Director of Outdoor Education and Environmental Stewardship

Position Summary

The Director of Environmental Stewardship and Outdoor Education provides leadership for Kanuga's Mountain Trail Outdoor School (MTOS), environmental programming, ecological stewardship initiatives, and related outdoor education efforts. This role is both operational and strategic. The Director will oversee existing programs while helping Kanuga evaluate, strengthen, and reimagine how outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and experiential formation can best serve future generations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide high level leadership for Mountain Trail Outdoor School.
• Guide educational vision, program development, and strategic growth.
• Evaluate current outdoor education models and recommend improvements or new approaches.
• Ensure high-quality experiential learning programs that align with Kanuga's mission and values.
• Cultivate partnerships with schools, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations.
• Identify opportunities to expand year-round educational programming and impact.
• Lead Kanuga's environmental stewardship initiatives and creation care efforts.
• Develop and implement strategies that integrate ecological learning across program areas.
• Strengthen environmental programming for guests, schools, camps, retreat groups, and parish communities.
• Explore opportunities related to sustainability, land stewardship, conservation, and environmental education.
• Help articulate and advance a theology and practice of creation care grounded in Kanuga's Episcopal identity.
• Audit existing programs for mission effectiveness, sustainability, and growth potential.
• Identify emerging opportunities in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning.
• Develop recommendations for new partnerships, funding opportunities, and program models.
• Collaborate with institutional leadership to align programming with Kanuga's long-term strategic goals.
• Pursue grant opportunities and other external funding sources that strengthen program sustainability.
• Supervise Mountain Trail Outdoor School Operations Manager.
• Supervise the Seasonal Lead Faculty Member.
• Supervise the Seasonal Gardener/Garden Coordinator.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate seasonal staff and faculty.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-centered staff culture.
• Develop leadership pathways for seasonal employees and emerging educators.
• Collaborate closely with Camp Kanuga leadership, conference center staff, and other program leaders.
• Create opportunities for shared programming, training, and stewardship initiatives.
• Encourage cross-departmental collaboration and resource sharing.
• Participate in institutional planning and leadership conversations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental education, outdoor education, environmental science, ecology, education, ministry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in outdoor education, environmental stewardship, experiential learning, camp leadership, or related fields.
• Experience supervising staff and developing teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, delegation, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential education.
• Ability to think strategically while also managing day-to-day operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse constituencies and programs.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience within faith-based educational or camp environments.
• Familiarity with Episcopal theology and traditions.
• Experience with grant writing, fundraising, or partnership development.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices, land stewardship, conservation, or ecological education.
• Experience managing educational gardens, agricultural programs, or community-based environmental initiatives.

Personal Characteristics

• A collaborative leader who builds trust and relationships.
• An innovative thinker who can imagine new possibilities while honoring institutional history.
• A passionate about connecting people with the natural world.
• A committed to lifelong learning and adaptive leadership.
• Comfortable navigating both strategic vision and operational realities.
• Excited by the opportunity to help shape a growing and evolving program.

Working Environment

This position requires regular work in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions. Evening and weekend responsibilities are occasionally required. The Director is expected to actively engage with programs, staff, participants, and the broader Kanuga community.

Compensation and Benefits

Kanuga offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. To Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references

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