Bethany Beach Nature Center Program Manager

Position: Bethany Beach Program Manager (full time, exempt) A nature center in a vibrant beach community, and an outreach site of Delaware Nature Society , offers a unique opportunity to connect people with the natural world where land, water, and wildlife meet. We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Program Manager to lead the development, coordination, and delivery of engaging environmental education and community programs that inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and cultivate a lasting appreciation for coastal ecosystems. As part of the Delaware Nature Society, this position offers the opportunity to advance the organization's mission of connecting people with the natural world while building meaningful relationships within the local coastal community. Site: Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, based out of the Bethany Beach Nature Center, Bethany Beach, Delaware Schedule: Varied schedule based on program and site needs nights and weekends; the Nature Center is open for visitation and programs Tuesday through Sunday with seasonal schedules. Date: December 2026 Mission Delaware Nature Society’s mission is connecting people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation, and advocacy. Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education programming at four sites and throughout the region, in New Castle & Sussex Counties: (New Castle) Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; (Sussex) Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. We also manage over 2,000 acres of land including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world. Position Summary A n ambassador of DelNature, the Bethany Beach Program Manager works to emphasize the importance of caring for the outdoors, developing and administering activities that help address local environmental interests, issues, and needs . With a focus on programming at Bethany Beach Nature Center and in Sussex County, the Program Manager connects people of all ages to nature through unique, authentic hands-on experiences that promote environmental understanding, advocacy, and conservation. The Program Manager is responsible for creating, planning, scheduling, preparing, and delivering educational activities, leading, and participating in site and organization-wide events, and managing Bethany Beach Nature Center visitor experiences. S/he collaborates with DelNature staff to develop and expand program offerings in Sussex County and is a member of the Abbotts Mill Nature Center team within DelNature reporting to the Abbott’s Mill Site Director. Responsibilities Coordinates, develops, delivers, and staffs education programs and public engagement activities including youth and family, summer camps, community and school groups, public programs, and events. Seeks new programmatic opportunities. Provides customer service by answering phones and assisting walk-ins. Actively introduces visitors to membership and program opportunities, distributes literature to non-members. Answers queries associated with member programs, memberships, public group programs as well as any other calls pertaining to activities at the Center. Works with program staff on developing and maintaining lobby displays; maintains literature racks and sells logo items. Maintains lobby organization and neatness. Supports the maintenance of educational displays and live animal care. Secures, organizes, and maintains all program equipment. Recruits, trains, evaluates, and supervises part-time instructors and volunteers. Develops and ensures all programs are run within approved budgets. Participates in data collection and evaluation of programs. Maintains site organization including appearance, materials, and supplies. Reports needs and concerns that need to be addressed. Ensures adherence to all DelNature policies and procedures. Promotes and supports DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities to grow membership, volunteerism, advocacy, program participation, and financial support. Performs other duties as requested by supervisor. Qualification and Experience Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society. Experience creating, developing, and delivering education programs for youth and adults. Prior teaching experience and/or experience working with children in a non-traditional setting. Degree in a field pertaining to the environment, agriculture, science, wildlife, or education preferred. Ability to work indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions and terrain. Outdoor recreation skills, experience, and passion (canoeing/kayaking, hiking, camping, etc.) Familiarity with social media. Familiarity with or willing to learn Canva and similar programs. Flexibility and adaptability to work a schedule that meets the needs of the site, including weekends and evenings as required. Strong verbal and writing skills, excellent communication skills, and enthusiasm for talking to all ages in a positive, professional manner. Must have a team-focused attitude and flexible mindset, be dependable, and able to work independently. Willingness to learn new skills and topics and share knowledge with others. Must possess a valid Driver’s License Work Environment and Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is often required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and be able to carry, move and set up necessary supplies and equipment including lifting canoe/kayaks with help. Specific vision ability required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains, including biking paved trails and canoeing/kayaking. Salary and Compensation Starting annual salary of $54,000 commensurate with skills, knowledge, and experience. This is an Exempt full-time position with health, dental, paid vacation and paid sick time, and employer/employee matched retirement benefits. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.