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.
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 0.04615 per hour.
- Vacation Leave – accrued at the rate of 0.0385 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.
