Vice President of Education

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

• The Vice President of Education is the key leadership position responsible for overseeing all educational programs and initiatives.
• This role involves strategic planning, program development, staff management, and community engagement to promote conservation education and foster a love for wildlife and nature among students and visitors.
• The Vice President of Education will ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and impactful educational experiences aligned with the mission of the San Antonio Zoo.
• As the VP of Education, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio.
• Here, you will make an impact by:

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive educational strategy in alignment with the zoo’s mission and goals.
• Lead the Education Department, providing vision, direction, and motivation to staff and volunteers.
• Collaborate with other zoo departments to integrate educational components into various zoo activities and exhibits.
• Program Development and Management:
• Oversee the design, development, and evaluation of all educational programs, including school programs, camps, outreach, and public programs.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and cater to diverse audiences.
• Stay updated on current trends and best practices in conservation education and incorporate them into the zoo's offerings.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Recruit, train, and manage education staff and volunteers.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Provide professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of the education team.

Community Engagement and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, and other educational institutions.
• Represent the zoo at local, regional, and national educational forums and conferences.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations that enhance the zoo’s educational impact.

Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the education department’s budget.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships, to support educational initiatives.
• Ensure the effective use of resources to maximize educational outcomes.

Evaluation and Reporting:

• Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness and impact of educational programs.
• Prepare regular reports for the CEO and Board of Directors on program performance and outcomes.
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve and innovate educational offerings.

Public Relations and Advocacy:

• Serve as a spokesperson for the zoo’s educational initiatives in the media and public forums.
• Advocate for conservation education and the role of zoos in promoting environmental stewardship.

Other Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement the Education Department operating budget.
• Guide the development of the long-range education plans.
• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo.
• Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise

• To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Education, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in education, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and managing successful educational programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and education.
• Experience in budget management and fundraising.
• Thorough knowledge of education resources, strategies, and current trends affecting the use of the Zoo as an educational resource.
• Ability to develop and effectively direct a team of employees towards satisfactory goal accomplishment.
• Ability to promote, develop and support collaborative projects between other museums, local universities, schools, and organizations appropriate to accomplishing the goals of the Education Department.
• Thorough knowledge of fiscal, management, and administrative principles and practices.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hour assignments as needed.
• The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. 
• San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Perks

• We offer robust benefits including medical, dental, vision and 403B.
• As well as Zoo memberships and Zoo discounts throughout the park.