The Society for the Protection of NH Forests (Forest Society) is seeking a Program Director for our newly updated location at The Rocks in Bethlehem, NH. Donated for conservation in 1978, The Rocks is a 1,400-acre working Christmas tree farm, program and education center, and recreation destination with hiking trails and a new hillside amphitheater facing the White Mountains. This full -time position will be tasked with expanding outreach, programming, and events at this historic conservation property. 

If interested, email a resume, cover letter and references to Sarah Alsamaraee, Forestry & Stewardship Administrative Coordinator at salsamaraee@forestsociety.org.

The Forest Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.   

No phone calls please.

 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, FOREST SOCIETY NORTH AT THE ROCKS

Reports to: Reservation Stewardship & Engagement Director

Salary range: $55,000+

This position is Full-Time, Exempt, Regular

Position Summary:

The Program Director will develop and implement new educational, outreach, and recreational programs & events to be hosted at Forest Society North at The Rocks with a focus on mission alignment, community needs and revenue generation. The Program Director melds conservation, education, and recreation management with marketing, tourism, and entrepreneurship. The position supervises the Senior Outreach Manager, administrative staff, and will invigorate a well-established volunteer program. The Program Director will also collaborate with staff across the organization to improve the visitor experience at Forest Society North, including reservation stewardship, education & outreach, development, communications, facilities, and finance staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development and Implementation:

· Schedule and coordinate all programming and events at Forest Society North.

· Develop and implement new educational, outreach, and recreational programs at The Rocks, with a focus on mission, visitor interest/community needs, and revenue generation.

· Manage multiple existing programs, including Christmas and maple seasonal events, motor coach tours, school programs, and educational programs.

· Work with local businesses and individuals to develop partnerships that support programming, community events, and engagement at Forest Society North.

Volunteer Engagement:

· Work with the existing volunteer group at The Rocks and invigorate new volunteer recruitment.

· Develop new volunteer roles and job descriptions based upon program coordination and delivery needs as programming and event management opportunities expand.

· Design and implement a framework for recruiting, training, managing, and recognizing volunteers at Forest Society North.

Event Management, Marketing and Retail Business:

· Promote Forest Society North at The Rocks as a premier event venue for weddings, celebrations, workshops, business meetings, and other gatherings.

· Market and publicize programming and events at Forest Society North to local, state-wide, and regional audiences using our website, e-newsletter, print magazine, and social media channels.

· Manage facility rentals of multiple event spaces requiring marketing, coordination, and management. Events include weddings, community events, partnerships with other community-based groups.

· Oversee all aspects of the gift shop at Forest Society North, including product sourcing, ordering, pricing, display and stocking, retail sales, and sales tracking.

Communications and Development:

· Responsible for promoting Forest Society membership, philanthropy, and brand recognition at all programming and events as well as to casual visitors to the property.

· Participate in regular staff and outreach team meetings, some of which will require driving to the Conservation Center, the Forest Society’s Concord, New Hampshire headquarters.

· Collaborate as part of a staff team including Reservation Stewardship, Education & Outreach, Development, Communications, Facilities Management, and Finance to plan for future programming, interpretation, and facilities improvements/additions for Forest Society North at The Rocks.

· Hire, train and supervise an administrative staff person to assist with event and program management, retail sales, venue marketing and rentals, and volunteer coordination.

Qualifications and Skills required:

· Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Education, Recreation Management, Communications, or relevant field.

· Proven years of related experience in business administration and tourism. industry/hospitality, program development, or event management.

· Ability to think creatively, forge lasting professional partnerships, and bring ideas to fruition.

· Superior organization and time management skills, good diligence.

· Experience in recruiting, motivating and supervising staff and volunteers.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proven people skills, and friendly demeanor.

· Ability to learn and efficiently use computer and software programs to manage events, programming, and marketing.

· Experience with budgeting, marketing, and public relations.

· Must have flexibility to work on weekends and evenings as needed.

· Driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and ability to drive occasional long distances (Bethlehem, New Hampshire to Concord, New Hampshire).

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience with project management software.

· Familiarity with Convio/Luminate, RE NXT donor database and/or Drupal websites a plus.

· Familiarity with New Hampshire’s North Country communities, businesses, and organizations, and their challenges and opportunities.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily in an office setting, with frequent need to move across a wider campus to reach event and program spaces. Occasional driving to/from the Forest Society’s Conservation Center headquarters in Concord, NH is required.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to traverse The Rocks property (1,400 acres) on foot, on and off-trail, to assess and implement programs wherever they are held. Endure a variety of outdoor conditions including heat, cold, precipitation, insects, and variable terrain.

 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Forest Society is an equity-based employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or and other protected status as required by applicable law.