Job Description: Program Manager
Position Summary
AIARE is looking for an enthusiastic educational program or curriculum designer to help support the growth of curriculum and educational programming development in our organization. This position is being added to support the current team of two full-time staff and several part-time contractors. This position will also work closely with AIARE’s Instructional staff members, as well as the two supervisors who oversee our Instructor staff.
This position will support curriculum development and publications revision of the curricula AIARE manages to train avalanche professionals, develop avalanche educators, and provide avalanche education to recreational travelers. In addition, this position will work as part of a team to support the growth, coordination, and delivery of new professional training opportunities for avalanche educators and professionals.
We are excited to connect with experienced and self-directed education managers who are looking for a workplace where they can try new ideas and build programs. This can also be an ideal position for an experienced educator or communications specialist who is looking to grow into creating and managing programs in a supportive environment.
Company Overview
AIARE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops recreation avalanche education curriculum and trains professionals to instruct that curriculum. AIARE also develops curriculum for and trains avalanche professionals in a training program that has set the standard in the industry for over a decade.
AIARE is a small, permanently remote organization, based in Colorado, with core administrative and program staff located across the western US; we also manage contract instructional staff of about 40 to deliver professional training programs. Learn more about AIARE at avtraining.org/about-aiare/.
Job Duties
Curriculum Management
AIARE manages three core curricula: a recreational avalanche risk management curriculum, an entry-level professional training curriculum, and an avalanche instructor training and development curriculum. Curriculum management duties include:
● Assist with revision of curriculum, including writing and editing, incorporating feedback, program evaluation and technical advice.
● Assist with the ongoing evaluation and feedback collection of AIARE’s programs. This may include data analysis, reviewing and summarizing feedback, and participating in ideation and design of revision proposals,
● Participate in a team of curriculum specialists to articulate program outcomes, design instruction, write lesson plans, and create curricular support materials.
● Other duties as assigned.
Program Development
AIARE is growing the development of education programs that complement our curriculum for both recreational backcountry travels and professionals in workplaces that deal with avalanches. This includes the development of virtual and in person programming, stand alone curriculum packages, and asynchronous learning experiences. Program development and support duties include:
● Assist with the development and delivery of continuing professional development programming aimed at avalanche educators, AIARE’s instructional staff, and avalanche professionals.
● Assist with the review and monitoring of quality and impact of professional development and continuing education programs.
● Assist with conducting audience needs assessment, and program and content development for recreation avalanche education.
Reports to
Education Director, who is currently based in Seattle, WA.
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, management of freelance writers, editors, and photographers may be a routine part of the role.
Working Conditions
This is a virtual position as AIARE has no central office. Working hours are flexible, but you must be able to respond to email and phone calls in a timely fashion and be able to meet firm deadlines.
Some travel should be expected for staff meetings and training.
Compensation
This is a full-time seasonal position through June 2024 with the potential to become a permanent position. Salary ranges from $50,000 – $60,000 depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance reimbursement, accident and short-term disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match. Generous time off including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Access to industry discounts and opportunities for training.
AIARE provides a stipend for home office setup and a reimbursement for phone and internet.
Desired Skills and Qualities:
● Virtual Collaborator: We are a collaborative team, but work independently in the solitude of our home offices. Self-awareness and proactive communication are keys to successfully working at AIARE. Experience working in fully virtual environments is valuable. You will need to be able to work independently and collaborate virtually, and thus be comfortable communicating using a variety of modern technologies and web-based platforms.
● Design Thinker: We take an audience-centered approach to our curriculum and program design. We are looking for people who are skilled at putting themselves in someone else’s shoes, seeing things from another perspective, and designing publications, tools and learning experiences to meet audience needs.
● Strategic Executer: We are a small team and are looking for people who think strategically about how to sustain the programs we develop. Because we don’t work together in person, we need someone who demonstrates exceptional judgment, flexibility and an ability to work independently and reliably. We are looking for someone who can adapt and respond to changes in order to effectively prioritize execution of day to day work, handling multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Qualifications
● Able to legally work in the US. In addition, the applicant must reside in one of the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Tennessee, Washington, or Wyoming.
● Degree or equivalent experience in Education, Communications, Outdoor Recreation, or other relevant field.
● Demonstrated curriculum writing or educational program development skills; applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of curriculum and writing work or writing samples.
● Experience as a winter backcountry traveler on any mode of travel.
● Prefer a minimum 5 years of experience designing and/or managing curriculum in non-profit education programs.
● Prefer experience working with budgets and budgetary considerations in program design.
● Prefer experience in adult learning, organizational development, or professional training programs.
Limitations and Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an employee. An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Starts
January 2, 2024
How to apply
Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing experience, a resume that includes a link to a curriculum work or writing portfolio, and short (less than 500 word) writing sample such as a blog post, article, or essay to jobs@avtraining.org. We will begin interviews December 11, 2023. This position will remain open until filled. Please reference “Program Manager - ” in the subject line of your email.