Director of Outdoor Education and Sustainability (Local Post)

Overview
St. Paul’s School is seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Outdoor Education and Sustainability to lead the establishment and growth of our new Outdoor Centre. This is a senior position that combines leadership in environmental education with a strategic, entrepreneurial approach to developing a dynamic and immersive learning environment. The Director will bring sustainability to the forefront, using the natural environment as a rich classroom to inspire students of all ages. This role encompasses outdoor education and the promotion of environmental stewardship, personal growth, and social responsibility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Outdoor Education strategy that integrates seamlessly into the school’s curriculum across all year groups.

• Work with the curriculum leaders of Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior School to build a programme that is totally aligned to our School curriculum.

• Lead the school's Sustainability agenda, ensuring alignment with the school's values and broader educational mission.

• Oversee the short- and long-term development of the Outdoor Centre and environmental programme, ensuring it becomes a central hub for outdoor learning, adventure education, and sustainability initiatives.

• Build a progressive outdoor and sustainability curriculum, fostering student engagement through hands-on learning experiences.

• Act as the central connection and drive the agenda with the Executive Team, Academic Team, Architects, Operations Team, and Marketing, ensuring alignment in building the project and launching it with a significant impact within the school community (parents, pupils, media).

2. Programme Development and Innovation

• Collaborate with current staff to design and deliver a pioneering Education Outdoors programme that is as rooted in environmental education as it is in adventure, offering activities such as orienteering, sustainable camp craft, and nature exploration.

• Lead the development of a sustainability education strategy across both the school and the Outdoor Centre, ensuring programmes align with academic goals and foster environmental responsibility.

• Innovate new educational activities that leverage the natural environment, positioning the Outdoor Centre as a unique, hands-on learning destination for sustainability education, life skills, and teamwork.

3. Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Establish and nurture local partnerships to enhance outdoor education and sustainability opportunities, particularly within the immediate surroundings of the school's outdoor education project.

• Work closely with environmental organisations, local government, universities, and outdoor education providers to create a network of support and collaboration.

• Develop opportunities for service learning and community engagement through charitable endeavours, service projects, sustainability initiatives and outdoor experiences.

4. Operational & Risk Management

• Ensure that all outdoor education activities comply with health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and best practices in outdoor learning.

• Oversee the management and maintenance of the outdoor education project campus and its facilities, ensuring a safe, well-resourced, and engaging learning environment.

• Develop policies and procedures for outdoor expeditions, adventure trips, and sustainability projects, ensuring high safety standards and enriching experiences for students

• Conduct and update risk assessments for all activities, ensuring student and staff well-being.

• Oversee the acquisition and upkeep of all outdoor education equipment, promoting sustainable practices in equipment use and management.

• Oversee staffing for the Outdoor Centre, identifying needs, coordinating recruitment, and ensuring all staff members are well-prepared and trained.

• Manage administrative tasks related to the Centre’s activities, including educational visit approvals, programme paperwork, and efficient communication with parents and stakeholders.

• Work alongside the Headmaster and school leadership to refine operational plans as the Centre grows and evolves.

5. Student Development and Sustainability Leadership

• Champion educational sustainability, creating programmes that support diverse student needs and foster environmental literacy, teamwork, and leadership.

• Develop opportunities for students to participate in community service, conservation projects, and outreach initiatives that enhance their understanding of social and environmental responsibility.

Reporting Line & Working Conditions

• Local hire / package

• Reports to the Headmaster

• Works in close collaboration with the Academic Leadership Team and Operations Team.

• Liaises with the Board of Governors to provide regular updates on the progress and impact of the outdoor education project.

• The role requires considerable time spent researching outdoor learning spaces and accompanying pupils on field trips.

• The role requires occasional weekend and evening commitments, especially during expeditions and key sustainability events.

STEPS OF RECRUITMENT PROCESS

1) HR Screening

2) Interview with Headmaster

3) Task & Panel Interview (at least 2)

Applications will be considered as they arrive and the school reserves the right to appoint it at any time.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31st April 2025

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks (including Internet and Social Media profiles and exposure), an overseas check if appropriate and a pre-placement medical assessment. Proof of entitlement to work in Brazil is also required where necessary.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

St Paul’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment, embarrassment, discrimination, bullying and harassment.