Education Director

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Direction

• Create and implement a strategy and budget to grow the revenue brought in by educational programming while maintaining our commitment to providing free education to schools and children who cannot afford to pay
• Seek out and coordinate with the Wylde Center grant writer to apply for funding related to education programs
• Track and communicate outcomes, growth, and program status to staff, board, funders, and program partners through data collection and maintenance of historical data records

Program Management

• Hire, train, and supervise a team of educators working across all programs
• Hire and supervise coordinators and managers for special programs as needed
• Develop and update curricula, incorporating feedback from partner schools
• Maintain and build upon relationships with partner schools in City Schools of Decatur, Atlanta Public Schools, community partners, and others
• Occasionally teach in programs as needed
• Represent the Wylde Center at meetings, conferences, and events

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Aware of and comfortable communicating the basics of gardening to a wide variety of audiences
• Knowledge of the current state/best practices around youth-focused environmental education
• A passion for and experience growing, preparing, and eating whole foods.
• Experience managing a small team
• Experience in developing, assessing, and managing projects from start to finish. 
• Experience developing and tracking program budgets
• Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to making necessary changes to address inequities within programming. 
• Strong communication skills.
• Able to work outside to facilitate hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture and the environment.
• Ability to “know what you don’t know,” conduct research, and learn new skills as needed.
• Takes initiative, self-directed; able to work independently and on a team.
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
• Experience using Google Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certifications in education
• Knowledge of and experience working with community partners in Atlanta

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Environment: Must be able to work outside in extreme temperatures and weather conditions and on uneven surfaces
Travel: Regular travel between our sites and occasional travel to partner schools, all within Fulton/Dekalb counties.

OTHER JOB INFORMATION

Schedule:  Full time, exempt, Monday through Friday with occasional evening/weekend hours.

Primary Work Location:  Wylde Center Administrative Offices: 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.

Post Date:  July 9, 2024

Application Information:  If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete this application. Address cover letters to Dr. Jennifer Gerndt. Applications will be accepted until a candidate is identified and selected for the position. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly – no phone calls please.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of Wylde Center is to educate, cultivate greenspaces and build community in the areas we serve.

Wylde Center accomplishes this through educational programs, events and greenspaces that actively engage youth, families and individuals in their environment, health and community, and that develop skills in environmental science, sustainable urban living, organic gardening, health, and nutrition.

Wylde Center was founded in 1997 out of a need to provide opportunities to experience nature in an urban environment. As a result of the community’s involvement and commitment, the organization has evolved into a large and active nonprofit organization operating five greenspaces (Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden) in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods, open year round for the community, for events and for Wylde Center’s educational programs.

Additionally, Wylde Center provides one of the largest youth environmental and science education programs in metro-Atlanta, including the Decatur Farm to School program, Atlanta Farm to School, Healthy Living by Healthy Growing at the Decatur Housing Authority, and science program and field trips linked to Common Core standards.

For more information about the Wylde Center, please visit www.wyldecenter.org.