Director of Education and Public Engagement

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Education and Public Engagement provides leadership and strategic direction for the Center's educational programming, interpretation, and public engagement initiatives and serves as the organization's lead educational professional. This position plays a critical role in advancing the Center's mission by creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the natural world and the legacy of wildlife artist Ned Smith.

The Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating educational experiences that connect people of all ages with nature, art, and conservation. While educational programming including school programs, summer camps, guided walks, and workshops remain central to the Center's work, the organization is committed to broadening opportunities for engagement through exhibits, interpretive signage, citizen science initiatives, digital and print resources, social media content, public events, community partnerships, and other lifelong learning experiences. The Director will help shape and implement this vision. 

The ideal candidate is an experienced and collaborative leader, creative thinker, and passionate advocate for environmental education who embraces and exemplifies the Ned Smith Center's mission, vision, and core values (education and lifelong learning, conservation and stewardship, and community). A demonstrated commitment to educational excellence, community engagement, and fostering meaningful connections between people and place is essential to success in this role.

Learn more:  Full job posting

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Application materials should be submitted to:

Lara Maupin, Executive Director
Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
lmaupin@nedsmithcenter.org
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg, PA 17061

Applications will be reviewed beginning July 6, 2026, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Start date is flexible from August 1 - September 30.

ABOUT THE NED SMITH CENTER

Located in historic Millersburg, Pennsylvania, 30 miles north of Harrisburg, the Center encompasses 535 acres of woodlands with nine miles of hiking trails, an open-air amphitheater, a children's discovery area, pollinator gardens, and other outdoor amenities. The facility includes three art galleries, an education room, a gift shop, administrative offices, and an observational bee hive. Employees generally work on-site at the Center and at off-site locations as needed for programs and events.

The Ned Smith Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual preference, or veteran status. We welcome and encourage the application of individuals from diverse backgrounds.