School and Community Programs Manager

Who We Are

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For

The School and Community Programs Manager (SCPM) is responsible for developing and deploying school and community-based programming that may take place virtually, at the Zoo, or in the community. This includes writing new programming, training staff and volunteers on programming, assisting with program logistics, assisting with school and community relationships, and delivering programs.

This position will also assist the Conservation & Education Department with their overall function, and support all standard Zoo functions as required. The SCPM will manage the department’s AmeriCorps Neighborhood Conservation Coordinator VISTA.

What You Will Do

• In collaboration with the Director of School and Community Partnerships and other relevant staff, The School and Community Partnerships Manager (SCPM) manages school and community programming, including establishing, building and maintaining school and community partnerships and engaging relevant stakeholders that advance the mission of the Philadelphia Zoo. Programming and partnership building will take place virtually, at the Zoo, and in the community.

• Develops and maintains digital programming and materials for the use of school and community programs and partners with specific attention to PhillyZootoYou online materials

• Develops inclusive programs that align with the Zoo’s mission and promote action on behalf of wildlife. Incorporates consistent conservation education messages into all programs and delivers experiences that create an excellent guest experience.

• Trains, evaluates, and mentors Zoo staff and volunteers on school and community program delivery.

• Advocates for needs of school and community program participants as necessary whether related or unrelated to program objectives.

• Works with Impact, Measurement and Evaluation Coordinator to track metrics of school and community programs as required.

• Manages the logistics of school and community programming, including scheduling, relationship building, recruitment, attendance, performance and participation records for all program participants with specific leadership of the following established programs:

  • UNLESS Contest

  • Wild Connections virtual program

  • Durham library program; “Animal Tales”

  • Curriculum and facilitation support of the West Philadelphia Zoo Scholars program

  • Local conservation projects with the Zoo’s neighborhood partners

  • On site Science experiences and Career Connections programming for hyper local schools under the Zoo’s “Community Access Program” model

  • Other programs being established and initiated during FY24

• Represents the Philadelphia Zoo at various community, school and stakeholder meetings, activities and events.

• Exceed the expectations of the Zoo guests by providing friendly, outgoing and exemplary service in accordance with the Zoo’s culture of excellence and commitment to the guest experience.

• Assists in all other education programs and Zoo events as required and performs all other duties as assigned.

What This Role Requires

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural science or related field OR equivalent, progressive experience in a zoo, school, community, or similar setting.

• Teaching experience in life sciences; preferably in a museum, zoo or nature center is preferred; demonstrated ability to effectively use interactive instructional methods is required

• Experience writing curriculum-based programmed preferred; lesson plans or work samples will be requested to demonstrate efficacy for engaging students of diverse ages and backgrounds.

• Must be able to demonstrate functional knowledge of wildlife conservation projects.

• Knowledge and experience utilizing, referencing and designed content aligned with National State Standards required; experience with PA Board of Education Science, Tech, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability K-12 standards (STEELS) preferred.

• Ability to work well with a large and diverse team.

• Excellent presentation skills with a strong knowledge of both formal and informal presentation techniques.

• Experience training and mentoring staff and volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated organizational skills to support program logistics.

• Creative skills to transform curriculum standards and conservation messages into entertaining, interactive programs.

• Ability to use basic computer technology and willingness to learn new programs as needed.

• Sense of humor.

• Genuine love and affinity for animals.

• Monday through Friday schedule

• KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES PREFERRED:

• Experience serving as main point of contact for groups of young adults in an educational setting.

• Experience participating in and/or facilitating environmental education, natural science, STEM curriculum or related field.

• Experience working with or in a Zoo or equivalent setting.

• K-12 Teaching or counseling experience; teaching in traditional science department or other education setting of a museum, zoo, nature center or equivalent institution.

• Knowledge and experience living, working and thriving in Philadelphia.

• Access to reliable transportation to travel to and from school sites, community hubs and institutions to deliver programming, meet with stakeholders and attend events.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks including; criminal records and PA Child abuse clearance. FBI clearance required for all non-PA residents.

• Successful completion of a TB and drug screen.

• Covid-19 Vaccination required.

• Must be able to work around plants and animals and able to work outside is varying weather conditions.

• Reasonable physical condition required; at minimum must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.

• Must have a current, valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the Zoo’s insurance provider to operate Zoo vehicles.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it

• Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance

• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time

• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire

• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1 st Zoo)