Special Programs Educator (Program Educator II)

FHLB Des Moines; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

The Virginia Aquarium seeks a collaborative Special Programs Educator (Program Educator II) to plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging, revenue-generating programs for diverse audiences. The role focuses on coordinating signature events, overnight experiences, and inclusive experiences that connect audiences to marine conservation.

You will train and supervise staff and volunteers, manage budgets and invoices, and collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality guest experiences and impactful

Qualifications

• Requires seven years combined education/experience in marine or earth science or related fields.
• Experience leading and coordinating programs, events, and staff.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, implement, and evaluate revenue-generating programs and events.
• Lead signature programs including adult events, overnight experiences, and seasonal events.
• Train and supervise staff and volunteers; manage invoices and budgets.
• Plan Sensory Friendly Mornings and youth/teens programs.
• Support accessibility, inclusivity, and audience engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Education above high school level

Tools

Budgeting

Invoice processing

Job description

Department:VIRGINIA AQUARIUMCompensation Grade:G21Compensation Range & Starting Salary:Pay Range: $47,153.60 - $73,465.60Starting Salary: minimum of the pay rangeJob Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):NoScheduled Weekly Hours:40About Us:Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:Special Programs Educator (Program Educator II)The Virginia Aquarium seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented Special Programs Educator (Program Educator II) to coordinate, implement, and evaluate engaging, revenue-generating programs. This role focuses on delivering high-quality events, fostering youth engagement, and supporting inclusive programming that connects diverse audiences to marine conservation.The Special Programs Educator focuses on the planning, execution, and evaluation of mission-aligned programs and events from concept through delivery. This includes coordinating signature offerings such as themed seasonal events, overnight experiences, and adult-focused evenings. The role also supports inclusive initiatives like Sensory Friendly Mornings, enhances youth and teen engagement, and works collaboratively across sections to elevate conservation awareness and guest experiences.In addition, the educator trains and supervises special programs staff and volunteers, mentors interns and program participants, and manages key administrative tasks – including budgeting and invoicing – to ensure successful and sustainable program delivery.Responsibilities:Cultivate a collaborative team environment where all members are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences through innovative programs and eventsCoordinate, implement, facilitate, and evaluate revenue-generating events from planning through execution to expand audiences, generate revenue and support membership growthCollaborate with internal partners to ensure all pre-event requirements are completed and aligned with organizational standardsLead and support signature programs, including adult-focused events, overnight experiences, and seasonal themed programmingTrain and supervise staff and volunteers to deliver engaging, high-quality guest experiencesManage administrative tasks such as processing invoices and tracking program budgetsPlan and lead monthly Sensory Friendly Mornings to ensure inclusive and accessible programmingDesign, implement, and oversee youth and teen programs, including Watershed WarriorsSupervise and collaborate with interns and fellows to support program successAssist with the planning and facilitating a youth ocean conservation summit and fostering youth and teen engagement initiativesCollaborate with the Guest Engagement team to develop and deliver Conservation Awareness Day programming included with general admissionContribute to cross-functional collaboration to enhance educational impact and audience engagementThe ideal candidate for this position will possess:Proven leadership experience in coordinating and supporting teams in the planning and execution of programs, events, projects, or initiatives.Experience in managing projects, programs, or events from conception to implementation, with a focus on audience engagement, growth and aligning with organizational goals.Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, responsibilities, deadlines, logistics, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail and ensuring follow-through.A demonstrated ability to create and facilitate positive experiences for guests, participants, students, customers, community members, and others, with the flexibility to adapt plans as necessary.Experience collaborating with others to accomplish shared goals, demonstrating effective communication and reliable follow-through.Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and confidently, provide direction, facilitate discussions, and develop positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, guests, partners, and other stakeholders.Preferred Skills and Qualifications:Two or more years of experience in coordinating and delivering public programs or special events within an aquarium, zoo, museum, or similar informal learning organization.Two or more years of experience engaging diverse audiences of all ages through informal education or guest-facing programming.Two or more years of experience supervising, training, or mentoring staff, interns or volunteers.Experience designing, developing and implementing informal learning experiences for youth, teens, adults or family audiences with a focus on program development rather than facilitating existing programs.Experience in planning and leading large-scale events, signature programs, multi-day initiatives or activities involving multiple teams, departments, volunteers, or partners.Demonstrated ability to engage the public effectively to promote awareness around conservation and sustainable practices.Experience collaborating with or leading cross-functional teams in the development and execution of events or programs.Proficiency in managing program, project, or event budgets, including tracking expenses, processing invoices, and handling related administrative tasks.Direct experience in developing accessible, sensory-friendly, inclusive, adaptive, or intentionally designed programming for diverse audiences.Experience evaluating programs or events utilizing data (such as attendance figures, revenue, participant feedback, surveys) or other metrics to evaluate program success and identify opportunities for improvement.The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and savings plans, maternity, paternity and parental leave, as well as paid holidays and leave. Additional key benefits include:Employee Wellness ProgramTuition ReimbursementProfessional Development OpportunitiesEmployee Assistance ProgramAdditional Requirements:• DMV Transcript: Yes• CDL: No• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No• CPS Check: No• Physical: No• Respirator: No• Psychological Screening: No• Polygraph: No• At Will: NoMinimum Requirements:Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above high school level) and/or experience equivalent to seven (7) years in fields such as marine or earth science, formal or informal education, museum studies, and aquarium and zoo studies, using the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid driver’s license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned.Skills:Working Conditions:Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P10790.pdfOfficial Job Descriptions:To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=EVRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.