Program Coordinator, Youth Programs

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) is a well-established nonprofit organization serving as the official partner of the National Park Service since 1981. Collaborating with the Presidio Trust, donors, partners, and the local community, the Parks Conservancy supports the expansive Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), which spans three Bay Area counties and features iconic sites such as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Mori Point, Lands End, and the Presidio of San Francisco. This organization operates at the intersection of national park preservation, local community engagement, social justice, and climate resilience, aiming to foster deeper public awareness and active volunteer and educational involvement. The Parks Conservancy’s vision, "Parks for All Forever," reflects its dedication to creating lasting connections between people and the environment through thoughtful stewardship and community partnership.

The Youth Programs Department at the Parks Conservancy is committed to cultivating the next generation of bold leaders dedicated to thriving parks, healthy communities, and environmental justice. Prioritizing outreach to individuals and groups historically overlooked by conservation organizations, these programs empower youth by teaching about social and environmental issues while strengthening their leadership capabilities. Located at the Crissy Field Center in the Presidio of San Francisco, the department serves youth through a variety of engaging park- and community-based programs.

The Program Coordinator, Youth Programs position is a critical role focused on the development, coordination, and facilitation of diverse youth initiatives designed to inspire leadership, environmental stewardship, and workforce skills. This is a project-based, benefitted position running from September 21, 2026, to August 6, 2027, with compensation at $31.00 per hour (Pay Grade 16), including benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, and more. The Coordinator will work predominantly in-person at the Crissy Field Center, with occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work required to meet programming needs.

Program Coordinators support a range of youth programs throughout the year. During the school year (September through May), Coordinators help manage Youth Leadership Programs such as Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL), which is a high school leadership program that emphasizes community involvement, project management, and outdoor experiences. They also facilitate School and Community Group Programs targeting middle and high school youth with curriculum-based environmental science, social justice, service learning, and cultural history education.

In the summer months (June to August), the position shifts focus to support programs like Urban Trailblazers (UTB) for middle schoolers, Linking Individuals to their Natural Communities (LINC) for high school students, and the Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure (QBBA), a unique two-week backpacking field study designed for queer and trans youth of color and their allies. Coordinators lead at least three overnight camping trips annually, fostering immersive outdoor learning experiences.

Key skills prioritized for this role include planning and leading multiday wilderness backpacking trips, developing and delivering digital media and arts curricula, although candidates without these skills are still encouraged to apply. The position requires strong commitment to education, youth development, social justice, and the ability to work with diverse youth populations including BIPOC and low-income communities.

Responsibilities extend beyond facilitation to include outreach, partnership building, program evaluation, mentorship, and supervision of both youth participants and seasonal educators. Coordinators are expected to create safe, supportive environments that encourage youth leadership development and professional growth. Collaboration with program partners, support with administrative logistics, and contribution to reporting and documentation are integral components of the role.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least two school years of experience working with middle or high school students, and demonstrated ability to engage diverse youth through experiential and environmental education. Certifications desired include a valid driver’s license with a clean record, and willingness to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement. The Parks Conservancy also requires Live Scan fingerprint clearance and will provide CPR, First Aid, and Epinephrine auto injector certification training upon hire.

This position requires physical stamina for hiking up to five miles on uneven terrain, carrying supplies, and standing or walking for extended periods. The Coordinator will frequently drive youth and staff in work vehicles, ensuring safety during transport. The work environment includes outdoor parks and indoor classrooms, necessitating flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and conditions.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy embraces equal opportunity employment practices and actively encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply, including those with criminal histories in compliance with local fair chance laws. This role represents an exciting opportunity for dedicated individuals passionate about youth development, outdoor education, and environmental justice to make a meaningful impact within the Bay Area community.