Education Manager

Job Description

Position Summary

The Pascagoula River Audubon Center’s (PRAC) Education Manager will be called to develop and sustain a range of evidence-based, innovative programs that promote PRAC as a conservation action center. They will be responsible for all aspects of planning, developing, delivering, and managing all environmental education activities that reflect and embraces the needs of a diverse community. Tasks include staff and volunteer recruitment, training, and management; development/design, coordination, delivery, and oversight of all educational programming; communications and marketing; report writing and review; contributing to budget creation and review; participation in the development of educational exhibits and displays; and support of other conservation and education activities at the Center.

The Education Manager must be able to work well under pressure and manage a fast-paced schedule, be a skilled and effective communicator, and be able to effectively develop, plan and lead programs for ages two to adult, with a special emphasis on middle and high school students. They must be able to navigate programs that are based in local environmental and natural history, coastal Mississippi science and research from Audubon staff, and regional conservation issues that impact at the local level. Most work will take place at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, with occasional visits and meetings in other locations. This is a full-time, 40 hours a week position at PRAC with occasional work off-site being granted.

Compensation

$55,000-$65,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Manage, oversee, and schedule all aspects of a comprehensive environmental and outdoor education program for diverse audiences of all ages (PreK – 12 students, families, adults, the general public, donors, etc.), including use of booking and ticketing software.
• Under guidance from the Director of Strategic Operations and the PRAC Senior Center Manager, design, lesson plan, develop and deliver high quality education programs for all ages.
• Ensure all school programs meet or exceed statewide standards, local school district curriculum requirements, and Audubon guidelines/standards.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of special events, festivals, and occasionally community programs.
• Regularly review and evaluate programs/events to obtain participant/leader feedback, assess program quality, and make continuous improvements.
• Manage recruitment, training, scheduling and supervision of education staff and volunteers, and ensure adherence to Audubon safety protocols.
• Establish new and innovative programs, revenue models, educational approaches, and best practices to expand the center’s outreach base.
• Contribute towards all education and visitor related promotions, marketing, social media, web content, flyers, signage, displays, and presentations.
• Liaise with the public, program participants, group leaders, partners, donors, and foundation representatives and ensure a positive experience.
• Foster positive relationships with schools, businesses, and other community, cultural or government institutions and attend relevant meetings; serve as an ambassador throughout the community, including at conferences, meetings, advisory boards, festivals, and other events.
• In consultation with the PRAC Center Senior Manager, develop and manage an annual budget and track all revenues and expenditures.
• Track and record relevant program data, schedules, databases, and income and prepare reports as required.
• With the Development Team, facilitate opportunities for donations and sponsorships and prepare funding applications.
• Assist with development and ongoing maintenance of the PRAC business, strategic plan, and conservation action plans as it aligns to National Audubon Society’s Flight Plan.
• Participate in Audubon’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) through staff training, hiring initiatives, and adhering to the organization’s EDIB principles.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the conservation initiatives at PRAC and throughout coastal Mississippi.
• Assist the PRAC Senior Center Manager in overall responsibilities, as well as perform all duties deemed necessary to further the mission of Audubon and support colleagues, including full and productive participation in staff meetings, planning efforts, working groups, and other shared staff duties.
• Oversee care and use of ambassador animals at the Center.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental studies/science, education, natural science, outdoor recreation, or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years’ leadership experience in environmental education, including outdoor education.
• Proven skills teaching and lesson planning in formal and informal settings to diverse audiences, including children, adults, and families.
• Demonstrated experience in educational program design and assessment, experience with leading middle and high school programming a plus.
• Knowledge of coastal Mississippi ecology and wildlife conservation issues or willingness to learn.
• Minimum one year of experience managing and mentoring staff and/or volunteers and fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
• Must be self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Capable of balancing a fast-paced work environment and multiple deadlines.
• Have good attention to detail, with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a wide range of audiences, including excellent customer service skills.
• Experience with fundraising, revenue tracking, and grant writing an asset.
• Must be able to accompany/lead/supervise participants on guided tours over varied terrain in often hot and humid weather among insects and animals.
• Able to load/unload/haul equipment and program materials over short distances, with or without accommodation.
• Proficiency in MS Office, comfortable in using other software applications and capacity to learn new software.
• Must have current first aid and CPR certifications or obtain such certification by start date.
• Must be available for occasional weekend, holiday, and evening work. Occasional out-of-state travel required.
• Must have own vehicle and valid U.S. driver’s license for operating an Audubon vehicle.
  
  

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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