Education Experience Manager - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Education Experience Manager directs strategic development, evaluation, and maintenance of education and tour experiences and materials. The Education Experience Manager also supervises staff involved in their programs. This position reports to the Director of Education.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Designs and develops innovative education programs and experience offerings, including creating content, training staff, implementing as needed, and updating programs to reflect current trends in conservation, education, and the experience economy.
• Monitors and evaluates participants feedback, program evaluations, program budgets, and sales and bookings to maximize resources
• Secures funding and reports on existing grants, donations, and endowments in collaboration with Philanthropy, Finance, and community partners.
• Collaborates with Marketing/Sales and Guest Services teams to create marketing collateral and support effective reservation and sales strategies.
• Hires, supervises, develops, and evaluates staff in conjunction with other department management.
• Assists in developing and administering budgets.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

San Diego Zoo Education & Premium Experiences team seeks a strategic, well-organized, communicative, and collaborative leader to oversee Premium Experiences and return-on-investment programs. This position is responsible for a suite of 20+ tours and VIP experiences, special programs for SDZWA events and partners, as well as interpretive and customer service training for a team of Educators.  In coordination with colleagues and team members, the Education Experience Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of return-on-investment programs, including program design and development, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, hiring and training staff, and consulting with our marketing, and sales teams. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of program management experience, utilizing a variety of resources and requiring complex problem-solving. Individuals who are passionate about wildlife, and driven to create diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible experiences for zoo guests are encouraged to apply. 

• JOB EXPERIENCE
  • At least two years of experience in an education department in a zoo, museum, or other informal learning center required.
  • Teaching experience and certification preferred.

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science or Education or a related field or equivalent specialized training required.
  • Graduate degree in education, science, or related field or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Teaching certification preferred.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Knowledge of current learning theories, interpretive techniques, and state education standards required.
  • Ability to develop, coordinate, and implement education programming required.
  • Proven track record of leading diverse teams implementing ambitious change required.
  • Ability to effectively manage performance and hold others accountable required.
  • Ability to operate moderately complex computer software program required.
  • Knowledge of developing and managing budgets required.
  • Ability to work with teams and effectively with others and as an individual contributor required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) required.
  • Knowledge of evaluation methods required.
  • Manage multiple projects at once and be able to prioritize required.
  • Knowledge of wildlife, animal behavior modification, and enrichment practices preferred.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google platforms preferred.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt
• Hourly Rate: $78,400 to $86,680

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.