Public Programs Coordinator

Kalamazoo Nature Center; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Public Programs Coordinator, where you'll lead the planning and execution of engaging public programs that inspire a love for nature. This full-time role involves collaboration across departments to create inclusive experiences for visitors of all ages. You'll have the opportunity to design innovative programs, work with diverse teams, and contribute to the mission of connecting people with nature. If you're passionate about environmental education and community engagement, this is the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement savings match

Qualifications

• Strong program development skills with experience in public programs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of public programs aligned with KNC’s mission.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and consistency in programming.

Skills

Program Development

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education

Event Planning

Tools

Social Media

Email Marketing

Job description

Join to apply for the Public Programs Coordinator role at Kalamazoo Nature Center

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Public Programs Coordinator role at Kalamazoo Nature Center

Kalamazoo Nature Center provided pay range

This range is provided by Kalamazoo Nature Center. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$18.00/hr - $20.00/hr

Title: Public Programs Coordinator

Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager

Classification: Full Time Regular, Hourly / Non-exempt

Schedule: ~36-40 hour week, flexible schedule that’s typically Tuesday – Saturday

Compensation: $18-20/hour

Benefits:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days)
• 7 paid holidays off
• Paid snow days during severe weather
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services
• Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings
• Additional KNC Specific benefits
  
  
  

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Job Summary:

The Public Programs Coordinator leads the planning, coordination, and execution of engaging and inclusive public programs that reflect the full breadth of the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s (KNC) mission and values. This full-time position works across departments to ensure that education remains central to all public-facing programs. The Public Programs Coordinator leads efforts to improve the quality and consistency of current programs and to develop new, mission-aligned programming. They draw on both internal and external expertise to deliver dynamic, meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.

Duties/Responsibilities

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Facilitate and lead a cross-departmental Programs Committee with quarterly meetings to plan and align programming efforts.
• Foster collaboration across KNC teams to support program planning, execution, and marketing.
• Represent KNC in a positive and professional manner when interacting with the public, community partners, and outside experts.
  
  
  

Program Development & Implementation:

• Design and deliver public programs that represent the full scope of KNC’s mission, including nature, science, sustainability, art, and community engagement.
• Coordinate the improvement of existing programs and the development of new, mission-aligned offerings.
• Identify and engage outside presenters, artists, and experts to enrich program offerings.
• Collaborate with internal staff to showcase KNC expertise and ensure consistency in program quality.
• Work with their supervisor and/or executive leadership to initiate and process contracts or agreements for programs and external experts as needed.
  
  
  

Marketing & Promotion:

• Work closely with the marketing team to promote programs through various channels, ensuring accessibility and community reach.
• Contribute to the development of promotional materials and online content related to public programming.
  
  
  

Logistics & Evaluation:

• Oversee the logistics of public programs including scheduling, supplies, staffing, and registration.
• Track program-related expenses and ensure activities remain within established budgets.
• Track attendance, gather participant feedback, and use data to evaluate and improve future programming.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Strong program development skills, with experience designing, coordinating, and evaluating public programs or events.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative planning efforts and facilitate productive cross-departmental meetings.
• Knowledge of best practices in informal education, interpretive programming, or visitor engagement.
• Experience working with or hiring outside presenters, educators, or artists.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and deadlines.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with promotional tools such as program calendars, social media, email marketing, and web content.
• Commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural relevance in public programming.
• Knowledge of or interest in environmental education, natural history, or sustainability topics is a plus.
  
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, public programming, event planning, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing and leading educational or public programs.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Availability to work weekends and occasional evenings as needed.
• Passion for connecting people with nature and advancing environmental education.
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position that requires a flexible schedule, including regular weekend work and occasional evenings to support public programs and events.
• Work is performed in a combination of indoor office settings and outdoor environments, in all seasons and weather conditions.
• May involve extended periods of standing, walking, or leading activities outdoors on varied terrain.
• Must be able to lift and carry program materials or equipment (up to 30 lbs).
• Work may include interacting with large groups of people, including children and families, in busy or dynamic settings.
  
  
  

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kalamazoo Nature Center by 2x

Get notified about new Program Coordinator jobs in Kalamazoo, MI.

Office Coordinator - Temporary, Full Time

Kalamazoo County, MI $19.00-$19.00 2 weeks ago

Departmental Specialist 13 - MCTI Administrative Assistant

Program Manager - Data and Analytics with Power BI - Remote

Kalamazoo, MI $140,000.00-$180,000.00 1 month ago

General Office Assistant 5-E7 - Kalamazoo County

Office Operations Assistant - Sports Medicine

Portage, MI $100,000.00-$125,000.00 5 days ago

Office Operations Assistant - Family Practice

Construction Site Administrative Assistant

Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Coordinator

Full Time - Medical Assistant - Bronson Neurosurgery, Kalamazoo

Construction Site Administrative Assistant

Full Time - Medical Assistant - Bronson Practices - South Haven, MI

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.