Conservation Engagement Manager

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901, is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.  

• The Conservation Engagement Manager plays an integral role in developing and implementing impactful and engaging mission-based messaging on the Virginia Zoo grounds.
• Through guest engagement and volunteer opportunities, the Conservation Engagement Manager takes on the task of overseeing the success of the Virginia Zoo volunteer program and providing training resources to various Virginia Zoo Departments such as Horticulture, Education, and Events. 

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the recruitment and intake cadence and process for all Virginia Zoo volunteer programs. 
• Manage 3rd party retention programs utilized by volunteers (Including but not limited to Betterimpact).
• Maintain inventory levels required for the successful operations of volunteer program (including but not limited to uniform ordering, materials ordering and/or creation). 
• Manage effective engagement and communication to current and potential volunteers. (Including but not limited to monthly e-mail newsletter).
• Manage the coordination and partnership of other department volunteer needs.
• Oversee and manage the scheduling and staffing of direct reports and volunteers.
• Develop and manage the volunteer program and policies. 
• Ensure proper record keeping of volunteer reports.
• Provide guidance to departments on effective and impactful mission-based messaging.
• Craft interpretive messaging to be utilized on Zoo grounds by both Zoo staff and volunteers.
• Manage the daily workflow of guest engagement and volunteer staff.
• Manage the proper storage and retention of volunteer PII and documents. 
• Recruit, train, and develop Virginia Zoological Society guest engagement and volunteer staff. 
• Responsible for providing constructive coaching and performance management for guest engagement and volunteer staff.
• Manages discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Reviews and submit departments timesheets in accordance with accounting policy standards.
• Manage the successful operation of all guest engagement activities and programs of the Virginia Zoo including the planning, preparation, training, and execution. 

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Education/Interpretation or related field. Experienced with developing effective interpretive messaging for a range of ages.
• Certified Interpretive Guide required.
• Certified Interpretive Trainer preferred. At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

Perks

• Perks For working at the Virginia Zoo! Positive, fun atmosphere.
• 15 Paid holidays Generous amount of PTO Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plan are offered following a 60-day probationary period. Free Zoo membership.
• Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants. Behind-The-Scenes tour.

Salary

• $40,000-50,000/year