See more and apply at uwhires.admin.washington.edu

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.

The University of Washington Botanic Gardens was established in 2005 to unite the gardens and programs of the Washington Park Arboretum and Center for Urban Horticulture. As part of the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences and College of the Environment, UW Botanic Gardens is an international hub for plant science and ecosystem research, teaching, and stewardship. The nationally renowned living plant collection contains over 10,000 specimens. It’s located around the shoreline of Union Bay on Lake Washington.

The University of Washington Botanic Gardens, within the College of the Environment, has an outstanding full-time opportunity for a Youth and Family Programs Supervisor.

Reporting directly to the Associate Director and Manager of Conservation and Education, this position develops, implements, and coordinates UW Botanic Gardens’ educational programs for pre-school to high school-aged children and their families. These programs include field trips for school-aged children, summer camps, the Fiddleheads Forest School (outdoor preschool), parent and child classes, public tours, and other outreach activities and events for children and their families. This position serves as an important link between the University and the general public and requires working with a high level of initiative, independence and careful judgment in carrying out all aspects of the program activities.

The University of Washington Botanic Gardens strives to embody the University of Washington’s diversity statement in everything that we do. We believe diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and inclusion.

Responsibilities:

Overview:  Plans, develops and implements all aspects of the public education programs for children and their families, including fundraising and donor cultivation, program and curriculum development and evaluation, staff and instructor hiring and supervision, and budget development and management. Ensures delivery of high-quality educational offerings for youth and family audiences. As needed based on staff scheduling, delivers programs to audiences of all ages. This position requires an in-depth understanding of how to teach children in the natural world, a solid foundation in developing science-based curriculum, and a working knowledge of educational and learning theories and philosophies.

Supervision: Recruits, interviews, selects, trains, supervises, evaluates and takes corrective action if necessary of six permanent staff positions and approximately 10 to 15 hourly positions and interns. Directs coordination of volunteers working in various core program areas to further develop the program. Assists and mentors staff with supervision responsibilities as necessary.

Program Evaluation and Reporting: Compiles and analyzes data across program areas for program evaluation and reporting purposes. Develops necessary reporting documents for grantors, funders and community partners. Uses evaluation data to inform programmatic change, growth and development.

Program Development: Seeks out new ways to sustainably grow and develop the UW Botanic Gardens Youth & Family Education Program, integrates programs with the adult and professional education programs, and strengthens relationships with the rest of UW and the Seattle public education communities at large.  Advises and consults with students, staff, program participants and the general public regarding program content, policies, and procedures. Develop safety policies and procedures for all programs including special policies for working with children. Participate in the Outdoor Safety Committee. Ensures rules and policies are implemented and followed properly.

Budget Management: Oversees program budgets and manages all aspects of securing necessary funding through grants, individual gifts and program revenues.  Develops class budgets and course registration fees, reconciles budgets for all courses and events, and provides budget reports.

Fundraising: Researches and identifies funding sources including foundation and government grants, individual and corporate giving and fundraising events. Writes grant applications and letters of interest, develops relationships with individual donors and participates in fundraising initiatives in coordination with position’s manager.

Marketing: Oversees all aspects of marketing and publicity for the programs. Produces press releases, flyers, postcards, and web content, including social media, to publicize classes and events offered by UW Botanic Gardens youth and family programs, and explores new avenues and methods for publicity. Assists with production of electronic newsletter and other publications as needed, including website features.

Participation and Coordination: May participate in committees for the UW Botanic Gardens, assisting with organization-wide events, marketing, volunteer management, interpretation of the collections, and other activities as assigned. Coordinates with appropriate representatives of the Arboretum Foundation, UW Botanic Gardens, and City of Seattle, school administrators, community environmental programs and other Puget Sound museums; develops partnerships where appropriate.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in education or environmentally related field. Minimum of five years’ experience in children’s education and teaching about nature, horticulture, forestry, and other environmental topics. Experience supervising staff and exceptional people and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including collaboration across multiple units within an organization. Experience writing grants and securing diverse and ongoing funding sources. Experience preparing budgets and managing, tracking, and reporting financial resources. Experience with Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Design and email and web software.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as licenses, certifications, and registrations.

Desirable Experience:

Education program development; recruiting, training, and working with volunteers; developing interpretive programs and materials; producing web content and promotional materials; and working in partnerships. Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.

Conditions of Employment:
Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends and at times outdoors on uneven terrain and in variable weather conditions.

For more information on UW Botanic Gardens, visit: www.uwbotanicgardens.org
Questions?  Contact
Wendy Gibble
Associate Director
Manager of Conservation and Education
University of Washington Botanic Gardens
(206) 897-1646
wjgibble@u.washington.edu

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.