Blue Star Connect Outdoors Leader Consultant - Dynamic Team

Position Title: Blue Star Connect Outdoors Leader Consultant

Location: Remote in Norfolk, VA

Team: Social Impact

Reports To: Senior Manager, Family Impact Programs

Position Type: Consultant, up to 20 hours per month through December 31, 2024

Pay Range: $26.00 - $35.00 per hour

*The Blue Star Connect Outdoors Leader Consultant must reside in the local community in which he or she serves.

We're a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day. We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members. We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families. We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling. Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making.

Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation? We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact. You are self-motivated, curious, and have a passion to do good. Challenging objectives, pivoting priorities, and the ability to react to an ever-changing environment that allows your true strengths to shine.

General Description:

Blue Star Outdoors inspires military families to experience the benefits of nature and create a connection to each other and their communities through outdoor recreation programs, activities, and resources. Blue Star Connect Outdoors is a locally delivered program that invites military families outdoors through regularly scheduled drop-in outings.

The Blue Star Connect Outdoors Leader Consultant will assist with planning and delivering Blue Star Connect Outdoors programming at a local level. This position will review program impact and develop creative ideas to increase local engagement through outdoor activities with the support of Blue Star Families program staff. This position will also help identify and steward relationships with local parks and outdoor organizations to support activities and build sustainable pathways for outdoor experiences.

Key Functions:

• Complete paid Blue Star Families’ virtual outdoor leader training

• Plan and deliver regularly occurring outdoor recreation meetup opportunities for local families, with a target of one event per month, as seasonably appropriate

• Connection to local, outdoor non-profit network

• Partner with staff at local national park sites for outdoor recreation activities

• Track and submit outdoor recreation opportunities using provided planning documents for visibility and support

• Work closely with local Blue Star Families’ Chapter staff (if applicable) for awareness, collaboration, and support

• Maintain regular communication with Blue Star Families program staff

• Track and log attendance for Blue Star Connect Outdoors activities

• Develop and implement ideas for highlighting outdoor meetup activities via social media and Blue Star Neighborhood (ex. providing photographs and stories from events, helpful resources to get outdoors, or sharing “best of” outdoor activities)

• Promote upcoming Blue Star Connect Outdoors activities through local networks

• Identify and steward potential relationships with local parks and outdoor organizations to increase opportunities for engagement

• Participate in quarterly Outdoor Leader calls to learn what others are doing in their communities

• Track and submit monthly expense reports

• Request approval on all expenses from Blue Star Families staff lead prior to purchase; submit approved expense claims to Blue Star Families staff lead within two weeks of purchase

• Represent Blue Star Families in a professional manner at all times both in person and via social media outlets

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills,Experience, and Background:

• Experience leading and planning outdoor activities

• Experience tracking expenses for a budget

• Ability to travel to and transport equipment to local outdoor recreation activities and events

• Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies up to 30 lbs.

Preferred Skills, Experience, and Background:

• Familiarity with the military community

• Inclusive mindset and dedication to increasing access to the outdoors

• Demonstrates a commitment to preserving natural spaces, promoting sustainability, and educating others on the importance of protecting the environment

• Flexible communication skills, including communicating with members of all ages and abilities

• Creativity and problem-solving skills

• A love of spending time outdoors

More About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.