Director of Outdoor Education and Sustainability

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. 

About us:

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website.

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership and Vision 

• Define and communicate the educational aims and values of the Outdoor Centre, creating an engaging narrative around sustainability, environmental respect, and experiential learning. 
• Ensure that the Centre reflects St. Paul’s core values, fostering a unique educational space that combines outdoor adventure with environmental consciousness and character development. 

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. 

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Partner with the Project Development Manager and architects to build a sustainable infrastructure that meets educational goals and sets the standard in eco-friendly design. 
• Work closely with the Outdoor Enrichment Coordinator, DofE Coordinator and curriculum leaders to ensure programmes complement the school’s academic and character-building priorities. 
• Establish partnerships with local community leaders, environmental organizations, and service providers to enrich the learning experience and foster long-term sustainability. 

Risk and Safety Management 

• Implement robust risk management, safety protocols, and staff training, covering learning, behavioural, medical, and dietary needs. 
• 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. 

Operations and Administration 

• 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. 

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. 

Qualifications and Skills 

• Proven experience in outdoor and sustainability education leadership, ideally in a school setting. 
• Deep knowledge of environmental education practices and sustainability, with an entrepreneurial spirit for developing new initiatives. 
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute diverse outdoor programmes that promote personal and environmental growth. 
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills for engaging with stakeholders, from students and staff to parents and community members. 
• Strong organisational and risk management expertise, with familiarity in health and safety regulations for outdoor activities. 
• Passion for the environment, with the capability to inspire others and bring a proactive approach to environmental advocacy. 
• Experience in collaborating with architects and project managers to develop educational infrastructure that reflects sustainable principles. 

Desirable 

• Experience with Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programmes and other outdoor leadership qualifications. 
• Background in international education or culturally diverse environments. 
• Formal qualifications in sustainability, environmental studies, outdoor education, or experiential learning. 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: HR Screening followed by Task & Panel Interviews

We will consider Local and Expat candidates for this post. CLOSING DATE: 06th December 2024. Applications will be considered as they arrive and the school reserves the right to appoint it at any time.

Package for Expats: two-year (renewable) contract that includes: housing allowance (only flats covered); furnishing allowance; grocery allowance; annual return flights; luggage allowances (inbound and return); visa expenses covered; opt-in private pension scheme; local healthcare and dental plan, on-site lunch.

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.