POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Director is the heartbeat of Pathfinders. This is a high-level, on-the-ground leadership role for someone who is energized by working directly with children, families, and staff—someone who can manage logistics, shape the future of our program, and communicate with warmth and clarity. The Program Director ensures the daily success of our program while actively building toward long-term sustainability and growth.

Working closely with our Curriculum Director and Founding Team, the Program Director oversees operations, supports and supervises our Guides (instructors), builds community with enrolled families, recruits new students, and ensures that our program remains aligned with our mission: to foster joyful, authentic learning experiences rooted in place, purpose, and play.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Oversight & Leadership

• Serve as the daily, on-site leader of the program during operating hours

• Oversee and support a team of Guides (lead educators), ensuring high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and engaging facilitation

• Foster a culture of collaboration, inquiry, and professional growth among staff

• Coordinate the daily flow of programming, including basecamp transitions, van transportation logistics, and field experiences

• Manage staffing schedules, field trip calendars, site coordination, and student groupings

Family Engagement & Communication

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents and caregivers regarding attendance, incidents, general updates, and community events

• Write and manage program-wide communication including newsletters, program notices, and special announcements

• Organize and attend community events, open houses, and family nights

Program Development & Growth

• Work closely with Curriculum Director Danielle Dunhum and Integrated Arts Teacher Mariia Sineokova to co-develop and implement curriculum themes, projects, and service learning experiences

• Collaborate with Founder Ellie Coburn to shape long-term goals, refine operational systems, and ensure mission-aligned growth

• Support ongoing recruitment and enrollment efforts, including open houses, school fairs, digital marketing collaboration, and community outreach

• Contribute to building a waitlist and fostering retention through intentional programming and family engagement

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• At least 3 years of experience in education, youth programs, or enrichment leadership

• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising staff and coordinating logistics in a program setting

• Exceptional communication skills and a warm, family-centered presence

• Passion for place-based, experiential learning and a deep belief in the power of nontraditional education

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm and clear-headed in dynamic, child-centered environments

• Willingness to be outdoors, on your feet, and hands-on with students and staff each day

Preferred

• Background in progressive education (e.g., Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, or Forest School models)

• Familiarity with the San Diego region and its public parks, museums, and cultural institutions

• Experience recruiting families or managing enrollment processes

• Degree in Education, Child Development, Outdoor Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

WHO YOU ARE

You’re a strategic thinker and a natural connector. You thrive in roles where you get to shape culture, manage people with intention, and solve problems creatively. You believe that children deserve time and space to explore their world with wonder and purpose—and you want to bring that vision to life in the heart of San Diego.

You’re as comfortable managing Google Sheets and emails as you are climbing into a van to lead a nature hike. You don’t mind the chaos of a launch year—because you know how to turn vision into reality, and you’re ready to help build something remarkable.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

This is a full-time, in-person position based in Bankers Hill, San Diego. Daily hours will generally be M-F between 8:00am–4:00pm, with occasional evening events and weekend commitments (with advanced notice). You will be given an office space at our Basecamp in Bankers Hill but will be frequently coordinating and attending off-site field experiences alongside students and staff.