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Title

Guest Engagement Manager 

Description

Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Guest Engagement Manager. We have one, full time, benefitted position open.    

Priority Application Date: October 14, 2022

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the oversight and development of the overall zoo guest engagement experience and the alignment of volunteer and staff programming with the guest experience. This position will conceptualize and direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of a dynamic, accessible and inclusive slate of programs that utilize social science/behavior change science and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to engage guests of all ages and abilities and drive the zoo’s strategic outcomes and impacts. This includes utilizing theory-informed and evidence-based interpretive platforms, content and programs that foster empathy, build conservation identity, and engage and empower our audiences to save wildlife and their habitats. This position will support staff and volunteers engaged in public programs ensuring that they are knowledgeable, informed on up-to-date zoo information and practices, and able to best serve guest needs and forward our strategic initiatives. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following

  • Under direction of department leadership provide direction to create innovative, accessible, and culturally responsive guest engagement programming (volunteer/staff public programs, theater programs, keeper talks, etc.) for diverse audiences of all ages.
  • Manage and oversee all phases of the development and implementation of guest engagement programs, including drop-in, timed, and revenue generated programs.
  • Oversee all guest programming related training, including interpretive and other relevant training for staff and volunteers. Work with Learning Accessibility Specialist to ensure staff and volunteers are trained in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
  • Stay informed of new trends and research in behavior change, guest engagement, nature play, strategies for connecting young learners to nature, UDL inclusion best practices, and incorporate evidence-based methods into guest experiences.
  • Develop and integrate goals and outcomes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the work.
  • Manage staff, including recruiting and hiring, develop work plans, conduct evaluations, address disciplinary concerns, and effectively train, develop, mentor and coach employees.
  • Serve on the department’s management team; work with other zoo managers and supervisors to ensure smooth, effective operations and programs to meet strategic plan goals.
  • Under the direction of department leadership, work with the development department to identify funding needs, write grant proposals and reports; participate in fund-raising and donor cultivation efforts.
  • Develop and strengthen internal and external partnerships.
  • Research content and write articles, blog posts, fliers, publications, grant narrative information, communications/interpretive materials, and other promotional and support materials and oversee similar staff efforts.
  • Collaborate with the zoo’s evaluation team to develop and implement comprehensive evaluation plans for assigned program and content area(s). Apply evaluation findings to achieve program improvements.
  • Develop and manage program and grant budgets, expenses and financial records.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduate degree or equivalent background in environmental education and related interpretation, public programming/guest engagement, community engagement, or related field of study and four (4) or more years’ related experience; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Supervisory experience and ability in managing staff and operations of a work team and overseeing comprehensive program development, implementation and evaluation.
  • Experience engaging various audiences in informal learning environments and demonstrated ability to incorporate Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion into programming.
  • Ability to challenge current assumptions and push boundaries; able to imagine, explore and implement cutting edge and experimental programming that connects participants to the zoo’s mission.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to lead and motivate teams, bring in and support different perspectives, work with diverse populations and a variety of stakeholders (staff, volunteers, community members, donors, board members, educators, etc.), and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to ensure strategic vision becomes alive through the departmental operations processes and policies.
  • Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good by creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, within diverse teams and environments.
  • Ability to evaluate problems and effectively solve them in a timely manner. Respond to concerns with empathy and inclusivity. Respond appropriately to conflict.
  • Ability to delegate responsibilities, work with others, and coach employees to develop their full potential.
  • Ability to provide helpful, behaviorally specific feedback to others and engage in open and honest communication. Ability to evaluate problems and solve them in a timely manner; respond to concerns with empathy and inclusivity.
  • 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.
  • Ability to identify and suggest changes that promote positive impacts with a lens for diversity and inclusion.
  • Ability to work in an extremely fast-paced, ever-changing environment, and manage multiple projects with competing demands while maintaining a commitment to excellence. Ability to quickly and methodically adjust priorities when needed.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
  • Comfortable with change, innovation, and creative approaches to collaboration and evaluation.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • First Aid and CPR certificates.
  • Ability to speak multiple languages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This position may be required to life 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/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PAY: $70,000 plus benefits per year

Priority Application Date: October 14, 2022

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. 

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-22-00028  
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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