Plans and leads the hiring of program instructors; seeks to hire and support a diverse workforce
• Identifies new audiences and develops strategies and practices to cultivate increased engagement in ELC programs

Leadership And Supervision

• Directly supervises the Program Coordinators for Mountain School and ELC Programs (2) for the summer season; indirectly supervises the summer Program Instructor team (6)
• Works collaboratively with the Program Director, Operations Director, and other program managers to provide leadership to the ELC community
• Works collaboratively with other program managers and departments to maximize use of ELC program staff and facilities to achieve goals related to program, enrollment, and finances
• Provides support to Institute development staff in grant writing, donor cultivation, and reporting as requested
• Participates in strategic planning, inter-office communications, and special projects
• Support equity initiatives at North Cascades Institute and actively contribute to NCI as a community of belonging that is welcoming and accessible to everyone

Learning Center Operations

• Serves as one of the designated daytime Incident Commanders at the ELC
• Works with the Operations Director to implement and uphold Risk Management and Institute policies and procedures
• Works with the Risk Management & Operations Specialist to develop and implement risk management plans for ELC Programs
• Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting visitors and customers
• Participates in ELC staff meetings and "hands-to-work" service time
• Drive Institute vehicles with program participants, including vans and 14-passenger busses
• Occasionally staff the Learning Center front desk or the Skagit Information Center, including using the Point of Sale system

Partnership Development

• Works closely with the Program Director and other program managers to support and strengthen cooperative relationships with the National Park Service, Seattle City Light, US Forest Service, local tribes, and other partners
• Develops new partnerships and programs as directed by the Institute's strategic plan, annual operational goals, and the Program Director

Instruction

• Occasionally assists in coordinating Mountain School programs during the spring and fall
• Provides instructional support to programs when needed
• Develops and leads segments of programs, classes, and training for staff and public

General

• Take program photography
• Other duties as assigned

Housing
Good quality housing is available through the Institute at $397/month including utilities, considerably

below market rates. Private rooms in shared houses are typically available, but not guaranteed. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required at $198.50/month.

Start Date
January 16, 2026; or as soon as possible thereafter

Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

To Apply
Please apply online on our website by selecting the "Apply Now" tab at the bottom of the page.

Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

About North Cascades Institute
North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest - so all will care for and protect this special place.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 21 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Required Experience
Competencies:

• Awareness of privilege and personal bias and how it influences one's own leadership practice.
• Proactive, results-oriented management
• Ability to initiate and prioritize tasks with exemplary time management and problem-solving skills
• Adaptable, flexible, adapts to change, solution-oriented mindset to opportunities and challenges
• Program development
• Program evaluation and assessment
• Ability to develop and implement process improvements
• Budget development and management
• An understanding of non-profit organizations and governance
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Collaborative style

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to coach and motivate staff and foster a positive, inclusive workplace environment
• At least two years of experience in environmental or place-based education
• At least two years of experience supervising adults
• At least two years of experience in a position that requires customer service skills
• Ability to accommodate a varied work schedule including evenings, nights, and weekends
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or higher
• Other relevant experience will be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Education, Education, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or related field
• Experience working at outdoor learning centers, public lands, camps, schools, or similar facilities
• Experience teaching interdisciplinary natural and cultural history
• Experience working with partnerships, particularly agencies and/or higher education
• Experience with adult education; interpretation; and/or outdoor or backcountry program facilitation
• Experience leading and teaching in place-based, field and backcountry settings
• Experience working or living in communities that are historically marginalized or underrepresented in the field of environmental education, or with a social justice component
• Experience using G Suite, Salesforce, Square, and Zoom
• Washington State Food Handler's Card
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preference

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving, or serious moving violations, etc.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check.

Benefits
Compensation -
This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position subject to a winter furlough of 2-4 unpaid weeks. The pay rate is $27.98. The job location for this position is at the Environmental Learning Center.

Benefits Include The Following

• Sick Leave – accrued at the rate of per hour.
• Vacation Leave – accrued at the rate of per hour in the first year (about 10 days), with increasing accrual in successive years. Positions with furloughs may accrue less than 10 days.
• Holiday Leave – 12 days maximum per year.
• Service Days – 2 days per year.
• Other paid time-off such as family leave, pregnancy leave, bereavement leave, etc.
• Medical/dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, tax-deferred annuity, and contribution retirement plan.
• Ability to participate in Institute pro deals.
• Yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs.

Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week.

Housing -
Good quality housing is available through the Institute at $397/month including utilities, considerably below market rates. Private rooms in shared houses are typically available, but not guaranteed. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required at $198.50/month.

Keyword: Learning Center Programs Manager

Salary : $28