Director of Community Learning and Engagement

Job Title: Director of Community Learning and Engagement

Hours: Full-time

Summary:

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a dynamic and dedicated leader to enhance and oversee informal conservation education programs at both the Zoo and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park (WSP). The Director of Community Learning and Engagement will oversee program development, implementation, and growth for all informal education and community programs at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and WSP, including guest engagement and interpretive programs, day camps, informal classes, overnights, Children’s Adventure Trails, and volunteer services. This position will be responsible for program operations, budgets, grant writing and management, staff supervision, and informal education community partnerships. While upholding and promoting the mission of the Zoo and WSP, the Director of Community Learning and Engagement will work closely with the Vice President of Education to develop high-quality, impactful, and forward-thinking conservation education programs that provide positive and inclusive Zoo and WSP experiences for guests, volunteers, students, and staff. Occasional nights and weekends are required. Holidays may be required based on program demands. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Education.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Develops, plans, and oversees informal conservation education programs at the Zoo and WSP, including guest engagement and interpretive programs, day camps, informal classes, overnights, and Children’s Adventure Trails.
• Directly oversees the Manager of Camps and Classes, Manager of Overnights, Adult Volunteer Coordinator, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, Visitor Engagement Coordinator, and Children’s Adventure Trails Supervisor.
• Maintains and monitors the Zoo and WSP volunteer programs.
• Oversees Zoo and WSP interpretive plans and ensures alignment and integration of defined conservation messages into all informal education programs, exhibit spaces, and interpretive signage.
• Hires, trains, supervises, motivates, and develops education department staff; manages schedules and workflow.
• Works with Vice President of Education, and the Research & Evaluation team to implement evaluation tools to measure the success of programs.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with external stakeholders, including parents, community members, and educational partners.
• Compiles and prepares budget figures for each program, monitors expenditures, and makes necessary adjustments.
• Approves purchases, invoices, and refunds for each program. Grants final department approvals when the Vice President of Education is unavailable.
• Approves payroll for volunteer services staff, guest engagement staff, camps and classes staff, and overnights staff.
• Upholds employee engagement and commitment to quality through ongoing professional development, coaching, motivation, and recognition.
• Assigns duties, provides day-to-day guidance and oversight, and monitors quality of work of reporting staff.
• Assures staff follow organizational policies and procedures, government regulations, and industry standards.
• Keeps up to date on team activities, identifying problem areas and taking corrective actions.
• Works alongside program staff and Vice President of Education to write grant proposals, administer and manage grant programs, ensure grant compliance, and prepare any required evaluation and/or grant reports.
• Attends senior level management meetings, leads staff meetings, supports overall department operations, and serves as the education media contact when the Vice President of Education is unavailable.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with leaders in all departments and at all levels within the organization.
• Supports inclusion initiatives by developing and maintaining programs that serve all audiences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, or similar field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in informal education program management.
• Strong understanding of informal and conservation education best practices and instructional methodologies.
• Working knowledge of formal education programs and best practices.
• Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating team members.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of team members' duties and tasks.
• Ability to work with all levels of management.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Strong understanding of national and local informal and conservation education programs.
• Experience in informal education program development, operations, and implementation.
• Understanding of budget development and management.
• Experience in grant writing and management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check with a good driving record.

Working Conditions:

• While primarily normal business hours, extended hours, including weekends, holidays, and night programs, may be necessary.
• Must be able to travel long distances across the Zoo. Will move between multiple venues and work areas.
• This position works primarily in an indoor environment; however, some responsibilities may require outdoor work in varied weather conditions.
• Physical effort may be required.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.

TO APPLY

Please apply on Paycom by the end of Sunday, August 18th using the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=107896&clientkey=77B425C21C6E28F6E3B0849B4A14F1B5