Experiential Educator

About Project Venture 

The National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project, Inc. (NIYLP), dba Project Venture (PV), is a Native-led nonprofit organization based in New Mexico. With more than 35 years of experience, PV delivers innovative, evidence-based programs designed to empower Native and Indigenous youth. PV has offices in Albuquerque, NM; Gallup, NM; and Kyle, SD. 

Position Overview 

The Experiential Educator delivers outdoor, adventure-based, and experiential programming grounded in the PV program model and its Guiding Principles: Strengths-Based Approach, Experiential Education, Engagement with Nature, Service Ethic, Culture and Tradition, and Connection Building. In alignment with PV’s mission to support Native and Indigenous youth to develop healthy lifestyles and positive relationships with the natural world, achieve their full potential, and become leaders in their communities, the Experiential Educator facilitates programming that supports youth development and leadership. 

The Experiential Educator facilitates outdoor adventure, experiential learning, leadership development, service-learning, and community-based activities using strength-based, culturally responsive, and positive youth development approaches. The position works directly with youth and collaborates with program staff, schools, families, Tribal communities, and community partners to deliver safe and culturally relevant programming. 

The Experiential Educator models PV’s full Value Commitment: Be Here, Be Safe, Speak Your Truth, Let Go & Move On, Set Goals, and Care for Self & Others. This position reports to a Senior Experiential Educator. 

Qualities and Characteristics 

The ideal candidate: 

• Is Mission-Driven: Demonstrates a commitment to supporting Native and Indigenous youth, families, and communities while advancing PV’s mission. 
• Is Passionate About the Outdoors & Experiential Education: Brings enthusiasm for outdoor and adventure-based education and engages fully in experiential learning alongside youth and colleagues. 
• Builds Trust and Relationships: Develops authentic, respectful relationships and demonstrates integrity, reliability, and follow-through. 
• Leads with Humility and Self-Awareness: Reflects on personal strengths and areas for growth and approaches others with curiosity and humility. 
• Values Culture and Community: Demonstrates cultural humility and respect for the knowledge, traditions, perspectives, and experiences of the communities served.  
• Builds Connection and Belonging: Creates inclusive environments where youth and colleagues feel welcomed, respected, and valued.  
• Develops and Empowers Others: Recognizes strengths in youth and colleagues and encourages confidence, leadership, growth, and ownership. 
• Shares Accountability and Responsibility: Takes ownership of commitments, supports team members, and understands that strong outcomes are a shared responsibility. 
• Communicates with Respect: Listens to understand and communicates with honesty, respect, and empathy. 
• Embraces Growth and Change: Demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, receive feedback, and improve. 
• Collaborates Effectively: Contributes to a team culture of collaboration, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Implementation: 

• Facilitate in-school, after-school, out-of-school, and multiday overnight programs using the Project Venture model, with a focus on outdoor experiential education and strength-based youth development. 
• Lead experiential activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being and develop confidence, social-emotional skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and problem-solving. 
• Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with youth and create inclusive group environments that promote connection, belonging, and teamwork. 
• Guide youth through experiential life skills activities, including initiative games, ropes courses, outdoor activities, and reflective experiences. 
• Facilitate outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, swimming, rock climbing, archery, rappelling, and other adventure-based activities as appropriate to program needs and staff qualifications. 
• Create opportunities for youth to practice leadership, make decisions, take ownership, and build on their strengths. 
• Ensure activities are culturally appropriate, relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the communities served. 
• Coordinate and facilitate service-learning projects that engage youth in leadership and community service. 
• Participate in annual youth leadership overnight camps, extended outdoor treks, and other program-related travel. 

Communication, Collaboration, & Program Operations: 

• Work with program teams to plan and coordinate activities, budgets, supplies, food, equipment, gear, and vehicles for program sessions and outings. 
• Maintain effective communication with colleagues, youth, parents, caregivers, school officials, Tribal partners, community partners, and other stakeholders. 
• Conduct program orientations for participants, parents and caregivers, schools, and community partners. 
• Adapt programming and respond effectively to changing conditions, participant needs, weather, logistical challenges, and other unexpected circumstances while maintaining safety and program quality. 
• Coordinate, maintain, clean, and properly store program props, equipment, gear, and vehicles. 
• Maintain accurate program records and submit required documentation and reports in a timely manner. 
• Contribute to a collaborative, accountable, and learning-focused team environment by communicating openly, following through on responsibilities, sharing feedback, and seeking opportunities to improve program quality and outcomes. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong verbal, written, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Ability to facilitate youth programming using strength-based, culturally responsive, and positive youth development approaches. 
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and implement program activities independently and collaboratively. 
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict navigation skills, with the ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solutions-oriented in complex or stressful situations. 
• Ability to create inclusive group environments that promote connection, belonging, teamwork, leadership, and positive youth development. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, demonstrate initiative, and follow through on responsibilities and deadlines. 
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively across diverse cultural and community contexts. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Valid driver's license and ability to operate vehicles carrying up to 15 passengers. 
• Meet insurance eligibility requirements under PV's fleet policy and demonstrate safe and efficient operation of PV vehicles. 
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and familiarity with standard office equipment. 
• Ability to obtain Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and other required certifications within 90 days of hire. PV will provide required training. 
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight, out of state, and for multiday programs and activities. 
• Successfully complete required background checks and meet all applicable employment requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 1-2 years of experience facilitating outdoor education, experiential education, youth development, or related programs, particularly with Native and Indigenous youth. 
• Experience teaching, guiding, mentoring, or leading youth in outdoor or community-based settings. 
• Post-secondary education, certification, or degree in education, recreation, outdoor leadership, social work, youth development, public health, or a related field. 
• Knowledge of and experience working with Native and Indigenous communities. 
• Experience with outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, paddling, mountain biking, or other adventure-based activities. 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment 

• Ability to stand and function outdoors for extended periods and participate in physically demanding activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities while prioritizing participant safety. 
• Ability to carry a backpack weighing up to 25% of body weight, hike 3 miles on uneven, hilly terrain, and mountain bike 5 miles on rough trails. 
• Ability to function comfortably and safely in water settings, including pools, rivers, and lakes. 
• Ability to drive and sit in a moving vehicle for extended periods, including on unpaved roads, in inclement weather, and at night. 
• Ability to work and sleep in a variety of settings, including tents, cabins, and primitive conditions, and in varying weather conditions. 
• May work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended or irregular hours based on program and travel schedules. 

Compensation & Classification 

• Exempt, full-time position with a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Salary range: $40,000–$50,000 annually, depending on experience. 
• Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and other benefits as applicable. 
• This position is exempt as defined by applicable state and federal law. Exempt employees are salaried, and their compensation covers all regular hours worked. Overtime pay is not applicable to this role. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in the Experiential Educator position, relevant experience working with youth, and connection to PV’s mission. Email applications to info@projectventure.org