Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Children's Programs Manager. We have one, full-time, benefitted positions open.
SUMMARY
This position is responsible for managing efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate mission-based learning programs for children twelve and under and the adults who support their development. Programs will advance the zoo’s mission by creating opportunities for children to connect with and learn about the natural world, develop empathy for wildlife, and take pro-environmental action.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Develop and oversee revenue-producing programs and initiatives for children, including camps, field trips, and classes.
- Oversee the evaluation and improvement processes for children's programs.
- Propose and launch new fee-based, mission-focused programming for children and the adults who support their development.
- Under the guidance of department leaders and with support of the Development Department, write grant proposals and reports, and participate in fundraising and donor cultivation efforts.
- Develop effective operating procedures and oversee daily operations for summer camps, school field trips, and other programs for children through age 12; hire and manage 50+ seasonal staff who supervise and facilitate experiences for 2,000+ children.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with schools, districts, and community-based organizations.
- Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and principles in all aspects of work.
- Participate as a member of the Learning & Innovation Management Team.
- Promote and support best practice in early childhood education and children’s learning across the zoo; work with other teams and departments to integrate best practices into zoo exhibits and programs.
- Hire, supervise, train, develop, mentor, and coach employees. Carry out supervisor responsibilities in accordance with the zoo polices and all applicable laws.
- Stay informed of new trends and research in conservation psychology, informal learning, and universal design for learning, and inclusion practices.
- Actively support and assist in department strategic and operational planning.
- Develop and manage program budgets, expenses, and financial records.
- Manage cross-departmental program development and implementation teams; collaborate cross- departmentally on projects and programs.
- Develop, write, and oversee development of promotional materials, blogs, reports, statistics, fliers, publications, communication/interpretive materials, and other promotional and support materials.
- Represent the zoo on external committees that serve to strengthen the zoo’s position as a leading informal early learning and conservation education organization.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate Degree or equivalent background in informal learning, museology, zoology, conservation, science education, or related field of study and six (6) or more years of related experience; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience leading camp operations and developing programs for children.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Supervisory experience and ability to manage staff and oversee comprehensive program development, implementation, and evaluation.
- 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.)
- 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. Ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity. Ability to disseminate information effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse teams and environments.
- Ability to listen, give and receive feedback in a productive and professional manner. Able to translate vision into planning and 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.
- 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.
- 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, and use project planning and time management skills to ensure project timelines and deliverables are met.
- Proficient and experienced in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Ability to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct internet research.
- 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 that connect participants to the zoo’s mission.
- Ability to effectively present information to zoo management, public groups, donors, and zoo board members.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
- Familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- This position may be required to lift 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.
Employment Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check and driving record review 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.
Pay: $70,000 Annually plus benefits
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.
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