Conservation Education Director

What is it like to work at the International Crane Foundation (ICF)? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate about our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates. You will find deep commitment at all levels of the organization from staff and volunteers to our senior leaders and Board of Directors. You will play a critical role in our mission across the U.S. and around the world.  Compared to other retail venues, ICF offers a complete healthcare package, generous paid time off, and 401k. 

The ICF headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is renowned as the only place in the world where you can experience all 15 species of the world’s cranes – one of the most endangered families of bird in the world. We are currently looking for a passionate individual to lead our Conservation Education Department. As the director, you will be responsible for the public’s introduction to the wonderful world of crane conservation. ICF is committed to working across cultures to improve the habitats and livelihoods for people where cranes live. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in conservation education, financial management, administrative and project management, and non-profit experience. 

Position Summary: 

The Conservation Education Director supports the ICF mission by leading and managing ICF’s education and visitor programs. This position provides a clear vision and direction for the department by implementing best practices for visitor engagement, developing innovative education, interpretive, and outreach programs, and providing support for ICF International education teams. This position oversees the daily management, including staff development, business results, and ongoing strategic planning for the Visitor Program Services team. The incumbent oversees and provides creative direction for interpretive/educational materials and services both virtual and print resources that enhance the connection between the visitor experience and ICF’s global work.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develops and implements innovative and engaging on-site and off-site educational programs that support ICF’s mission, including curriculum development, conceptual development, and expansion, with a long-term focus on best practices in conservation education.
• Compiles and prepares annual budget for the education department, monitors expenditures and is responsible for meeting budget expectations.
• Supervises and evaluates the Interpretive Programs Coordinator and provides oversight and guidance on staff, intern, and volunteer management for the department.
• Provides general oversight and strategic direction of all visitor programs to maintain a successful visitor venue and membership programming. Includes budget oversight and metrics for evaluating the success of the program.
• Provides direction and evaluation of all business enterprises that include return on investment and future forecasts. Develops annual attendance goals for admissions and special events that provide revenue growth as well as providing an excellent visitor experience.
• Provides direction and oversight for the creation, planning, and evaluation of interpretive tours, curriculum, and educational materials for on-site guests and virtual visitors following ICF’s interpretive standards and goals.
• Work collaboratively with all ICF departments and staff.

Other Duties: 

• Actively seeks opportunities to maximize accessibility to educational programming as a resource to the local community and under-served audiences.
• Engages with local school districts to develop curriculum that provides information on cranes, the ecosystems they live in, and threats facing both.
• Ensures curriculum meets state and national standards for informal and formal education, and is in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, standards and best practices.
• Leads evaluation efforts of programs by developing priorities and facilitates implementation of tools to measure the effectiveness and impact of the education programs. Uses evaluation results and feedback to critically refine program priorities and offerings.
• Provides oversight to the concepts, plans, development, and implementation of academic curriculum, educational standards, and quality of programs.
• Actively seeks and develops opportunities and initiatives to advance conservation education efforts and increase alignment with organization-wide conservation efforts.
• Works with the External Affairs Department to develop and advertise on-site programming, special events related to the visitor program, Wisconsin outreach programs, and interpretive media.
• Ensures that the Department works collaboratively with the Development and Marketing Departments for special tours and on-site events and fundraisers for members, supporters, and donors. Provides direction and logistical support as needed to support these activities.
• Participates in fund-raising activities through donor engagement and writing grants for programmatic goals.
• Ensures that ICF’s visitor program meets the requirements of AZA accreditation; represents our AZA membership in good standing and promotes reciprocity in a positive manner; and provides volunteer/visitor attendance information, as requested by AZA.
• Participates in grant writing opportunities through seeking funding, writing grants, and assisting the Development department with funding opportunities.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field, or equivalent specialized training working in the conservation field.
• Five years of experience in a zoo, non-profit conservation organization, or educational-related facility; 2 years must be supervisory.
• Valid State driver’s license and satisfactory driving record and willing to occasionally travel for professional business.

Core Competencies: 

• Knowledge of interpretive exhibit design.
• Knowledge of conservation education trends to achieve actions for targeted audiences.
• Ability to prepare and manage departmental budget and utilize best business practices.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including speaking clearly and persuasively to individuals and groups; listening effectively; responding well to questions from staff and colleagues.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write correspondence and reports in a clear, concise, logical, and grammatically correct manner.
• Ability to establish project plans, regularly monitor and track progress on work projects, and ensure appropriate communications with project partners.
• Experience utilizing the basic features of Microsoft Office programs, E-mail, and Internet.
• Commitment to the mission of the International Crane Foundation.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in a conservation organization.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment: 

The physical abilities and work environment listed below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to use hands and fingers to type.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds; occasionally reaching, stopping, or kneeling.
• Vision abilities including close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Office environment with a comfortable office climate.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

For more information, please visit our website at www.savingcranes.org. 

To apply, send a single document that includes a cover letter, resume, and references to ICFjobs@savingcranes.org. Please put “Education Director” in the subject line.  

“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people.” 

ICF is an equal opportunity employer.