Senior Director of Education

The Senior Director of Education will direct and participate in the daily operations of the Zoo’s education department. To oversee the education team, lead strategic planning for the team, and plan and execute educational programs and initiatives. 

Essential Functions:

Primary Function:

• Ensure that educational programs align with the Zoo’s mission, local, state, and national education standards, including MD State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Common Core, and AZA Conservation Education standards
• Oversee the Zoo’s relationship with the Maryland State Department of Education, including grant application, performance, and reporting
• Use best practices in youth and adult informal learning and conservation education to develop new and improved programs that support the strategic direction of the organization and the needs of the community
• Develop and implement short and long-term goals, objectives and metrics, evaluate risks and take appropriate action to achieve successful outcomes of programs
• Ensure program activities are consistent with the policies and procedures of the organization, animal welfare, conservation initiatives, and educational standards
• Assist with writing and designing educational materials, both print and electronic
• Follow and implement all safety procedures as defined by the Zoo, AZA, and other relevant authorities
• Support other Zoo departments with the creation and delivery of educational content for Zoo events and other educational initiatives
• Deliver exceptional customer service to all Zoo guests and program participants
• Support events for other Zoo departments, as needed;
• Perform other duties as assigned; and, 
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.

Team and Organizational Leadership:

• Lead strategic vision for and oversight of a dynamic education team of 7 full time employees and additional seasonal employees. 
• Model professional competencies and skills such as teamwork, trust, accountability, and transparency
• Interview, select, train, and manage diverse educators; manage payroll responsibilities
• Conduct team meetings and staff one-on-ones; provide staff with direction, input, and advisory support
• Train and mentor zoo staff and volunteers on interpretive techniques and presentation skills
• Support team capacity building and professional development
• Perform a leadership role in the Zoo’s conservation, sustainability, and research initiatives
• Represent the Zoo’s interests at conferences and workshops as required; participate in continuing education opportunities to improve upon content knowledge and teaching/presentation skills

Communication (Internal and External):

• Assist with writing and designing educational and marketing materials, both print and electronic;
• Represent the Zoo’s interests at conferences and workshops as required;
• Participate in continuing education opportunities to improve upon content knowledge and teaching/presentation skills
• Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):
• Maintain financial responsibility of budget goals; monitor expenses and maintain physical assets of the department
• Work closely with the supervisor to provide daily, monthly and annual reports for revenue and program participation.
• Prepare data and documentation to support grant funding; fulfill grant programming requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education;
• Master’s degree in Education or related discipline preferred.

Experience/Training: 

• Minimum ten years of experience at an educational, zoological, conservation, museum, historical, cultural or related institution required;
• Minimum five years’ experience in a supervisory or management and leadership position required;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program design and evaluation in a formal or informal education setting;
• Teaching in an informal setting and/or public speaking experience preferred;
• Curriculum development in an informal setting;
• Valid driver’s license; and,
• Proven ability to maintain partnerships with community organizations.

Traits Desirable:

• Exceptional leadership, mentoring, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Strong time management and follow up skills
• Self-directed, collaborative, and detailed-oriented;
• Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
• Proven ability to succeed in a team environment.

Equipment:

Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including working knowledge of computer applications and databases,, telephone, radio, vehicles, hand tools, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, computer, etc.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to exert up to 35 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects;
• Occasional contact with plants and animals including being subject to bites, stings and scrapes;
• Ability to travel (car-van-golf cart) as needed;
• Must be able to stand and remain active for extended periods of time;
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in outdoor environments, during all seasons and weather conditions, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions; and, 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.