About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act's impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.
CBF has a staff of approximately 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world's first U.S. Green Build Council's LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world's most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Environmental Education
Approximately 35,000 students and teachers participate each year in CBF's education field experiences or teacher professional learning.
The Bay, and its watershed, is our classroom and CBF environmental educators are responsible for bringing the Bay alive to students. We strive to make a lasting impression about the excitement and vulnerability of the Bay.
Each of CBF's 15 education programs has its own individual character. The field experience options run the gamut from our urban boat programs in Baltimore and Hampton Roads to Pennsylvania canoe programs to remote island-based centers. We use hands-on experiential teaching techniques to educate students about the health of the Bay and connect them back to their local environment. Educators promote and develop citizen knowledge about the Bay by providing unforgettable, hands-on experiences that inspire participants with a commitment to take action for the restoration of the Bay.
The education department is comprised of Student Field Programs, Teacher and Principal Professional Learning, and Student Leadership. All of these components work closely to educate and empower participants to take action towards "Saving the Bay."
Context of the Position
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Student Leadership Coordinator’s role is to manage and innovate education programming that encourages the development of active, self-motivated, youth leaders to assist with CBF’s advocacy priorities and raising environmental awareness. This is a full-time position based primarily in Richmond, VA but will require travel to CBF’s Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach and frequent travel throughout the state of VA.
Essential Functions
1. Student Leadership Coordinator duties include:
a. Recruit and cultivate high school students who will serve as the core of the Student Leadership program in Virginia
b. Design & teach programs that:
i. Provide students with a solid comprehensive understanding of Bay issues and ecology through experiential education programming and advocacy opportunities.
ii. Train students as facilitators and organizers for action projects and activities.
iii. Inspire student collaboration on relevant issues.
c. Maintain existing partnerships with organizations and affiliates in Virginia.
d. Identify and develop new partnerships with relevant schools and student organizations in VA.
e. Collaborate with the PA & MD Student Leadership Coordinators to plan and implement watershed wide student leadership events & meetings.
f. Manage administrative tasks for the summer student leadership program which includes processing student registrations, communicating with students & parents about the summer programs, training designated staff as course leads, and providing logistical support to summer course staff.
g. Track and report on project goals and provide timely updates about achievements to supervisors and other CBF departments. Maintain a program portfolio that highlights progress and achievements for the Development Department
h. Coordinate outreach and media with CBF’s Communications Department.
i. Collaborate with peers in CBF’s Education Department, and cross-departmentally to align projects with the organization’s mission.
2. Other:
a. Plan, lead, or assist with Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Development summer courses.
b. Attend all safety & professional development trainings.
c. Attend Senior Management Team meetings and retreats, as directed.
d. Substitute as an educator for field staff, as needed.
e. Other duties, as assigned.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Successful Candidate should possess the following:
* Bachelor’s degree
* At least 3 years’ experience teaching in either a formal or non-formal setting
* Possess a working knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
o Public school systems: operations and organization
o The process of passing state legislation
o Marketing and outreach strategies and techniques
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills that includes the ability to adapt to different age groups, settings, & audiences
* Proficient at creating & delivering engaging presentations for large audiences
* Collaborative work style that includes working within a team as well as independently
* Knowledge of environmental issues in the Bay watershed
Physical Requirements:
* Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects-at least 45 pounds (canoes and other equipment) .
* This physically demanding position involves year-round exposure to the elements.
* Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
* Ability to work away from home for multiple-day periods throughout the year.
* Ability to travel to attend trainings & meetings.
* Access to reliable transportation to travel to CBF field programs & locations as needed.
Other:
* Must pass a criminal background check.
* Must possess a valid driver’s license, submit a driving record, and have an acceptable driving record.
* All education staff participate in a pre-employment & random drug screening program per the requirements of the US Coast Guard.
Salary Range: $57,000
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until filled.
Apply Now
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.