Vice President, Climate Resiliency, Entrepreneurship And Programming

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School 

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound is one of the largest Outbound Bound Schools in the United States. It is located on one of the largest and most ecologically diverse islands among the 34 islands and peninsulas that comprise the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Covering 204 acres, this island features mature forests, meadows, freshwater and marine wetlands, salt marshes, and critical geological features. In addition to its natural beauty, the island offers amenities such as a formal school campus with dormitories, a dining hall, classrooms, lab space, auditoriums, a gymnasium, outdoor challenge courses, and climbing towers. 

THE NEED 

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (CSIOBS) is a not-for-profit organization that primarily provides adventurous and challenging experiential learning programs that inspire character development, compassion, community service, environmental responsibility, and academic achievement. Our organization serves adolescents from all economic and social communities of greater metropolitan Boston and the institutions and adults who support them.  

Many of the students CSIOBS serves attend Boston Public Schools and CSIOBS has been associated with Boston Public Schools for over 50 years. CSIOBS firmly believes that access to green spaces and natural environments positively impacts children's mental health and well-being, laying a solid foundation for them to become lifelong learners. 

Deeply embedded in our service model, we hold that practicing hands-on science in our ecosystems enhances students’ ability to question, observe, and spark their curiosity about the natural world. Tapping into our challenge structures and participating in outdoor education courses help them build confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of possibility. This unique combination of field science and dynamic challenge profoundly impacts students' academic and social-emotional growth.  CSIOBS intentionally includes STEM initiatives in our programming and takes responsibility for stewarding our students to become environmentally conscious champions and advocates. 

A new CEO and President started in April 2023. She leads CSIOBS in adopting a new strategic plan, advancing a new campus plan, and enhancing our business model based on interviews with 125 participants, including student parents, staff, board members, donors, BPS administrators, and many more.   Thanks to generous gifts from philanthropists, CSIOBS can transition programs to prioritize climate resiliency, sustainability, and entrepreneurship as part of our outdoor program based on Outward Bound principles and practices.  As an additional resource, this is a great article to review:    Thompson Island to receive a $12 million gift from Stone Foundation - The Bay State Banner. 

CSIOBS seeks a dynamic, student- and people-centered Vice President (VP) of Climate Resiliency, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship to lead the strategic and operational goals for all program education areas. This position will be part of the senior management team that drives the organization's overall strategy.   With a program budget of $2.3 million and a current of 28 persons (year-round, eight to nine months, and seasonal employees), the VP will focus on the following areas: program leadership and management, external relationships, and knowledge management.  This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and President. 

Outward Bound International (OBI) has recently published a report in partnership with Accenture Development Partnership. The report confirms that Outward Bound Programs inspire individuals to develop skills and habits that are lifelong and valuable for participants and society at large. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) was created as part of this partnership. The SROI, based on eight schools in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, illustrates that for every $1 invested in Outward Bound, $9 of social value is created. 

We’ll give you the technology, the tools, the scale, the culture, and learning while supporting CSIOBS to help deliver on our education goals while implementing unique Outward Bound programs and helping our students gain a greater understanding of the environmental, social, and governance procedures, and to take on tough challenges by climbing our high ropes elements, exploring and understanding our salt marshes, watching scientists perform studies and experiments on our shore and the learn about the erosion and migration of the sand from north of the island to the south end and much more. 

WHAT YOU DO 

The VP’s job is to drive the overall program strategy, strengthen the core program model and performance, lead and advance innovation initiatives designed to deepen CSIOBS’ reach and impact, work with OBUSA and OBI staff on learning and evaluation, and carry out the duties as prescribed in our new strategic plan. 

Leadership & Management: 

• Manage direct reports of up to 5 persons. Should consider adding a Sustainability Director (pending funding) to the team to work closely with you and the Vice President of Asset Management to implement sustainability initiatives for the island resources and to educate our students.
• Enhance, oversee, and implement the design, development, and delivery of a program strategy that maximizes the outcomes of CSIOBS program elements (Connections, Discovery, Summer Expeditions, and Green Ambassadors.
• Work with education consultant(s) to develop a climate change and environmental justice program for 7th – 10th graders consistent with Massachusetts and Rhode Island state standards.
• Ensure the program is participant-informed and student-participant-centered.
• Ensure the organizational vision for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) is incorporated into all facets of the program.
• Attract, develop, coach, and retain the program team; oversee the entire Program Team function and activities (e.g., program design, systems management, data collection, reporting, and evaluation).
• Be creative and innovative in raising government agency funds to meet program ideas' requirements. 
  • Strong emotional intelligence, including a demonstrated ability to manage confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information discreetly and professionally.

External Relationships: 

• Present to the board at quarterly meetings, in-person and virtual meetings, and on committee calls.
• Support the Chair of the Board of Trustees Education Committee through bi-weekly meetings and lead 3-4 sessions per year with the whole committee.
• In partnership with other leaders, initiate, develop, and manage relationships with school leaders locally and meet/visit with school leaders regularly.
• Cultivate new Boston Public Schools (BSP) partners and district relationships as strategic vendors.

Knowledge and RelationshipManagement: 

• Establish and nurture relationships with site staff to understand regional perspectives and needs, build trust, and facilitate program design, implementation, and evaluation informed by those closest to program participants.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with senior management team members[1] And their direct reports to integrate cross-program activities.
• Develop the necessary systems, processes, and tools to support better the facilitation, collection, and sharing of knowledge generated by the programs.
• Collaborate and develop essential partnerships that will further our mission and ensure that our students have a firm plan for participating in our scope and sequence with graduating from high school and pursuing a post-secondary pathway.
• Champion a data, quality, and evaluation culture that aligns with programmatic strategic outcomes.
• Seek and create innovative opportunities to invest in staff through support, training, coaching, and observation.

The ideal candidate for this role is comfortable leading through changing priorities and holding exacting standards for a team’s high-stakes work. The risks and potential of experimentation energize you as a path to breakthrough strategies in outdoor spaces, and you know how to inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals.  

REPORTING TO THE CEO AND PRESIDENT OF CSIOBS                                                                        The CEO and President of CSIOBS are deeply committed to developing innovative solutions for complex challenges and advocating for social justice, especially for the young students supported by CSIOBS.  She is a natural problem-solver who thrives on tackling significant obstacles.   She is inherently entrepreneurial and unwavering in her pursuit of resources. Her approach is guided by four closely intertwined principles:  people, focus, passion, and place. She is currently dedicated to expanding CSIOBS's vision to better cater to our student's needs and empower them to become advocates for climate action, armed with the knowledge and drive to seek solutions.   The CEO and President will collaborate with architectural teams to support staff in creating climate-resilient programs and enhancing the island’s facilities and systems to minimize our carbon footprint. Please listen to this podcast to hear her initial thoughts.  Should you join our team, expect to work closely with a dynamic individual who prioritizes regular communications on all projects. 

WORK CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS                                                                             The New England coast experiences various weather conditions, which can be challenging to adapt to. You will be required to work on the island 4+ or more times a week from April to October. If available, CSIOBS will take care of your ferry transportation and temporary onsite housing. As a valuable team member, you will be asked to assist in loading and unloading cargo from the boat, which can be physically demanding. The work involves lifting and carrying packages weighing up to 25 pounds on and off moving docks and ramps. Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and development. A criminal background check is required for this position.

LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

This hire must reside in the Boston area and be willing to work on our island in Boston Harbor for eight months of the year. During the off-season, the hire will work at our local office in Seaport Boston.

WHO YOU ARE 

All CSIOBS staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students to be challenged via discovery, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration. All candidates should demonstrate leadership, coaching, relationship management experience, and substantial success in managing funder relationships. 

Specifically, the Vice President will bring: 

Qualifications Needed: At least ten years of management experience, with preference given to those with an advanced degree. 

   

Program Leadership and Management: The ideal candidate will have a hands-on approach to leading various initiatives and a background in outdoor and wilderness programs, climate resilience and sustainability, entrepreneurship, financial well-being, career readiness, and post-secondary programming. 

   

Exceptional Communication and Influencing Skills: The VP must have strong written and verbal communication skills, be a persuasive, credible, and polished communicator, and have excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. 

   

Relationship Management & Interpersonal Skills: A “people-first” mindset, strong ability to build trusting relationships and convey empathy in all interactions. 

   

Cultural Competence: An understanding of systemic and institutionalized racism facing communities of color and the historical context of privilege and power in America, with sensitivity and humility in engaging colleagues around these topics. 

   

Systems Management and Improvement: Skill in creating and maintaining transparent, well-defined systems and processes, with an eye on continuous improvement. 

   

A Resource to Our Network of Partners: Help amplify partner successes, make connections between partners, facilitate learning sharing, and offer your expertise to partners in our networks wherever it makes sense. 

   

An Entrepreneurial Approach to the Work and Learn New Skills: In our fast-paced, unstructured environment, we encourage staff to figure things out independently and ask for help if they’re stuck. 

   

Adaptability: You should prefer (not just tolerate) working in a fast-paced environment and be invigorated and motivated by new opportunities and challenges resulting from the constantly shifting progressive issue space. 

   

Accountability: Personal responsibility for work product and results; excellent organizational skills to juggle multiple projects and ad hoc requests. Work closely with the Finance & Operations Area to budget and monitor programmatic work funding and ensure we promptly report on outcomes. Guide and coach team members on proactively strategizing to improve program delivery for progressively increasing effectiveness and accountability. 

OUR BENEFITS 
We are committed to staff learning, growth, and development. Our holistic investment includes the following: 

• Competitive salaries. This is an exempt position with a starting salary of $125,000 to $155,000.
• Medical insurance with up to 80% employer contribution.
• Dental, vision, FSA, life, and disability insurance plans.
• 401 (K) and Employer Match
• Generous paid time off, including 17 vacation days, 20 personal days, and 13 company-wide holidays.
• Individual, local, regional, and national training.
• A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
• An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care.
• Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING 

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and equity, diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness to impact how we work with students and as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to make a diverse organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Select "Apply for this Position" below to submit a resume and a compelling cover letter addressed to Sylvia Watts McKinney, CEO and President by July 26, 2024, at or before 2 pm.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff that is as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

[1] Current members of the Senior Management Team are:  Chief Development and Communications Officer, Chief of Staff, Vice President of Change, Culture and Engagement, Director of Safety and Training, Interim Co-Leaders of Programs, Executive Chef, Interim Co-Leaders of Island Facilities, and Financial Management Representative.