Facility

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Closing Date

Description

The Director of Learning oversees the Conservation Education team at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This includes the planning, communication, development and evaluation of on-site and off-site educational programming, conservation interpretation, volunteer programs, and internships. This position works internally and externally to build relationships to advance the Mission of the Zoo and deepen community impact.

Essential Functions

Develops long-range strategic plans and short-term annual plans to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of all on-site and off-site educational efforts, ensuring that educational topics, activities, and events are relevant and engaging for the Zoo’s diverse audience.
Develops and implements operating budgets for all educational programs and events. Analyzes and controls department expenditures to ensure compliance with department budgets.
Participates in the development of attractive, informative educational messaging components including marketing materials, hands-on interpretives, and exhibit signage/graphics.
Oversees the management of Conservation Education department library resources and Biofacts collection.
Directs the writing, editing, and publication of educational materials to support on-site and off-site programs.
Oversees the development and implementation of administrative systems for record keeping, program evaluations, and program revisions.
Works with the Manager of Volunteers and Community Engagement to direct and oversee all volunteer and internship efforts at the Zoo.
Effectively trains and coaches Conservation Education department staff and completes performance reviews in a timely manner.
Provides leadership and direction for Conservation Education department staff and oversees all personnel management activities for the department.
Prepares monthly and annual reports summarizing the impact of Conservation Education programs, actions, and initiatives.
Works with the Curator of Outreach, Wellness, and Behavioral Enrichment to develop and maintain an animal ambassador collection plan to meet Conservation Education department and Zoo needs.
Engages in other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Assumes other responsibilities as necessary to assure achievement of established objectives.

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to biology, conservation science, social science, or education required. Graduate degree preferred.
Experience leading dynamic and diverse teams is required.
Minimum five years’ related experience in educational program design and implementation.
Experience in an AZA facility strongly preferred.
Strong verbal and written English communications skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is required.
Strong planning, analytical and decision-making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
Demonstrates motivational and problem-solving acumen.
Possesses the ability to articulate and inspire support for a vision of the future.
Management Accountabilities

Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the course of the work day. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully prioritizes needs in order to be respectful of each other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the management of the team.
Willingly engages the team/ Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.
Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

Physical Requirements

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
Occasional local travel may be required.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

https://fresnochaffeezoo.org/careers/