NY/NJ Youth Opportunities Program Coordinator

Summary Description:

The AMC’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) provides training and support for more than 250 youth workers in the Northeast region to independently lead youth groups into the outdoors.YOP makes the outdoors accessible to more than 17,000 urban and at-risk youth each year through provision of training, trip planning assistance, reduced rates at AMC lodging destinations, direct service trips, and free use of equipment.

The NY/NJ YOP Coordinator is responsible for supporting the AMC’s Youth Opportunities Program in the Greater New York City and New Jersey region which serves over 4,000 youth. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing support to all aspects of YOP NY/NJ outdoor adventure activities including trainings, direct service trips, equipment, reservations, volunteer management, and trip planning assistance. The NY/NJ YOP Coordinator will work collaboratively with the YOP NY/NJ Manager and AMC Mohican Outdoor Center staff to provide a positive lodging experience for YOP groups.

This full-time position reports to the YOP NY/NJ Manager and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. The position is based both in New York City (80%) and at AMC’s Mohican Outdoor Center (20%) in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Outreach: Implement the annual outreach plan to recruit youth workers for participation in the program. Conduct phone calls, attend Open Houses, maintain the database up-to-date, and organize mailings.
• Youth Worker Training: Provide logistical support for all Outdoor Leadership Trainings and workshops. Assist with training registration and confirmation.
• Retention: Encourage YOP Member retention and long-term participation. Develop positive working relationships with youth workers. Use phone calls, emails, social media, and other resources to encourage youth workers to engage their youth in the outdoors and stay connected with YOP.
• Direct Service: Plan, organize, and co-lead outdoor adventures with YOP Members for groups of urban youth. Activities include hiking, camping, backpacking, team building, snowshoeing, and canoeing. Develop trip itineraries, routes, and new curriculum. Teach wilderness ethics, team building and challenge initiatives, basic outdoor living skills, all with safety as a top priority. Manage a series of overnight camp-outs at Mohican. Complete post-trip reporting responsibilities including trip summaries, statistics, and organizing paperwork and photographs.
• Equipment: Manage the outdoor equipment inventory, including distribution, safety, cleaning, and maintenance. Ensure that the YOP Education and Equipment Center is operating efficiently and effectively.
• Trip Planning & Technical Assistance: Provide assistance, logistical support, and advice to youth workers as they develop plans for leading their youth into the outdoors. Assist youth agencies in developing their own outdoor programming.
• E-Newsletter: Research, write and publish articles for the monthly e-newsletter.
• Lodging: Make reservations for YOP groups at appropriate AMC Destinations. Send confirmation packets and invoices.
• Volunteers: Create and manage a Volunteer Logistic Crew to provide support for YOP trainings and events. Organize the annual equipment repair day. Attend Committee meetings.
• Reporting: Enter trip reports, compile statistics, organize photo archives, and other tasks as assigned.
• Risk Management: Implement AMC and YOP risk management procedures in all trainings, trips, and workshops. Provide backup logistical and emergency support to trips in the field. Provide on call coverage.
• Collaborate: Work in partnership with all YOP staff in program planning and delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education or related fields with course work completed in experiential education, outdoor adventure-based recreation, and leadership.
• At least 2 years of program administration experience required, with a minimum of 3 years facilitating outdoor (hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing, snowshoeing) and related activities.
• Experience leading outdoor trips for youth and adults. Must be able to work comfortably and professionally in office and in field.
• Strong outdoor leadership skills including backpacking, hiking, camping, and winter skills. Canoeing experience a plus.
• Experience working with a variety of diverse populations including youth, adults, volunteers, and staff.
• Outstanding organizational and communication skills. Public speaking experience preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to hike and camp in mountain terrain carrying a 40-50 pound pack, in all weather conditions. Ability to lift 65 pounds from ground to waist high.
• A general knowledge of the AMC and its mission, desirable.
• Knowledge of the Delaware Water Gap, the New York/New Jersey area, and youth-serving organizations, desirable.
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Must be flexible and able to work weekends and evenings.
• AMC has zero tolerance for the abuse or neglect of minors. AMC will conduct a criminal history background check and reference checks.
• Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.

Check on our website for all details of the position and its benefits