Benefits:

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Opportunity for advancement

Location: Portland, Oregon Employment Type: Contract position

Compensation: Competitive $25.50 - $28.00 per hour

Schedule: Part-time up to 16 hours per week Duration: Through June 2026

About ELSO Inc.: ELSO (Experience Life Science Outdoors) is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth of color through environmental education, community engagement, and justice-centered programming. Our Studio Justice program invites young people to imagine and design future communities rooted in equity, sustainability, and creativity.

Position Overview: We are seeking a Lead Instructor to serve as the primary facilitator for our Oregon-based Studio Justice cohort. This role is ideal for an educator, mentor, or community leader who is passionate about youth empowerment, restorative justice, and creative learning environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and facilitate for 8-9 week cohorts of 15–18 youth (ages 14–20)

Develop and implement weekly cohort outlines and learning experiences

Guide participants through project-based learning focused on community design and justice

Facilitate restorative justice practices to support conflict resolution and community building

Collaborate with guest professionals, panelists, and community partners

Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all participants

Model and teach Studio Justice program values, including equity, creativity, and collaboration

Work closely with the Cohort Engagement Instructor and report to the Program Director

Qualifications:

High School Graduate or GED Completion

Design/construction industry including but not limited to architecture, engineering, landscape, development, planning, etc. experience preferred

Experience working with youth in educational, nonprofit, or community settings

Strong facilitation, communication, and organizational skills

Ability to lead with empathy, cultural responsiveness, and creativity

Familiarity with restorative justice principles and practices

Must be able to pass a background check as required by the Oregon Department of Education for positions working directly with youth and have a clean driving record in the previous year

Commitment to ELSO’s mission and values, including diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice

ELSO, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to developing an organization that irreflective of the diverse communities we serve. Camp ELSO does not discriminate on the basis of race, class creed, gender, gender expression, religion, sex, nationality, or ability.

Work remote temporarily due to COVID-19.