Zoo Engagement Program Manager

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

• At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
• We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
• We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
• We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
• At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission.
• As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do (Summary of role)

• The Guest Engagement Manager (“Manger”) is a key member of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Team and is responsible for the management and development of guest facing interpretive programing and staff at the Audubon Zoo.
• The scope of this programming includes live exhibit interpretation, chats, Ambassador Animal encounters, interpretation stations, behind-the-scenes and facility tours, community outreach, and special event programming. 
• The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring a high level of welfare for all animal ambassadors used in programming.
• This position will work in partnership with the L&E Ambassador Animal team to ensure the best practices in animal ambassador presentation and training are maintained by all who facilitate animal encounters.   
• The main responsibilities of this position are hiring, scheduling, training, and supervision of Zoo Engagement staff, interns, and volunteers; managing and implementing on-site engagements, assuring guest and animal safety procedures are followed; overseeing Ambassador animal handling and presentations; working cooperatively with animal care and operational staff to maximize the guest experience; and evaluating and developing Zoo Engagement staff, interns, volunteers, and programming. 
• The Manager may be called upon as a leader to provide general operational support for the Zoo as needed. 
• As a leader on the L&E team, the Manager participates in strategic and financial planning, effective resource management, proactive communication both internally and externally, and promotes appropriate professional development opportunities for the entire team. 
• As a member of the L&E Department, this position will participate in and support a variety of Learning and Volunteer programming as necessary. The Manager will support the needs of Audubon Nature Institute and its various facilities as required.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

• Supervising, scheduling, training, evaluating and coaching Zoo Engagement supervisors, coordinators, specialists, interns, and volunteers at Audubon Zoo
• Recruiting, interviewing, hiring and onboarding Zoo Engagement staff, interns and volunteers with the support of the Director of Engagement
• Working with L&E leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation plan for all programs
• Developing and implementing multi-faceted training and support resources for guest engagement staff, interns, and volunteers
• Working directly and cooperatively with animal care teams in all aspects of interpretive programming collaboration, animal welfare and animal handling
• Preparing for all programs by training staff and volunteers, maintaining inventory of supplies, and securing all physical space, as needed
• Conducting analysis of programming and the changing needs of audiences to update programs as needed
• Serving as a model for professional behavior, display courtesy, tact, discretion, good judgement, consideration, and respect 
• Actively collaborating with Marketing, Development, Membership, Special Events, and Animal Care teams to support non-routine special events
• Actively seeking up-to-date information on informal educational methodologies and trends
• Actively seeking out and participating in professional development opportunities as approved by supervisor.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
• What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

• 5+ years working experience in an informal learning environment and demonstrated experience working in animal encounters and naturalist chats
• Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs tailored to diverse audiences
• Proven leadership experience of a large team 
• Bachelor’s degree required in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education or other related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in effective management and communication with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
• Experience handling animals or ability to learn to handle animals  that may include reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively
• Exemplary presentation and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for program coordination and communication
• Must be able to work holidays, weekend and occasional after hour events.
• Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license. 

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience in an AZA institution and familiarity with AZA standards 
• Experience working with Ambassador Animal programming  
• Experience working with or overseeing volunteers 
• Extensive knowledge of wildlife biology and conservation 
• Experience working with program accessibility and inclusion 
• Experience with BioFact collections management
• Certified Interpretive Guide certification or equivalent credential
• Physical Requirements

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for up to 2/3 of the day.
• Ability to pass annual TB tests.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level, stoop and squat to retrieve kennels and animals, which also may require stepping on stools.
• Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals to determine changes in animals’ stress level or general wellbeing.
• Must have excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.
• Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.
• Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.

Environmental Conditions:

• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity
• Works effectively in a moderately noisy office
• Constant contact with co-workers required
• Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required
• Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required