Job Description: Education and Outreach Manager
Organization: Flathead Lakers
Location: Polson or Bigfork, Montana (Hybrid work schedule available)
Start Date: February 2025
Position Summary:
The Flathead Lakers seek a dynamic and motivated Education and Outreach Manager to lead and expand critical programs promoting the stewardship of Flathead Lake and its watershed. This individual will manage public education campaigns, citizen science programs, and restoration initiatives while collaborating with partners like the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Western Montana Conservation Commission, and others. The ideal candidate will combine a passion for environmental conservation with strong organizational, communication, and fundraising skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Swimmers Itch Campaign:
Lead public education and outreach efforts in partnership with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Shoreline Restoration and Vegetative Buffers:
Expand and enhance programs promoting shoreline restoration and vegetative buffer zones.
Septic Leachate Solutions:
Research and share strategies to address septic leachate issues with the general public.
Educational Field Trips:
Plan, organize, and lead experience based learning opportunities for local students focused on watershed education at the Flathead Lake Biological Station and other locations around Flathead Lake.
Citizen Science Programs:
Organize and lead citizen science initiatives to engage the community in monitoring and stewardship activities.
Grant Writing and Fundraising:
Secure program funding through grant applications and major donation campaigns.
Assist with fundraising campaigns and organizational events.
Advocacy and Public Engagement:
Support advocacy efforts related to the organization’s mission and programs.
Attend and represent the Flathead Lakers at public meetings, board meetings, and committee meetings.
Community Outreach:
Develop and deliver educational presentations to diverse audiences.
Participate in public events to increase awareness and support for the organization’s work.
Organize and lead field trips and educational visits to significant watershed sites in partnership with the Flathead Lake Biological Station and other partners.
Additional Duties:
Assess effectiveness of education programs. Propose new outreach strategies to improve effectiveness as needed.
Provide support for other organizational priorities as assigned.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking experience.
Demonstrated success in grant writing and donor engagement.
Experience with community engagement and outreach programs.
Familiarity with community-based social marketing or willingness to train.
Familiarity with environmental issues, particularly water quality, shoreline management, and conservation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic familiarity with design or database tools is a plus.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including tribal partners.
Work Environment:
Based at the Flathead Lakers offices in Polson or Bigfork, MT.
Hybrid work schedules available.
Local and regional travel.
Physical Demands:
Mobility: mobility to attend meetings; Stands or sits in an outdoor environment or in a transit vehicle.
Seeing: typically writes, reads, or uses a computer 60-70% of working hours.
Hearing: typically listens to co-workers or speaks on the phone 25-50% of working hours.
Grasping/feeling: typically uses phone equipment (including cell phone) or computer keyboard 75% of working hours;
Lifting: typically lifts supplies and materials and equipment less than 50 pounds.
Benefits:
Competitive Pay $43,000 to $53,000 Annually Full Time Equivalent DOE
Healthcare reimbursement stipend.
Up to 3% retirement matching.
Access to professional training opportunities.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Coby Gierke, Executive Director at lakers@flatheadlakers.org. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM January 15, 2025
Join us in protecting Flathead Lake and fostering a resilient future for its watershed!
