Education Operations Manager

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an Education Operations Manager to lead operational planning and strengthen customer service while supporting educational experiences connecting thousands of students and families with wildlife.

You will supervise the Education Department's Operations Division, improve systems, and collaborate with teams across the Zoo to ensure the successful delivery of educational programs and services, with weekend work and seasonal hours.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum four years of customer service and/or administrative experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including OneDrive and Teams.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with budgets, reporting systems, or operational planning highly preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or informal learning environments preferred.
• Familiarity with Galaxy and Better Impact systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operational systems of the Education Department, ensuring efficient processes and exceptional customer experiences.
• Manage operational planning for school field trips serving more than 80,000 students, teachers, and parents each season.
• Supervise, train, and support full-time, part-time, and seasonal Operations staff.
• Oversee customer service standards, program registration processes, reservations, communications, and guest feedback.
• Manage Education Department webpages, marketing materials, registration resources, and customer data.
• Oversee the sponsored field trip admissions program, collaborating with internal teams and community partners to support funding opportunities.
• Manage departmental systems, reporting processes, recordkeeping standards, and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with Education leadership and other Zoo departments to enhance efficiency, communication, and program delivery.
• Support camp coordination and serve as Education Manager on Duty during scheduled Saturday shifts.

Skills

Customer service

Administrative experience

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Associates degree

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

OneDrive

Teams

Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an Education Operations Manager to lead operational planning, strengthen customer service processes and support educational experiences that connect thousands of students and families with wildlife and conservation.

In this role, you'll oversee the Education Department's Operations Division, supervise staff, improve systems and workflows, and collaborate with teams across the Zoo to ensure the successful delivery of educational programs and services. This is a full-time position with a schedule that includes one regular weekend day. Hours may vary seasonally based on programming and operational needs, including occasional early mornings and evenings. Work takes place in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operational systems of the Education Department, ensuring efficient processes and exceptional customer experiences.
• Manage operational planning for school field trips serving more than 80,000 students, teachers, and parents each season.
• Supervise, train, and support full-time, part-time, and seasonal Operations staff.
• Oversee customer service standards, program registration processes, reservations, communications, and guest feedback.
• Manage Education Department webpages, marketing materials, registration resources, and customer data.
• Oversee the sponsored field trip admissions program, collaborating with internal teams and community partners to support funding opportunities.
• Manage departmental systems, reporting processes, recordkeeping standards, and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with Education leadership and other Zoo departments to enhance efficiency, communication, and program delivery.
• Support camp coordination and serve as Education Manager on Duty during scheduled Saturday shifts.

What We're Looking For

• Associate's degree required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years of customer service and/or administrative experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including OneDrive and Teams.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with budgets, reporting systems, or operational planning highly preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or informal learning environments preferred.
• Familiarity with Galaxy and Better Impact systems is a plus.

Join Our Team!

At the Indianapolis Zoo, our mission is to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. As Education Operations Manager, you'll play an important role in supporting the systems, people and experiences that bring this mission to life. Help us create meaningful educational experiences that inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates!

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.