Place Based Learning Center Co-Director

HAWTHORNE VALLEY ASSOCIATION • Ghent, NY

23h • $65,000 - $67,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Hawthorne Valley Farm’s Place Based Learning Center (PBLC) is seeking a Co-Director to help lead a dynamic educational program rooted in Waldorf Education, place-based learning, and life on a working biodynamic farm. This is a year-round leadership position with responsibility for the overall operation and development of the PBLC, including programming, staff leadership, budgeting, facilities, animal care, compliance, and community partnerships. Summer Camp is a major focus of this position. The Co-Director plays a central role in supporting managers to prepare for and lead the annual summer season, including hiring and supporting seasonal staff, coordinating programming and operations, and ensuring a safe, engaging experience for campers and staff. Summer is an especially intensive period, with programming operating on a full seven-day schedule. This is an opportunity for a creative, collaborative, people-centered educational leader who enjoys building community, solving problems, working with diverse teams, and bringing learning to life through meaningful experiences with children, adults, animals, agriculture, and the land.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or a related field.
• Administrative or organizational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success as an educational, youth program, or organizational leader.
• Experience managing and supporting staff, including seasonal or temporary employees.
• Experience with Summer Camp management or comparable youth-program leadership.
• Strong financial and budget management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
• Experience working effectively with people with a wide range of learning styles, communication styles, abilities, and support needs.
• Commitment to the principles and philosophy of Waldorf Education.

Nice To Haves

• Teaching experience within a Waldorf school or closely affiliated institution.
• Experience with farm-based, outdoor, or experiential education.
• Knowledge or experience with biodynamic agriculture.
• Experience developing or expanding educational or community-based programs.
• Experience with residential or overnight Summer Camp programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and implementation of educational programming for visiting school groups, Hawthorne Valley School students, and other local schools, generally serving students from 3rd through 11th grade.
• Work collaboratively to plan and operate the annual Summer Camp program, including seasonal staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, scheduling, programming, and day-to-day coordination.
• Manage and support permanent and seasonal staff, fostering a collaborative workplace grounded in respect, honesty, trust, and clear communication.
• Oversee the PBLC’s annual budget and monitor expenses throughout the year, working with the HVA Board of Trustees as needed.
• Collaborate with HVA’s Development and Marketing teams to support fundraising, enrollment, and community outreach goals.
• Oversee the care of program animals and ensure appropriate animal care coverage year-round.
• Provide oversight of the facilities and physical spaces used by the PBLC, including maintenance, cleaning, and program readiness.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, and Columbia County Department of Health requirements for the PBLC Dining Hall and Summer Camp.
• Participate in HVA’s Inter-branch Management Group and contribute to the broader leadership and community of Hawthorne Valley.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level