Senior Education Coordinator

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled educator to coordinate and teach programs at the beautiful Rio Salado Audubon Center. The position focus includes coordinating our school programs, including K-8th grade field trips and in-classroom presentations, outdoor service-learning opportunities for high school and adult groups, and community programs at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. Qualified candidates will have at least 3 years of direct teaching skills, as well as experience in program logistics, and conservation. We are especially looking for folks who have connections to the South Phoenix community and are interested in developing new ideas to deepen relationships.

Position Summary

The Senior Education Coordinator will provide nature education to Phoenix youth as a lead naturalist guide and program coordinator at the Nina Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. The core functions of this position include coordinating our school programs, including K-8th grade field trips and in-classroom presentations, service-learning opportunities, and community programs at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center.

Essential Functions

• Develop, implement, and deliver creative and engaging nature science and conservation education curriculum for grades K-8 through onsite fieldtrips and classroom visits.
• Plan and deliver community programs for adults and families, including Saturday Bird Walks, Girl Scout programs, lectures, and workshops.
• Coordinate and offer service-learning opportunities at the Center for groups of adults, students, and Boy Scouts, including internal and external communication, scheduling, and delivering the program. May collaborate with other Center staff for additional support.
• Coordinate logistics for school field trips, classroom visits, and other community programs including program promotion, pre and post communication, registration, and scheduling.
• Collect and report data on programs and participants, including evaluations, registration numbers, anecdotes, and photos, to the Education Director for grant, donor, and annual reporting purposes.
• Work with Education and Outreach team, other Audubon staff, and community partners, to develop and deliver new programs both onsite at RSAC and out in the greater Phoenix community.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with local organizations involved in our education and Center programs.
• Participate in development of effective promotional materials and marketing strategies for community programs, including regular updates to upcoming events flyers and Center brochures. Will collaborate with other Center and State staff for additional support and strategy.
• Present a professional and friendly manner when interacting and working with the public, volunteers, Audubon members, teachers, parents, and other conservation groups.
• Serve as an ambassador for Audubon while participating at outreach events as needed.
• Maintain inventory, condition, and organization of educational materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Help recruit and supervise education and weekend volunteers.
• Help deliver volunteer and intern trainings with the Center Director and Education Director.
• Assist staff and volunteers in the daily operating and maintenance activities of the Rio Salado Audubon Center, including staffing after-hour events.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in the natural sciences, education, or related field
• At least three years of experience in teaching, working with children, program management, community engagement and/or other related applicable experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Background in educational program design and assessment, knowledge of wildlife conservation issues
• Experience leading groups and teaching groups of students.
• Attention to detail, excellent time-management, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems creatively.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• General knowledge of the natural history of the Sonoran desert region, and the ability to clearly communicate that knowledge to the public through programs as well as personal encounters in the nature center.
• Capacity to work easily and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, build relationships, be diplomatic, and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the dynamics of a complex organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and increasing access to conservation and the outdoors for historically excluded populations.
• Interest and understanding of Audubon's mission and vision as a conservation organization, and the Rio Salado Center as an urban environmental education and community center.
• Willingness to participate in maintenance projects and visitor services.
• Ability to work weekday mornings Tuesday-Friday, and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
• Must be willing to travel as the job requires.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.