The Educator & School Partnerships Coordinator is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of opportunities for K-12 school audiences (including students and educators) to build ecological literacy and engage with Woodland Park Zoo in scientific investigation and conservation stewardship on and off zoo grounds. The person in this position coordinates overall functions and logistic activities for programs, including maintaining internal and external partnerships as needed for program development and implementation. The coordinator serves as a lead in program development and provides training and mentorship for program specialists and presenters. Responsibilities of this position include the production and distribution of promotional and recruitment communications for programs.

This person in this position will be a key part of the team that develops and leads educator professional development courses (including online and in-person components) in inquiry-based science and conservation stewardship for formal and informal educators. These responsibilities include program coordination, recruitment, course facilitation and graduate student mentorship for the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) graduate degree in affiliation with Miami University.

The successful candidate will have a combination of experience and/or academic background in formal and/or informal science education for K-12 audiences, providing professional development for educators, national and state learning standards, life science and/or field research, outdoor/environmental education with diverse audiences, and project coordination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Coordinate the development and implementation of education programs, projects and protocols
  • Serve as lead staff for specialists, instructors/presenters and interns
  • Schedule programs, staff and resources
  • Lead program and project development teams
  • Coordinate, develop and facilitate professional development for staff, volunteers and program participants, including Master’s level courses and field study programs.
  • Coordinate research, development, revision and dissemination of program/project  supporting materials and interpretive elements
  • Support supervisory team in maintenance of internal and external partnerships
  • Present engaging programs, experiences and activities to audiences of all ages on and off zoo grounds.
  • Evaluate programs and interpretive elements
  • Collect and report statistics and prepare reports
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to comfortably lead adult classroom-based, web-based and field-based education programs.
  • Ability to lead and be a positive role model and mentor for staff and volunteers
  • Possess strong organizational skills, be able to meet deadlines and suggest and deal with changes in operation protocol
  • Must be able to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to create and lead processes related to collaborative program development and coordination of team members
  • Ability to develop and present creative, mission driven programming
  • Possess expansive knowledge of zoology, ecology and conservation
  • Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends and evenings
  • Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institutions’ Core Values

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in education, conservation, biology or related field of study from an accredited institution required (Masters degree preferred). Minimum of 6 years of education and/or experience in natural science or environmental education, including providing professional development for educators and experience in program development, implementation and evaluation.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS

Applications are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED when applying for this position. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before).