Outdoor Learning Director — Nature Education Programs

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc. seeks a Forest Days Program Director to oversee outdoor-based early education initiatives. You will lead daily operations, supervise teachers and volunteers, and coordinate with partner schools to align activities with PreK curricula.

Responsibilities include scheduling trainings, managing materials, ensuring safety protocols, and fostering a collaborative team culture. The role emphasizes community partnerships and child-centered outdoor learning.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in outdoor, nature-based settings.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising staff, volunteers, or teams.
• Strong understanding of child development and social-emotional learning.
• Experience in program coordination, logistics, or education operations preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all components of the Forest Days program to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supervise and support Forest Days Assistant Teacher(s), including delegation of responsibilities, feedback, and ongoing guidance.
• Oversee volunteers and interns, ensuring they are effectively integrated into program activities.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-aligned team culture.
• Encourage increasing independence and confidence among school-based educators in outdoor learning practices.
• Serve as the primary liaison between partner schools and the Forest Days program.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff.
• Act as the main point of contact for volunteers, interns, and school personnel regarding program logistics and expectations.
• Collaborate with the Program Developer and Department of Early Childhood to align activities with curriculum priorities (e.g., Focus on PreK).
• Share program updates, documentation, and logistical information with families, including photo permissions and program communication.
• Plan, schedule, and lead trainings and orientations for teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff.
• Develop and distribute orientation materials, reference guides, and ongoing support resources.
• Oversee onboarding for volunteers and interns, including: Communicating expectations and program procedures; Conducting site walk-throughs; Providing logistical guidance and support; Serving as a point of contact for questions and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate Forest Days scheduling with school staff and administrators.
• Prepare and distribute teacher packets and program materials.
• Manage supply inventory, including wagons, activity materials, storage bins, and children’s outdoor gear.
• Ensure all materials are prepared, organized, and accessible for daily program use.
• Maintain systems and documentation that support program continuity and future implementation.
• Ensure adherence to site-specific rules and guidelines (e.g., Arnold Arboretum policies).
• Facilitate and support child-led play, exploration, and inquiry in natural environments.
• Create safe, engaging outdoor learning experiences that promote curiosity, problem-solving, and connection to nature.
• Support children’s social-emotional development through responsive guidance and relationship-building.
• Partner with classroom teachers to support children’s health, safety, and well-being in outdoor settings, including weather preparedness and risk management.
• Model and teach environmental stewardship, outdoor safety, and respect for natural spaces.
• Document children’s learning, observations, and growth through photos, narratives, and reflective documentation.
• Integrate relevant curriculum concepts and vocabulary into outdoor experiences when appropriate.
• Track and maintain documentation related to volunteer onboarding and participation.
• Record participation in staff trainings and orientations.
• Maintain attendance records and support safe transitions during programming.
• Ensure proper implementation of safety protocols, including supervision practices and risk management procedures.
• Coordinate and document safety-related procedures such as emergency preparedness and drills.
• Maintain first aid kits and ensure required safety supplies are stocked and accessible.
• Support completion and organization of child records and required program documentation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Staff supervision

Organizational skills

Communication

Outdoor education

Program coordination

Relationship building

Problem-solving

Job description

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc. seeks a Forest Days Program Director to oversee outdoor-based early education initiatives. You will lead daily operations, supervise teachers and volunteers, and coordinate with partner schools to align activities with PreK curricula.

Responsibilities include scheduling trainings, managing materials, ensuring safety protocols, and fostering a collaborative team culture. The role emphasizes community partnerships and child-centered outdoor learning.