Place Based Learning Center Co-Director in Ghent, New York at HAWTHORNE VALLEY ASSOCIATION

Co-Director of Place Based Learning Center

Full-Time | Year-Round | $65,000–$67,000/year

Lead a Unique Place-Based Educational Program at Hawthorne Valley

Hawthorne Valley Farm’s Place Based Learning Center (PBLC) is seeking a Co-Director to help lead a dynamic educational program rooted in Waldorf Education, place-based learning, and life on a working biodynamic farm.

This is a year-round leadership position with responsibility for the overall operation and development of the PBLC, including programming, staff leadership, budgeting, facilities, animal care, compliance, and community partnerships.

Summer Camp is a major focus of this position. The Co-Director plays a central role in supporting managers to prepare for and lead the annual summer season, including hiring and supporting seasonal staff, coordinating programming and operations, and ensuring a safe, engaging experience for campers and staff. Summer is an especially intensive period, with programming operating on a full seven-day schedule.

This is an opportunity for a creative, collaborative, people-centered educational leader who enjoys building community, solving problems, working with diverse teams, and bringing learning to life through meaningful experiences with children, adults, animals, agriculture, and the land.

What You’ll Do

As one of two Co-Directors, you will work collaboratively to lead the PBLC and will:

• Oversee the development and implementation of educational programming for visiting school groups, Hawthorne Valley School students, and other local schools, generally serving students from 3rd through 11th grade.
• Work collaboratively to plan and operate the annual Summer Camp program, including seasonal staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, scheduling, programming, and day-to-day coordination.
• Manage and support permanent and seasonal staff, fostering a collaborative workplace grounded in respect, honesty, trust, and clear communication.
• Oversee the PBLC’s annual budget and monitor expenses throughout the year, working with the HVA Board of Trustees as needed.
• Collaborate with HVA’s Development and Marketing teams to support fundraising, enrollment, and community outreach goals.
• Oversee the care of program animals and ensure appropriate animal care coverage year-round.
• Provide oversight of the facilities and physical spaces used by the PBLC, including maintenance, cleaning, and program readiness.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, and Columbia County Department of Health requirements for the PBLC Dining Hall and Summer Camp.
• Participate in HVA’s Inter-branch Management Group and contribute to the broader leadership and community of Hawthorne Valley.

Who You Are

We are looking for someone who is a unifying leader and community builder, someone who can balance vision and creativity with the practical realities of running a busy, hands-on educational program. You are someone who:

• Leads with warmth while providing clear direction, expectations, and accountability.
• Communicates thoughtfully and listens carefully to staff, students, campers, families, teachers, and colleagues.
• Is an effective problem solver who can stay grounded, flexible, and solution-oriented when circumstances change.
• Enjoys working collaboratively while also being comfortable taking initiative and making decisions.
• Has the ability to support and lead people with different backgrounds, personalities, working styles, abilities, and support needs.
• Recognizes that there is no single way for people to learn, communicate, contribute, or thrive, and is skilled at creating conditions where each person can do their best work.
• Is energized by hands-on, experiential education and the unique opportunities and challenges of working within a farm-based community.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or a related field.
• Administrative or organizational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success as an educational, youth program, or organizational leader.
• Experience managing and supporting staff, including seasonal or temporary employees.
• Experience with Summer Camp management or comparable youth-program leadership.
• Strong financial and budget management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
• Experience working effectively with people with a wide range of learning styles, communication styles, abilities, and support needs.
• Commitment to the principles and philosophy of Waldorf Education.

Preferred:

• Teaching experience within a Waldorf school or closely affiliated institution.
• Experience with farm-based, outdoor, or experiential education.
• Knowledge or experience with biodynamic agriculture.
• Experience developing or expanding educational or community-based programs.
• Experience with residential or overnight Summer Camp programs.

About the Place Based Learning Center

The mission of the Hawthorne Valley Farm Place Based Learning Center is to inspire, strengthen, and transform the connection between people and the living land. Through place-based and artistic experiences within the context of a working biodynamic farm, the PBLC provides opportunities for children and adults to learn through meaningful connections with the land, agriculture, community, and one another.

Our Children’s Programs are grounded in the principles of Waldorf Education and foster respect for the earth, awareness of our interdependence, responsibility, creativity, and social consciousness.

Position Details

Position: Co-Director, Place Based Learning Center
Employment Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Salary: $65,000–$67,000/year
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

This position requires flexibility beyond traditional business hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, with significantly increased hours and availability during the Summer Camp season.

How to Apply

Interested in joining us? Please apply online through our Hawthorne Valley Association careers page.

Your application should include:

• Cover letter
• Current résumé
• Statement describing your educational background and philosophy
• References