Education Director

Background

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., is a non-profit membership organization that for over 50 years has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as a champion of the Hudson River. As an organization, Clearwater inspires lifelong stewardship of the Hudson and its watershed by connecting people of all ages with the living river. The organization owns and operates the 106′ Sloop Clearwater, recognized as America’s Environmental Flagship, on the Hudson River and New York Harbor. Clearwater’s unique approach to public outreach has made the sloop a symbol of grassroots action through hands-on learning, activism, and music & celebration.

Clearwater acknowledges that the construct of race disproportionally affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We reflect and take action to ensure that we do not perpetuate white supremacy. Clearwater respects LGBTQIA+ people; we use language and actions that are respectful of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Clearwater celebrates and welcomes members of any race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, physical or mental ability, or age to apply. 

Position Overview

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater seeks an innovative, collaborative and experienced educator who can lead a unique and life changing education program. The Education Director plans, implements and manages Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s hands-on, experiential educational programs and sailing experiences for children, adults, and families. As a member of the leadership team, the Education Director will collaborate with the Executive Director as well as other Department Directors on strategic planning, fundraising, and administration. Clearwater’s success depends on our collective conviction to the necessity of a healthy Hudson River, watershed, and ecosystem. The Education Director reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee Clearwater’s educational programming, including: classroom, field, and sailing experiences, teacher training, adult education and Youth Empowerment Programs
• Creatively seek increased program revenue, grant and sponsored financial support for education and sailing experiences. Collaborate with the Development Department and other staff in identifying sources of grant funding, preparing proposals, and managing funded projects, including tracking progress and complying with reporting requirements
• Grow and steward partnerships and relationships with school districts, universities, non-profit organizations and riverfront communities 
• Work highly integratively with the Sloop captains and crew. 
• Self educate and lead staff training on the Hudson River and its ecology so that Clearwater continues as the expert in the field. 
• Collaborate with the Environmental Action Department to incorporate Clearwater’s positions on issues and policy in a manner appropriate to education program audiences
• Develop and implement education goals and objectives to ensure that Clearwater’s programs are pedagogically effective, meet NYSED learning standards, and relevant to current issues and understanding of the river and communities along its shores
• Establish program performance indicators and monitor success in meeting those metrics; provide regular reports to senior management for use in strategic decision-making, budgeting, and donor cultivation
• Creating and tracking budgets for the Education department, including approval of expenses, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and financial policies.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate education program staff (in consultation with the ED)
• Foster a culture that respects diversity, promotes teamwork, and builds leadership skills.

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

• Dynamic, innovative educator – Self-starter able to think critically in setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects and problem solving
• Experience leading a dynamic team and building community within and beyond the organization
• Supervise staff and oversee internal training; and continued education
• Depth of knowledge on the Hudson River, watershed ecology, and local history. (preferred)
• Experience working with audiences of diverse cultural backgrounds, racial, ethnic, and gender identities, and communication styles
• Ability to interact with a diverse public in a courteous and professional manner at all times and to engage in reasoned, fact-based, and respectful discussion of issues, especially those surrounding environmental justice, climate change, and water resources
• Experience developing curriculum, particularly for experiential environmental education, based on knowledge of child development and a range of learning styles
• Familiarity with learning standards and environmental education best practices relevant to delivering programs in schools and other settings
• Master’s degree in Environmental Education or related program, or equivalent experience a related field is preferred
• Spanish/English bilingual ability is preferred.

Clearwater’s main office is located at 724 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508. This is a hybrid position with two days in our office and three remote (or onboard/onsite for programs.) Occasional evening and weekend work is required.