Education Coordinator

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust works to ensure that public parks, lands, and waters are protected, enjoyed, and passed on for the benefit of present and future generations. Its mission centers on preserving parks now while helping young people become future park stewards.

The organization safeguards national parks and broadens access to public lands and water so that the next generation grows up with a lasting connection to America’s parks. By protecting special places before they face danger and creating meaningful park experiences, the Trust helps turn access into lifelong stewardship.

Role Overview

The Education Coordinator will support youth and family programming by helping lead outdoor learning experiences for K-12 students from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and abilities. This role requires strong people skills, the ability to build productive partnerships, and the confidence to manage several projects at once with limited supervision. Candidates must live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

This position works closely with the Youth and Family Programs team on national initiatives such as the Buddy Bison School Program, Kids to Parks Day, and other grant-funded park experience programs that support more than 250 schools. The role partners directly with teachers, parks, and other organizations to plan, develop, and carry out experiential education activities.

Work Arrangement and Location

This is a Maryland-based position located in Rockville, MD. The role may involve a mix of in-office and remote work, with the amount of on-site time varying based on organizational needs. Travel is part of the job, including both in-state and out-of-state trips.

Core Responsibilities

About 80% of the role focuses on youth education programming and 20% on development, operations, and related support tasks.

• Support the full range of the organization’s growing outdoor youth education programs.
• Plan and coordinate in-person and virtual park experiences for assigned Buddy Bison schools across the country, including logistics, serving as the main contact with parks and schools, preparing trip information, and monitoring fund usage.
• Travel within and outside Maryland for Buddy Bison school events.
• Prepare written trip summaries and keep the Senior Director of Youth Programs fully informed of trip details.
• Participate in recurring youth program meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Create educational resources such as lesson plans, videos, toolkits, newsletters, and social media content.
• Support the annual Kids to Parks National School Grants process when needed.
• Keep organized archives of photos, teacher feedback, student work, and other materials for development and marketing use.
• Help the development team prepare grant-related content and fundraising materials.
• Assist the communications team with social posts, newsletters, and website updates.
• Support inventory needs by purchasing items, stocking supplies, handling shipments, and tracking materials.
• Manage the Buddy Bison mascot costume rental program, including contracts, scheduling, shipping, and cleaning.
• Help prepare materials for board reports for the Senior Director of Youth Programs.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• This is an entry-level opportunity, though teaching or informal education experience is highly preferred.
• Genuine enthusiasm for parks and the outdoors is important.
• Strong written, phone, and in-person communication abilities are necessary.
• Excellent organization and multitasking skills, with close attention to detail, are expected.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team are needed.
• Applicants should be creative and comfortable suggesting new ideas and solving problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google productivity tools is required.
• Basic familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is needed.
• Flexibility with work hours is important, including occasional weekend work and travel.
• A criminal background check must be successfully completed because the role involves work with youth and families.
• First aid training is required, and the selected candidate must be willing to earn certification.
• Some physical activity is involved in park settings.
• The role includes lifting items up to 45 lbs.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a car are required.
• Local and overnight travel, including occasional weekend travel and work, will be part of the job.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Health and dental coverage, plus a vision program.
• Flexible spending account.
• Life insurance, along with short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Vacation time, sick leave, and all federal holidays off.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be ready to provide a cover letter explaining their interest in the National Park Trust and what they hope to contribute, along with a resume. References will be requested later in the process if needed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

National Park Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not permit unlawful discrimination or harassment. The organization values diversity in background, experience, and perspective across its staff, board, donors, and partners. Its hiring and employment practices comply with all applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

The position reports to the Senior Director of Youth Programs. It is a full-time, regular staff role with a stated annual salary of $50,000.