Coordinator of Family Programs

New York Botanical Garden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 Vacation Days

13 Paid Holidays

12 Sick Days

Health and Dental Insurance Coverage

401K

Pension Plan

Job summary

New York Botanical Garden seeks an innovative Coordinator of Family Programs to develop and lead nature-based experiences for visiting families at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and during garden-wide events.

You will train teen Explainers and adult staff, collaborate on materials and displays, and supervise a weekend/weekday schedule to support school groups and public programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a relevant field (Botany/Environmental Science/Education/M museum studies) is required.
• Experience creating outdoor inquiry- and play-based programs for families and early learners.
• Experience mentoring/adult and youth staff in teaching roles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess educational programs for visiting families led by adult volunteers and Explainers.
• Collaborate to train and mentor staff and volunteers on best practices in program facilitation.
• Plan, implement, and supervise outdoor nature programs across seasons and garden spaces.
• Manage materials, budgets, and displays for family programs in coordination with teams.
• Provide on-site instruction for school groups and participate in professional learning sessions.

Skills

Outdoor education

Curriculum development

Mentoring & supervision

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Botany / Environmental Science / Education / Museum Studies

Masters preferred

Job description

NYBG Job Description

Title

Reports to

Coordinator of Family Programs

Associate Director of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden

Position Summary

Develops innovative informal science and nature programs, materials and interpretative components for visiting children and their families for drop-in programs and special events in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden or at Garden-wide events. Develops, coordinates and teaches registered caregiver/child nature exploration program. Collaborates with Explainer Coordinator to train and mentor adult and teen staff and volunteers on best practices in program facilitation.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and assess educational programs for visiting families led by adult volunteers and adolescent Explainers at the Adventure Garden, up to 200,000 family visitors annually.
• Develop and produce with Creative Services team and ECAG Exhibits staff supporting materials and changing displays for family programs. Manage loose materials for drop-in family visitors such as props, puppets, games and books.
• Research and source materials and supplies for family programs.
• Develop, plan and assess innovative outdoor nature study program for early learners and their caregivers highlighting the collections and grounds of NYBG in each season.
• Collaborate with Explainer Coordinator to train adolescent staff and volunteers to implement drop-in and registered programs for visitors.
• Collaborate with Explainer Coordinator to supervise teen Explainer Program.
• Under supervision of Associate Director, manage appropriate budgets and monthly ledgers.
• Supervise 12 acre indoor and outdoor educational facilities on weekends as scheduled and weekdays as necessary.
• Provide on-site instruction for the visiting school groups using best inquiry-based teaching techniques as needed.
• Actively participate in multi-session Children’s Education Professional Learning series with colleagues across department.
• Collaborate with other ECAG staff to curate and care for teaching collection of plants in Greenhouse.

Qualifications

• BA in Botany, Environmental Science, Education, Museum Studies or related field, Masters preferred
• Demonstrated ability in creating and leading outdoor inquiry- and play-based educational programs in informal settings for all ages/stages, especially for early learners and their caregivers
• Experience developing curriculum for informal, outdoor science family programs
• Experience mentoring/supervising adolescents and adults in a teaching role
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Team player, creative, deep attention to detail and organized

Physical Demands & Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum, stand; walk; sit; use hands, climb ladders, reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work outdoors under a variety of weather conditions.

Baseline Work Schedule

Sunday-Thursday, 9:30am-5:30pm

Salary

$64,000

Benefits

• 15 Vacation Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Sick Days
• Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• 401K
• Pension Plan

EOE