Program Director, Pearlstone

Adamah•Reisterstown, MD

About The Position

The Program Director, Pearlstone (PDP) leads a program team of approximately seven people and oversees Pearlstone’s educational programs. Working closely with Pearlstone departments, the role supports transformative nature-based experiences at Pearlstone and in the Baltimore area, ranging from low-barrier outreach to immersive programs, camps, and overnight retreats. The PDP develops operational excellence and educational content, and works across departments to support a fulfilling guest and participant experience. The position also contributes to a national movement to cultivate vibrant Jewish life through environmental education and immersive retreats. The Program Team oversees Adamah Adventure Camp, Festivals on the Farm, Farm and Forest School, adult education programs including Way of the Wilderness, holiday and immersive retreats, partnership programs with retreat groups and local organizations, and other opportunities as they arise. The PDP supervises program team managers, including the directors of Adamah Adventure Camp, Holiday and Immersive Retreats, Farm and Forest School, and Program Partnerships, as well as the Operations Manager. The role supports managers in their leadership responsibilities. The PDP builds and maintains systems and processes for high-quality educational content and program execution across a robust calendar of signature initiatives, partnerships, workshops, and projects. The role fosters a collaborative team culture, develops educational resources for learners at all levels, manages the Program Team budget, and coordinates program communications and marketing with program leaders, the MarCom department, the Executive Director, and other departments. Key goals include increasing participation and broadening and increasing the frequency of participation among existing participants. This exempt position is scheduled Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend work. Work combines indoor office duties with outdoor activities in varied weather conditions. Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, walking and standing for extended periods, and navigating uneven grassy, wooded, and unpaved terrain. The role also involves extended sitting, computer use, and administrative work. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. The position reports to the Executive Director of Pearlstone, with a check-in after 90 days and annually thereafter.

Requirements

Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
Ability to work independently; self-motivated and proactive.
Strong attention to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspective.
Commitment to deadlines, accountability, and follow-through.
Solid work ethic and strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent attention to detail and professional verbal and written communication skills in English.
Ability to provide excellent customer service and adapt to changing situations.
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, walk and stand for extended periods, and navigate uneven terrain.
Ability to perform extended periods of sitting, computer use, and administrative work.

Nice To Haves

Experience with budget management, goal setting, and project oversight.
Familiarity with CRM systems and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
Experience working with lay leaders; preferred but not required.
Experience with data analysis, marketing, and recruitment.

Responsibilities

Lead the Program Team of approximately seven people and oversee Pearlstone’s educational programs.
Build, support, and maintain infrastructure, systems, and processes that promote high-quality educational content and program execution.
Oversee a calendar of signature programs, partnerships, workshops, and projects.
Cultivate a team culture of reciprocal interdependence, collaboration, shared leadership, and independent work.
Continue developing educational resources for learners at all levels.
Supervise program team managers and support their leadership.
Partner with the Executive Director and Advancement Department to ensure grant compliance and manage funder and key stakeholder relationships.
Coordinate board and working-group engagement with the Executive Director, leading program-related working groups as appropriate.
Work with the leadership team and department heads to support organizational excellence in operations and participant experience.
Participate in regular team meetings and meet regularly with department heads.
Manage the Program Team budget in coordination with the Executive Director and Finance Department.
Coordinate external communications and marketing for the Program Team with program leaders, the MarCom department, and the Executive Director.
Support goals to increase program participation and the frequency and breadth of participation by existing participants.
Attend weekly department meetings and monthly all-staff meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.