
EcoSchool Program Director
SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers, Traverse City, MI, United States
The vibrant staff of SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers provide the energy that drives our mission to implement local solutions to global issues at the intersection of ecology, education, and design! Our team members make a difference every day, whether it is teaching a classroom of elementary students about recycling, supporting local farmers markets, leading a crew of local youth to build a boardwalk, or quantifying data to enable a city to reach resiliency goals.
SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, disability, familial status, or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
EcoSchool Program Director
Summary
The EcoSchool Program Director leads and advances all SEEDS EcoSchool programming to ensure high-quality, compliant, and sustainable after‑school experiences for youth and families. This role ensures program excellence across sites, supports and develops Regional Directors, and expands EcoSchool through strategic partnerships and new site development. As a member of the SEEDS Executive Leadership Team, this role contributes to organizational strategy and helps align EcoSchool with SEEDS’ broader mission and priorities.
Essential Job Duties
- Program Leadership & Oversight
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, hands‑on academic and enrichment programming in safe, engaging environments
- Maintain full compliance with grants, licensing (MiLEAP/CCLB), and partner expectations
- Guide continuous improvement across all EcoSchool sites
- Make final decisions related to safety, compliance, and program integrity
- Supervision & Development of Regional Directors
- Supervise and support Regional Directors in achieving program quality and compliance
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development support
- Conduct regular check‑ins, including formal 6‑month conversations
- Maintain availability during key program hours for consultation and escalation
- Financial Oversight & Planning
- Oversee EcoSchool program budgets at both program‑wide and site levels
- Review financial performance (monthly/quarterly actuals)
- Adjust forecasts in collaboration with the Executive Director and Controller
- Guide Regional Directors in responsible and aligned budget management
- Growth & Site Development
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities for new EcoSchool sites and partnerships
- Lead new site development, including:
- Licensing readiness and compliance
- Staffing and hiring
- Facility and program setup
- Student recruitment and launch execution
- Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with:
- MiLEAP representatives and program consultants
- School administrators and school boards
- Community partners, vendors, and funders
- Communicate key program updates, staffing changes, and compliance matters
- Compliance & Accountability
- Ensure compliance with all contracted agreements and grant requirements (e.g., 21st CCLC)
- Serve as the central point of accountability for licensing, including:
- Renewals
- Incident reporting
- Corrective action plans
- Ensure accurate and compliant recordkeeping across all sites
- Train and support Regional Directors and staff in compliance expectations
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience working in K–12 education (preferred)
- Ability to meet MiLEAP/CCLB requirements for Central Administrator
- Supervisory or management experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Conflict resolution and student behavior management experience
- Valid driver’s license with a strong driving record
- Ability to travel locally between sites
- Ability to work occasional evenings
- Ability to pass required background checks
Compensation
- Schedule: 35‑40 hours per week
- Benefits: SIMPLE IRA with employer match, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Paid Time Off
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we at SEEDS encourage you to apply anyway! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
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