This position is responsible for leading efforts in the engagement of youth and adults in the zoo’s mission. This position is responsible for establishing strong internal and external partnerships that advance the zoo’s strategic goals, generates revenue, and provides access to mission-based programs for audiences both on and off zoo grounds. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide vision and direction to create a slate of relevant and innovative programs for diverse youth (9 years and above) and adults of all ages.
- Pursue and manage revenue-producing programs and initiatives which anticipate societal trends and are responsive to audience demands including overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of transformative experiences such as classes, camps, clubs, field courses, lectures, trainings or professional development for youth, educators and other adults on and off zoo grounds which support audiences in advancing wildlife conservation impacts.
- Manage cross-departmental program development and/or implementation teams.
- Stay informed of new trends and research in behavior change, guest engagement and universal design and inclusion practices.
- Under direction of the Vice President of Learning and Innovation and the Director of Learning and Engagement, work with the Development Department to write grant proposals and reports; participate in fundraising and donor cultivation efforts.
- Serve on the Learning and Engagement Management Team and work with other zoo managers and supervisors to help ensure smooth, effective operations and programs to meet strategic plan goals;
- Develop and manage program and grant budgets, expenses and financial records
- Develop and strengthen internal and external partnerships.
- Oversee development and distribution of promotional materials, blogs, reports, statistics, fliers, publications, communications/interpretive materials and other promotional and support materials
- Represent the zoo at internal and external meetings and conferences that serve to strengthen the zoo’s position as a leading conservation education organization locally and nationally.
- Learn from and share knowledge with colleagues while building relevant partnerships.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - Supervise supervisors, lead facilitators, facilitators, other staff and volunteers. This position requires the ability to interact effectively with employees in order to direct workflow, assess performance, and assign duties.
QUALIFICATIONS - Ability to challenge current assumptions and push boundaries; able to imagine explore and implement cutting edge and experimental programming.
- Ability to identify and implement creative and dynamic earned and contributed revenue opportunities which connect participants to the zoo’s mission.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead and motivate teams, bring in and support different perspectives, and work with diverse populations and a variety of stakeholders (staff, executive leaders, donors, board members, school administrators, volunteers and members/visitors, etc.)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to listen, give and receive feedback in a productive and professional manner. Able to translate vision into planning and organizational implementation.
- Ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks, agendas and projects in a fast-paced environment with high energy and creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to anticipate needs and challenges, take initiative, ask questions, and provide solutions to achieve department and organization objectives.
- Adaptable to changing business situation and environments.
- Highly professional public presence.
- Ability to oversee programmatic operations and manage supervisory and front-line staff.
- Ability to establish strong working relationships and partnerships, both internally and externally, and work effectively with others throughout the institution. Understanding and sensitivity to public and private partnerships.
- Able to engage in strategic communications internally across levels of the zoo and externally to advance programs and the zoo’s mission.
- Ability to work with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages and abilities.
- Ability to build, lead and motivate cross-departmental planning and implementation teams to support mission-driven change. Employ effective facilitation skills to lead internal and external meetings and collaborative processes. Use project planning and time management skills to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met
- At least 8 years combined education and experience in youth, family and adult programming or informal, environmental and/or sustainability education.
- Supervisory experience and ability managing staff and operations of a work team and overseeing comprehensive program development, implementation and evaluation.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Proficient use of computer and Microsoft Office; particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research.
- Ability to respond to common inquires or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
- Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
- Ability to effectively present information to zoo management, public groups, donors, and zoo board members.
PREFERRED SKILLS - Graduate degree or equivalent background in conservation, biology, science education, community engagement, or related field of study.
- Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - This position may be required to lift up to 30lbs.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before). Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
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