Manager of Education

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Austin Zoo is seeking a Manager of Education who will spearhead the Education Department, developing and implementing programs that align with the Zoo’s conservation mission. This position requires strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge in educational frameworks, and the ability to engage with community partners.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience required.
• Proven leadership/supervisory experience (5+ years).
• Experience in formal/informal education settings.

Responsibilities

• Recruits, trains, and manages a team of educators and program coordinators.
• Develops and implements educational programs and community outreach.
• Delivers presentations and workshops to various audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Curriculum Development

Public Speaking

Team Management

Education

Four-year degree in education or natural sciences

Tools

Audiovisual equipment

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

Austin Zoo

Manager of Education

Austin Zoo is seeking an individual who understands that they are not just leading a department, but are engaged in how education shows up in every aspect of the Zoo. The right person has excellent team leadership and communication skills as well as extensive knowledge of multiple learning systems. This individual will work closely with Zoo leadership on continuing to develop and implement an exceptional Education Department for Austin Zoo. This individual will report directly to the Executive Director of the Zoo.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

Recruits, trains, mentors and manages a team of educators, program coordinators/specialists, animal ambassador care specialists and volunteers including but not limited to full-time, part-time and seasonal staff. Oversight of these positions includes providing guidance, performance feedback, hiring and training and scheduling.

Oversees the day-to-day operations and long-term strategies for the

education department (onsite and outreach), including staff scheduling, budget development and management, program/activities development and evaluation, and quality control. Oversees classrooms and work areas. Ensures all resources are maintained in a safe, clean and organized system.

Education Programs:

Develops targeted substantive partnerships on behalf of the Zoo utilizing a collaborative approach when appropriate. These may include partnerships with schools, community organizations and local businesses to expand the reach of conservation education and learning engagement initiatives. This position is expected to have visibility and presence in the Austin metropolitan area and Central Texas and will work with various organizations in the community.

Designs and implements engaging educational programs for various age groups, including school field trips and community events, aligning them with Austin Zoo’s missionto help animals in need through rescue, conservation and education.

Public Speaking and Presentations:

Will develop and deliver presentations and workshops to varied audiences on subjects pertinent to Austin Zoo.

Other responsibilities:

Schedules, attends and participates in regularly scheduled department and all-staff meetings.

Participates in professional organizations.

Performs general office duties as necessary.

Maintains brand standards in all official appearances and educational presentations.

Able to always deal courteously and effectively with the public and to represent Austin Zoo at the highest standard of professionalism.

Able to collaborate, establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with local partners including school districts and community organizations.

Ability to effectively promote the Austin Zoo.

Capable of being an effective communicator and supportive team player.

Interact with courtesy, professionalism and respect to staff, volunteers and guests consistent with Austin Zoo’s mission and core values.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Education/Experience:

Education:

Four-year degree in education, one of the natural sciences, environmental science, biology, zoology, or animal science.

Experience:

3 years of experience is required.

Proven leadership/supervisory experience and team management abilities (5+ years).

Experience in curriculum development and instructional design.

Excellent communication (written and verbal) and public speaking skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a variety of individuals.

Experience in formal or informal education settings, developing and implementing programs for everyone - toddlers through adults.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, a supervisor and a mentor.

Knowledge / Skills / Other Competencies

Experience using computers, audiovisual and related sound equipment.

Will be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Must be able to respond to departmental emergencies as needed.

This position is a full-time, in-office position. Occasional remote work may be requested on a limited basis.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record.

Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.

Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position as per the job description and certify such by signing the job description prior to first day of work.

Physical Demands:

The employee is required to work on a desktop computer and office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to write, type, talk, and/or listen.

Ability to walk and/or stand for periods of time.

Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

A large percentage of the job functions are performed in an office atmosphere.

Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity.

Ability to follow animal safety protocol, and treat the animals with care, respect and dignity.

The Austin Zoo is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer.