Conservation Learning Manager - Child and Family Discovery
Posted on August 6, 2024
Description
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding.
DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Behaviors of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Conservation Learning Manager - Child and Family Discovery advances the mission of DZCA through programs that build foundational connections to nature for young children and their caregivers, developing interest in and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthening their ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action.
Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!
Responsibilities
Priority 1- Oversight of Early Childhood and Camp Programs
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programming for children, families and caregivers, with an emphasis on connecting diverse communities to nature and science learning.
Responsible for at-zoo and in-community nature play programs, preschool partnerships, family engagement, educator development, and seasonal camps, including the Zoo’s Summer Safari program. Cross-supports school programming with the Conservation Learning Manager: School and Teacher Partnerships.
Build relationships with learning centers and organizations that serve diverse populations, especially those traditionally under connected with nature- and conservation-based learning experiences.
Priority 2 - Support and Develop Conservation Learning staff
Hire, train, evaluate, and foster growth of staff; coordinate goal setting, progress updates, performance reviews, and time tracking; provide constructive feedback
Ensure the continuous improvement and implementation of practices that support staff and volunteer confidence, preparedness, and ability to facilitate programs according to departmental priorities, focusing on best practices in engaging young learners, families and caregivers in age-appropriate wildlife conservation learning and action.
Lead and mentor staff on program development and continuous improvement using the Zoo’s outcomes-based program development process (ROADMAP).
Priority 3 - Departmental and Team Leadership
As a member of the Conservation Learning leadership team, collaborate with other leaders to achieve priorities, utilize big picture thinking, proactive problem solving and inclusive decision-making to contribute to the development and direction of the department and its strategy for mission-based programming.
Model and uplift positive team culture through communication and support of activities designed to welcome, include, and recognize all team members.
Other Duties/Responsibilities
Other assistance, as designated by the Director of Conservation Learning, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
Directly supervise a small team of staff, fostering growth through goal setting, progress updates, performance reviews, and constructive feedback.
Work with department leaders to propose an annual budget for program area. Oversee revenue and expenditures for program area and act as a good steward of DZCA’s resources. Work collaboratively with the Director of Conservation Learning and Philanthropy teams to support new funding opportunities.
The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public and will represent DZCA in a professional and positive manner.
Requirements
Completion or in pursuit of 2-year degree in education, environmental education, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Requires minimum of 2-years’ supervisory experience in environmental education in a nonprofit zoo, museum, or science institution, focusing on early childhood and elementary education; experience working in a nonprofit and with diverse communities is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Requires ability to foster a welcoming environment and united team, while providing direction and guidance to a diverse group of staff and volunteers.
Requires demonstrated academic and practical understanding of current best practices in education, with particular focus in outcomes-based program development, nature play, inquiry, development of empathy and conservation optimism.
Requires demonstrated knowledge and dynamic skills in program development, and teaching and mentoring both children and adults. Preference given to candidates who have done so successfully in an informal biological or conservation education setting.
Requires excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, customer service, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
Good negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy are preferred. Must be an outstanding communicator and considered to be a developer of people who is comfortable motivating, collaborating, and working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships.
Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate the DZCA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism preferred.
Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary.
Benefits
This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.
Salary
Range for this position is $5,352 - $6,690 (monthly).
Denver Zoo
Denver, CO
How to Apply
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