Alaska - program manager

The NOLS Alaska Program Manager will provide leadership for NOLS Alaska field program, in support of NOLS’ mission and values. Supervise the Alaska program team to create positive, life-changing opportunities for every student at the Alaska campus. Along with the Director and Operations Manager, the Program Manager is part of the NOLS Alaska leadership team.

KEY INFORMATION

• Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
• Target Start Date: 1 February 2027
• Location: Palmer, AK
• Wage: $23-24.50/hour (USD)
• Reports To: Campus Director
• Department: Alaska Program
• Position Type: Full Time / 9 months
• Benefits Eligible: Yes

WHAT DOES THE NOLS ALASKA PROGRAM MANAGER DO?

• 50% - Program Leadership: Supervise the NOLS Alaska program team, with the goal of supporting exceptional student experiences. Facilitate the training of program supervisors, and supporting hiring for the spring if necessary. Oversee management of evacuations, including challenging parent phone calls. Plan and manage course routes and collaborate with the operation manager to build seasonal operating plans. Review all faculty performance evaluations written at NOLS Alaska. Schedule and coordinate private services, such as charters and resupplies. Implement new initiatives and curriculum for NOLS Alaska courses. Prepare seasonal reports related to NOLS Alaska performance including season summaries, risk management data, and faculty merit recognition as well as wrap up all pertinent paperwork to close the season. Collaborate with the Field Staffing Office to build seasonal faculty staffing plans. Review all Alaska student paperwork, such as course descriptions and logistics documents. In conjunction with the expedition and leadership education director, contribute to annual program supervisor meetings and school-wide curriculum/program development at NOLS.
• 25% - Course Supervision: Brief and debrief Alaska field courses. Evaluate instructor performance; enter faculty performance evaluations and incident data into the NOLS database. Review, organize and submit course-related paperwork. Share evacuation coordinator duties and manage evacuations as needed. Work with student behavior issues and separations, including intervention and family contact.
• 10% - Land Management and Public Policy: Assist director with maintenance of existing U.S. land use permits and apply for necessary new permits. Attend land use planning and permit holder meetings as necessary. Maintain excellent working relationships with relevant land managers and other user groups. Compile land use data and prepare use reports to land management agencies and NOLS headquarters. Promote regional initiatives and relationships.
• 10% - Operations and Community: Routinely dispense checks and petty cash in support of operations. Occasionally assist with course support, including transportation, rationing, meal preparation, and/or outfitting as necessary to maintain excellent student service.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned by NOLS Alaska Campus Director: Leadership or Supervisory Duties: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise the program supervisor team (two - three people). Primary person responsible for the support, development and supervision of 100-120 field faculty annually. Assume an acting director role at various times of the year.

IN YOUR FIRST 6 MONTHS, YOU WILL:

• Integrate innovations and efficiency in the course briefing/debriefing process in conjunction with the education department and field staffing office to maximize prep time for instructors.
• Build a sustainable schedule for your role and the role of 4-6 program supervisors and a team of 2 in the evac department.
• Manage a new role in your team. A program assistant will be hired to support courses with paperwork, diplomas, and people team needs.

What makes a great Alaska Program Manager at NOLS?

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. While our ideal candidate comes with the skills listed below, we expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Knowledge of NOLS' school-wide philosophy, curriculum, and Alaska operations.
• Ability to work successfully with a variety of audiences, including students, staff, parents, land management agencies, and the general public.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills demonstrated good judgment.
• Able to work in a fast-paced team environment as well as independently.
• Organized with reliable supervisory skills.
• Previous supervisory experience in outdoor education.
• Able to maintain a flexible schedule, sometimes working long and irregular hours, including some weekends and holidays.

POSITION DETAILS

Private rustic housing is offered on-site. Meals are provided for staff between approximately May 1 and late-August. Additional kitchen and living areas are shared with other NOLS Alaska staff. Campus fees apply for staff living on site.

HOW TO APPLY

When prompted to upload your resume, please submit one PDF document that includes both your resume and cover letter combined.

If you have any questions during the application process, please reach out to the NOLS People Team at peopleteam@nols.edu.

WHO IS NOLS?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that strives to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence.

WHY IS NOLS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?

• Global Reach: With locations across the U.S. operations in six countries, and courses running in all 50 states and more than 10 countries, you’ll be part of an organization with a truly worldwide impact.
• Course Discounts: Receive special pricing on NOLS courses for yourself and your family.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Time Off: We offer a flexible time off policy that empowers employees to take the time they need for rest, adventure, and personal priorities without the constraints of traditional accrual systems.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access confidential, 24/7 counseling and support services to help you maintain balance and well-being.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECK

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.
• NOLS participates in e-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.
• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with People Team and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations — are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment by emailing peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.