Education Manager

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The Education Manager is responsible for all aspects of planning, developing, delivering, and managing all environmental education activities, programs, events, and promotion at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Tasks include staff recruitment, training, and management; education program, activity and event delivery and oversight; communications and marketing; report writing and review; budget and statistics planning, tracking and management; coordination of educational exhibits and displays; and support of other conservation activities at the Sanctuary.

The Education Manager will also lead the implementation of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s strategic education objectives and goals, as well as establish and launch new and innovative education program models. 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 lead programs for ages two to adult, including school programs. Most work will take place at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with occasional visits and meetings in other locations.

Compensation:

$52,000 - $60,000 / year

• Manage, oversee, and schedule all aspects of a comprehensive environmental and outdoor education program for diverse audiences of all ages (children, school and university groups, youth, families, adults, general public, donors, etc.), including use of booking and ticketing software.
• Along with frontline education staff and volunteers, develop and deliver high quality education programs and camps for all ages.
• Ensure all school programs meet or exceed statewide standards, local school district curriculum requirements, and Audubon guidelines/standards.
• Oversee coordination and delivery of special events and activities.
• 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 health and safety protocols.
• Establish new and innovative programs, revenue models, educational approaches, and best practices and expand client base.
• Develop new partnerships with city and state agencies, schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, and community organizations.
• Prepare and communicate, in coordination with the Communications Team, 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.
• In consultation with the Associate Director, 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.
• Develop annual plans and implement Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Strategic Plan Education Objectives.
• Assist the Associate Director in overall responsibilities, as well as perform all duties deemed necessary by the Associate Director to further the mission of Audubon and support colleagues, including full and productive participation in staff meetings, planning efforts, and other shared staff duties.
• Serve as an ambassador for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and its mission throughout the community, including at conferences, meetings, advisory boards, festivals, and other events.
• Oversee care and use of ambassador animals at the Sanctuary.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental studies/science, education, natural science, outdoor recreation, or related field; 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.
• Knowledge of Florida ecology and wildlife conservation issues or willingness to learn.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff and volunteers and fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
• Must be self-motivated, with the ability 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 in planning, tracking, and managing budgets and revenue.
• Experience with fundraising 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 over moderate distances, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to carry program materials up and down steps and load into/out of the Audubon vehicle or garden cart is essential, with or without accommodation.
• Proficiency in MS Office and comfortable in using other software applications; experience in working with digital photos and video; email, internet, and social media.
• Must have current first aid and CPR certifications or obtain such certification by start date.
• Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work. Occasional out-of-state travel required.
• Must have own vehicle and valid U.S. driver’s license for operating Audubon vehicle.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Florida Class II Wildlife License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through practical experience in this position.

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.

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.