Director of Camp & Outdoor Learning

Are you a passionate community leader who believes that every child deserves access to quality and intentional camp and outdoor experiences? Do you thrive in the intersection of outdoor education, equity, and program management? Piedmont Wildlife Center is seeking a Director of Camp & Outdoor Learning to help drive our vision of executing incredible nature-based outdoor learning by developing meaningful community partnerships, supporting the thoughtful development of counselors and staff, and executing a world-class nature camp program right here in the Triangle . 

Position Summary: Piedmont Wildlife Center (PWC) is seeking a passionate, organized, and community-driven leader to serve as the Director of Camp & Outdoor Learning. The Director will collaborate with Camp Program Managers to develop meaningful nature-based programming, oversee the growth of camp programs across the Triangle, support the professional development of counselors and staff, and cultivate community partnerships centered on environmental education.

The Director will oversee the implementation and evaluation of all PWC camp programs, ensuring high-quality, inclusive experiences for all participants. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in outdoor, family, and community-centered settings.

We are seeking a candidate with experience in nature camps and youth programming who values equity and inclusion and demonstrates strong skills in program evaluation, leadership, and communication. 

The deadline to apply is June 5th. In your application please include a cover letter, a resume highlighting relevant experience, and 3 professional references. This position is subject to federal and state background checks.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision:

• Provide an inclusive, forward-looking vision for Camp & Outdoor Learning programming at Piedmont Wildlife Center, rooted in the organization's core values and opportunities for growth.
• Champion a culture of excellence among Camp Program Managers and Counselors by communicating a clear, mission-driven purpose centered on environmental education, nature-based play, and appreciation for the outdoors.
• Partner with the Executive Director to develop and implement innovative camp programming, growth strategies, and expansion to new locations.
• Work alongside the Executive Director to create, track, and implement a 5-year strategic plan for the camp program.
• Serve as spokesperson for PWC camp programs to the board, leadership staff, and wider community.

Program Management & Operations:

• Oversee program planning, staff training, and supply inventory across all camp locations.
• Delegate appropriate camp management responsibilities to Camp Managers and Coordinators.
• Coordinate upkeep of grounds and programming areas in collaboration with public park staff and the Camp & Outdoor Learning Team across all locations.
• Oversee pertinent paperwork, including incident reports, in collaboration with Camp Program Managers and leadership staff. 
• Develop and streamline organizational structures that support growth, efficiency, and program quality.

Risk Management & Safety:

• Oversee risk management and safety protocols across all camp programs and locations.
• Develop and implement a Crisis Communications Plan in conjunction with marketing and programming staff.
• Ensure all programming complies with local municipality Parks and Recreation guidelines and permit requirements.

Budget & Financial Oversight:

• Co-manage the camp program budget in partnership with the Executive Director, tracking expenditures and contributing to departmental financial planning.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Camp Team to determine staffing needs, pay rates, and short- and long-term departmental goals.

Staff Hiring, Development & Evaluation:

• Recommend candidates for hire or dismissal to the Executive Director, participating actively in the hiring process for all camp staff roles.
• Lead the planning and implementation of staff training in collaboration with Camp Program Managers and Coordinators.
• Conduct biweekly one-on-one meetings with Camp Program Managers.
• Conduct annual performance reviews of all Camp Team Managers in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Support Counselor development through evaluations conducted with the Camp & Outdoor Learning Team, ensuring alignment with PWC culture and camp quality standards. 

Communication (Internal & External):

• Maintain and oversee clear, consistent communication with parents through in-person conversations, email, and phone calls.
• Keep Camp Program Managers informed of challenges, parent concerns, and relevant camp updates.
• Foster a positive community among staff, counselors, volunteers, Counselors-In-Training (CITs), and interns.
• Visit camps regularly to offer support and connect with Counselors and Camp Program Managers.

Partnerships & Community Engagement:

• Assist the Executive Director in developing camp-focused community partnerships.
• Collaborate with the Wildlife Education Team to strengthen cohesion and cross-departmental programming efforts.
• Assist the Fundraising/Marketing Team with PWC’s Annual Impact Report and fundraising efforts, as needed.

General Responsibilities:

• Abide by all rules and directives outlined in the PWC Employee and Counselor Handbooks, Brand Guidelines, and core values, as well as applicable county guidelines and permits.
• Treat all individuals with respect and actively contribute to making PWC a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.
• Attend organizational staff meetings when able.
• Assist with general office duties and other organizational tasks as needed.
• Support PWC organizational events when possible, including some that may occur outside normal business hours.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in outdoor education, nature camps, and/or youth program management.
• Experience with risk management in child-focused programming.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate positively and effectively with parents, families, and children, emphasizing problem solving and mutual respect.
• Experience supervising mid-level staff with a track record of positive employee development.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, both internal and external. 
• Experience working with diverse populations, particularly those historically excluded from environmental education spaces.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and access in educational or recreational programming.
• Current certifications in First Aid/CPR (or willingness to obtain prior to start date).
• This position includes a blend of office work, community outreach, and in-field camp program management.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends based on program needs.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.  
• Ability to spend extended periods outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience developing or managing departmental budgets.
• Familiarity with American Camp Association standards and requirements.
• Familiarity with Triangle-area community organizations and/or schools.
• Experience with program evaluation or impact reporting.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position with a 30-day probationary period to assess mutual fit. Starting salary range is $51,000 to $53,000. After 30 days, benefits include:

• Discretionary PTO
• Designated paid holidays (12)
• Wellness stipend of $2,400 (paid as taxable income)
• Optional employer sponsored vision and dental coverage; Automatic employer sponsored life, and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Participation in a 403b retirement plan

About Our Organization: Piedmont Wildlife Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization inspiring lifelong connections with nature through engaging learning experiences, youth camps, wildlife education, and programs that spark curiosity, foster personal well-being and deep community relationships. 

Land Acknowledgement: Our camps operate out of Leigh Farm Park in Durham County and Blackwood Farm Park in Orange County. Both parks are remnants of 19th-century plantations and are on land that was once part of the shared territory of Saponi, Tuscarora, Occaneechi, Cheraw, Eno, Shakori, Catawba, and Lumbee nations. The county parks departments have preserved multiple historic structures in our locations. In addition, we operate camps at Umstead State Park in Wake County which was once a segregated park and indigenous territory. It is imperative that we discuss this history with our staff and campers, amplify the stories of the indigenous and enslaved peoples who cared for the land and continue learning about and examining the parks’ legacy.