Manager, Partnerships & Education Resources

Taking action for the ocean today, so we can all flourish tomorrow.

Ocean Wise is the world-class ocean change maker for concerned collaborators; big and small who want practical solutions with real impact so that they feel empowered and take action to protect oceans, humanity, and the world we live in. 

ROLE OVERVIEW 

Reporting to the Director of Youth, the Manager, Partnerships and Education Resources is responsible for the development, promotion and assessment of Ocean Wise Youth’s asynchronous education resources and partnerships with the formal and non-formal education community. This position will accelerate the development of national and international partnerships that inform and shape the development of world-class ocean conservation education resources to empower Ocean Wise’s audiences to positively influence the ocean.  

The Manager will be responsible for leading the development of these resources, and the strategic positioning of them on Ocean Wise’s Action and Learning Hub, among other platforms. This role provides important coaching and leadership to the Partnerships and Education Resources team and manages the program budget.  The Manager will also ensure close working relationships with the Development Team, Communications and Marketing and Ocean Wise’s other Conservation Initiatives to ensure programs and resources are aligned with Ocean Wise’s broader conservation work and have the necessary resources and profile to reach millions of Ocean Champions. The Manager will also develop and maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and oversee the integration of Traditional Knowledge into all resources. 

This role is a fixed-term contract role (~10 months) to commence asap with a possibility of extension. Applications are welcome on or before the deadline date of June 6, 2022.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Plans and coordinates the successful delivery of programs and related education initiatives by:  

• Lead the design, creation and promotion education resources focused on the connection between ocean health and climate change, sustainable fisheries, seaforestation, plastic pollution, etc.  
• Spearhead new partnerships with school districts, youth serving organizations, and civic institutions to expand professional development trainings and adoption of Ocean Wise education resources.  
• Provide strategic guidance, pedagogical expertise, and relevant behavioural change insights to the development and implementation of Ocean Wise’s educational resources. 
• Collaborate closely with Ocean Wise’ Youth teams and Conservation Leaders to effectively design resources that increase ocean and climate literacy and positive impacts on the ocean. 
• Lead the assessment of current education resources to determine their alignment with the Conservation Initiatives and the desires of both formal and non-formal education audiences.  
• Build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and integrating Traditional Knowledge and culture into education resources and content.  
• Forecast and manage budget income and expenditure, monthly projections and reconciliation, annual and medium range planning. 
• Work closely with other Youth teams to ensure programs and content continue to meet the needs of the education community. 
• Oversee the management of several curriculum-related projects, including teacher workshops, Education Work Experience programs, Practicum placements, special requests & events, etc; 
• Support Ocean Wise teams in the delivery of other objectives as needed. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other departments who share spaces, act as experts and provide resources or materials for programs.
• Contribute to the Youth strategy development and implementation. 
• Assisting with marketing and public awareness of curriculum-linked programs and resources.  

Ensures program offering continues to address current issues including program updates, development and evaluation by: 

• Assist senior staff with strategic planning for growth and development of Partnerships and Education programs and team.
• Contribute to education quality assurance; maintenance of Staff Education Handbook, competencies, peer reviews, professional learning.
• Work closely with teachers to evaluate and redesign programs, content and resources. 
• Oversee the development of new school curriculum programs, responding to changes in marine and environmental issues, curriculum changes and clients’ needs. 
• Track participation and relevant statistics.
• Plan appropriately with the senior staff and team to maintain efficient workloads for staff and resources. 

 Supports plans and objectives for the department by: 

• Conduct regular review and evaluation of program delivery and providing recommendations for departmental efficiency and improvement.
• Ensure staffing levels across the department(s) are at optimum levels to support effective and efficient service delivery.
• Coach and develop direct reports and entire team to accomplish strategic growth objectives; recruits, selects and hires the talent needed to meet the department’s goals.
• Work with the External Relations team to develop new program funding opportunities.
• Establish metrics for the department(s) along with the Director of Youth, ensuring all team members clearly understand the metrics, and what is expected of them. 
• Review and report results monthly, and ensuring timely escalation of issues/obstacles/trends to the Director of Youth with recommendations/solutions. 
• Review and approve time and attendance for direct reports prior to established deadlines.

 Provides management, coaching and mentoring to Direct Reports and extended team members and contributes to and fosters the development of the team by: 

• Create an environment conducive to individual development, productivity, and achievement while ensuring open lines of communication. 
• Ensure that staff are well organized, sufficiently trained/cross-trained to perform their responsibilities, developed to their potential and deployed in a manner that permits a cost-effective operation. 
• Plan and facilitating individual touch bases (ITBs), group touch bases (GTBs), and skill-building sessions where appropriate.
• Provide direction, guidance and support to team members and motivating staff to achieve a high level of performance and productivity.
• Establish performance objectives/goals, reviewing progress throughout the year, and completing formal performance reviews for direct reports as required.
• Recognize and rewarding success, and managing poor performance.
• Develop and obtaining agreement on development plans for all direct reports, recommending training courses and seminars where appropriate. 
• Recruit, hire and promote team members in accordance with standard Ocean Wise policies. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Science, Conservation or related field required. 
• Minimum of 2 years demonstrated successful management experience and strong leadership skills.
• Extensive experience developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs.
• Demonstrated experience developing partnerships and translating those into results.
• Teaching experience with a variety of developmental stages required; emphasis on conservation education, experiential learning and themes of climate change, ocean pollution and overfishing. 

Skills 

• Demonstrated project and office management experience and strong time management skills. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in the fields of formal and non-formal education. 
• Commitment to continuing development and implementation of leading-edge conservation education practices.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team as well as to work as a cooperative team member; experience leading a team successfully through a period of change. 
• Familiarity and proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Online Learning Environments, video conferencing platforms such as Webex, Zoom and Teams.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, energetic personality.
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to multitask, respond to last minute changes, and maintain a flexible attitude.
• Ability to respond to management needs and priorities. 

 WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Involves some heavy lifting. Incumbents must be able to safely lift up to 40 lbs periodically 
• Flexibility and availability in schedule are required during the week, including evenings, weekends and holidays. 
• Will involve some evening and weekend work; 
• Job requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time working both in-office and remotely. 

How to apply:

Apply here by June 6, 2022.