Education Programs Manager

WHO WE ARE.  Severson Dells Nature Center links people to nature through education and research. We promote awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment and preservation now and in the future. The Severson Dells Nature Center is housed in a converted Deer Lodge situated on a 369-acre county forest preserve. There are four miles of trails through diverse ecosystems including prairie, savanna, oak woodland, creek and pond. We aspire to be the local leader in nature education and create meaningful experiences with and for all ages. We seek to create a diverse, inclusive culture focused on growth and outcomes to serve our community.

YOUR ROLE.  As the Education Programs Manager, you will oversee the education programs for the nature center including program development, evaluation, education partnerships and management of the education program budget. The Education Programs Manager is also responsible for the management of the full-time educators (currently-2) summer seasonal educators (2), and AmeriCorps members (can range from 2-5 seasonally). You will serve as a key representative of Severson Dells Nature Center, engaging a broad spectrum of community partners as the organization continues to grow and diversify its programs. The Education Programs Manager will work with the Executive Director and other staff to develop a vision for education programs, and will play a lead role in implementing this vision.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT.  Working at Severson Dells Nature Center is an opportunity to be a part of an innovative, agile and forward thinking team that thrives on collaboration, both internally and externally. The staff are a passionate, knowledgeable group that are dedicated to the organizational mission. Severson Dells is a storied organization with deep roots in the northern Illinois community, serving residents since 1976. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Supervision of education program development and implementation; including school field trips, in-school programs, camps, public programs, Science Saturdays and other special events. 
• Development of budgets for education programs and tracking to ensure that programs operate within financial parameters set forth in the board-approved budget.
• Identification of trends and needs in science and environmental education and design of programmatic responses 
• Development and nurturing of relationships with school districts, schools, and regional organizations in order to strengthen connections across the community.
•  Represent Severson Dells at various stakeholder groups. 
• Oversight of scheduling of education programs and staff
• Management of the AmeriCorps program in partnership with the Administrative Coordinator and Executive Director
• Interpretation and compliance of relevant operational regulations, guidelines, and standards in cooperation with the Executive Director;
• Participation in grant proposal planning, preparation, and tracking and compliance with reporting requirements;  
• Participation in planning and development of the annual budget

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result.

• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with public speaking to groups of all sizes and demographics
• Solid relationship management skills enhancing internal organizational relations and external community interactions
• Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, delegate, and to create effective systems and processes
• Strong customer focus in all tasks and activities
• Demonstrated leadership and vision
• Extensive experience teaching all ages, 
• Strong coaching/mentoring abilities
• Experience developing school and public programs and curriculum.
• Strong pedagogical foundations in informal science learning environments.
• Experience supporting the development of diverse and inclusive environments, and demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Demonstrated highly collaborative style, relationship-builder who can effectively work with all constituent groups including staff, board, volunteers, donors, vendors, and other supporters
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and work under pressure
• Ability to easily adapt to change
•  Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality
• Adheres to all risk management and safety programs
• Experience with Microsoft and Google Suites, CRM System and a willingness to learn new applications and identify innovative ways for technology to support organizational objectives.
• A valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation are required. 

PREFERRED SKILLS and EXPERIENCE

• Strong knowledge of Midwest environments, flora, fauna and natural history, plus related environmental issues.  
• Experience working with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) State Education Standards
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Experience with Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master's degree desirable in environmental/science education or biological/environmental sciences
• Minimum four years of teaching experience

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Ann Wasser ann@seversondells.org with the email subject: Education Programs Manager.  Initial resume review will begin Wednesday, January 31st, 2024.