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Title

Learning Programs and Partnerships Director 

Description

Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Learning Programs and Partnerships Director. We have one, full-time, benefitted position open.    

SUMMARY

Using innovative and research-based practices, this position will provide strategic direction, partner with community, and lead a collaborative team to create an innovative portfolio of dynamic, accessible, culturally relevant, responsive, and inclusive STEAM programs to foster empathy for wildlife and inspire pro-environmental action among our audiences and community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Lead the Learning Programs & Partnership teams in the creation and implementation of innovative and culturally responsive early learning, school, youth, family, educator, and adult learning programs, in alignment with the zoo’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Establish the zoo as a leader in inclusive informal learning that builds conservation identity and STEAM skills through nature play, youth development, career-connected learning, educator professional development, and lifelong learning.
  • Lead teams to partner with schools, community-based organizations, and others to co-develop impactful and relevant programs and experiences on grounds, in community, and virtually.
  • Support the financial sustainability of the zoo by stewarding multiple revenue streams, partnering with Development to pursue fundraising opportunities, and leading teams to develop new paid experiences for zoo audiences, monitor budgets on grant funded projects and ensure all grant and donor commitments are fulfilled.
  • Provide policy and budget oversight for learning programs, set measurable goals, monitor and report on goal progress and outcomes, and produce quality deliverables; contribute to the zoo’s goal of becoming a nimble and responsive learning organization by promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Represent the zoo on external committees and advisory groups to strengthen the zoo’s position as a responsive partner in the community and a leader among AZA and other informal science learning institutions.
  • Develop innovation approaches to engaging with audiences that build STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) skills and conservation identities; build out new opportunities for unserved or undeserved audiences.
  • Lead efforts to center diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in work with internal and external audiences.
  • Collaborate with teams across the zoo to strategically guide the Learning Programs and Partnerships team to increase audiences’ knowledge of the work of the zoo, AZA institutions, and the field, including animal care, animal health, horticulture, exhibits, empathy practices, sustainability, and wildlife conservation.
  • Represent the department in zoo management and planning meetings, at events, in professional meeting, and with the media as needed.
  • Participate in strategic discussions and planning regarding the zoo’s mission and the department’s goals and use data and lived experience to inform decisions.
  • Build partnerships locally and nationally with individuals in professional organizations, agencies, and institutions with aligned interests and goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced degree from a college or university in education with a focus on informal learning, environmental studies, social, natural, or behavioral science or related field and ten (10) or more years of experience in informal learning or program management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Four (4) or more years of management experience with both direct and indirect reports.
  • Experience supporting teams to develop programs to build STEAM skills and inspire pro-environmental behavior.
  • Ability to push boundaries and take risks with a passion for thought partnership.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity. Ability to disseminate information effectively to appropriate levels.
  • Ability to listen, give and receive feedback in a productive and professional manner. Able to translate vision into planning and implementation.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
  • Ability to delegate responsibilities, work with others, and coach employees to develop their full potential. Provide helpful, behaviorally specific feedback to others. Regularly meet with employees to review their development progress and express confidence in their abilities to be successful. Engage team members in open and honest communication. Ability to evaluate problems and to effectively solve them in a timely manner. Respond to concerns with empathy and inclusivity. Respond appropriately to conflict.
  • Ability to anticipate needs and challenges, take initiative, ask questions, and provide solutions to achieve organizational objectives. Ability to identify and suggest changes that promote positive impacts with a lens for diversity and inclusion.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse teams and environments while treating everyone with respect.
  • Ability to communicate complex information in a way that is understandable and engaging to broad audiences; comfortable speaking to groups in a variety of settings.
  • Ability to participate and/or initiate external team interaction, such as working with board committees, attending zoo events, and fundraising events.
  • Ability to identify, cultivate, and maintain professional relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and a complex stakeholder network.
  • Ability to make effective and persuasive presentation on controversial or complex topics to colleagues, board members, donors, and the public.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Proven track record of success in receiving grants and experience managing grant funded programs.
  • Experience managing a large-scale summer camp program.
  • Experience incorporating Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and evidence-informed approaches to building empathy for wildlife.
  • Experience with social and behavioral change for wildlife conservation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This position may be required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
  • 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 outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PAY: $100,000.00/annually plus benefits 

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check will be required of the selected applicant. 

COVID-19 VACCINATION: 

  • As of November 24, 2021, employees working on or accessing zoo grounds are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by your first day of employment. 
  • People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. 
  • Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation. 
     

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS: Applications are accepted online through our Jobs Page at zoo.org/jobs; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are required. 

Priority application date: 6/10/22

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status. 
 

Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all of its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org. 

 

 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Req Number LEA-22-00010  
EOE Statement Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status.
 

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://WoodlandParkZoo.appone.com



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