Director of Education

Position Type: Full Time, exempt. Benefits include health, vision, dental, life & long-term disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick and holidays), and a 401(k) match up to 5%

Direct Supervisor: Executive Director

Summary of Position: The Director of Education provides vision and leadership for the education department and effectively manages a team composed of educators, naturalists, and volunteers while partnering with school districts, community groups and other professional organizations to fulfill our vision to be a regional leader in environmental education and engagement while exemplifying The Wilderness Center’s mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and organize formal and informal programming. Refine and improve The Wilderness Center’s current efforts with the primary focus being on educational outcomes.
• Provide leadership and management in the development and implementation of an overall budget for the education programs that follow a proven revenue model.
• Hire, train, and lead a diverse team of educators and naturalists. Exhibit results-oriented supervisory experience.
• Lead alignment of environmental education programs and services with The Wilderness Center’s overall organizational vision and direction.
• Create, foster, and strengthen educational partnerships throughout the Stark, Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas and other surrounding counties and ensure continued alignment with Ohio science standards.
• Strategically position The Wilderness Center’s education programs and services to generate earned and raised revenue via partnerships, grants, and fee-based programs.
• Implement quantitative and qualitative program evaluation processes that enable The Wilderness Center to measure and demonstrate program impact.
• Perform or assign administrative tasks including but not limited to creating program agreements and contracts; coordinating staff scheduling; submitting and managing grants; and preparing and submitting reports.
• Lead staff in the design, development and implementation of education programs and services including on and off-site programs, summer camps, early childhood including homeschool programs, adult and senior programs, workshops, outreach programs, and recreational and other informal programs and experiences.
• Serve as a member of TWC’s Leadership Team.
• Develop a comprehensive interpretive plan and ensure integration of message into education programs and other departments.
• Work collaboratively with the other directors and departments.
• Assess and improve staffing structure, policies, and procedures.
• Organize and meet with an Education Committee on a regular basis. Join and participate in professional education organizations and associations.
• Attend and assist with special programs and events.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills/Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental education, science, environmental studies, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education required, with additional experience in informal environmental or science education, outdoor learning, interpretation, or school administration preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in staff management, program planning and development.
• Supervisory experience required, preferably with both staff and volunteers
• Ability to represent The Wilderness Center to its supporters and constituents with enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Proven people skills; ability to work with a wide variety of personalities as a team player and leader
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; grant writing experience preferred
• Experience working directly with boards, committees, staff, and consultants
• Strong computer skills required including familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and donor databases (Neon CRM)
• Ability to work in an evolving setting
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Commitment to The Wilderness Center’s mission, principles and values, and appreciation for the environment and education
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have own vehicle
• Ability to pass a criminal background check