Director, Environmental Education

Lead and provide strategic direction for National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) education programs to achieve the Center’s mission and vision. This individual will support and coordinate a team of environmental educators in the development of programmatic and educational initiatives. As the leader of the Education team, the Director will develop strategies to connect the public with current NGRREC research efforts and collaborate with other NGRREC Directors and scientists to leverage NGRREC-wide strengths and expertise in ways that builds knowledge among individuals and communities to understand, value and steward great rivers and their watersheds. The Director will appraise, evaluate and report division activities and results on a regular, systematic basis to the senior leadership team. This individual will provide oversight in grant research, negotiation and writing within the Education team and assist in raising funds in support of programs within Education and NGRREC as a unit. The Director of Education is expected to demonstrate the highest level of professional and ethical conduct and behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, diversity, inclusion and respect within the Education Division, NGRREC and the broader community.

The following are duties that are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

• Develop with staff, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive and measurable environmental education plan that adheres to the NGRREC’s strategic plan;
• Provide leadership in the development, refinement and implementation of the long-term strategic plan, aligning resources to annual goals to achieve the NGRREC mission and vision;
• Facilitate continuous program development, evaluation, and improvement of education programs to ensure Education is providing high quality, mission focused programming that meets the needs of diverse stakeholders;
• Collaborate with the Outreach Division to design, develop, and launch an Education and Outreach concept which delivers education materials for landowners and stakeholders;
• Collaborate with the Research Division to develop scientifically-based and relevant education and outreach programming;
• Develop and implement cross-program and cross-Division programming;
• Design and ensure implementation of Education team trainings, team building opportunities and professional development;
• Train, manage and supervise personnel to ensure effective development and delivery of programs;
• Provide support for staff to represent NGRREC at conferences and events each year;
• Support Education team’s development, scheduling and delivery of workshops;
• Oversee the annual Education Division budget to ensure that program operations are fiscally responsible and sustainable;
• Work with the Media Specialist to promote Education programming including providing material for print, radio, and television appearances, also coordinate social media;
• Serve as the regional leader in environmental education;
• Serve as an educator for programs as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a diverse, dynamic team
• Masters’ degree in biology, limnology, chemistry, botany, environmental science or other related fields
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Minimum of six years relevant and increasingly responsible experience in the field of environmental education or a related discipline, with a record of successful career growth leading to significant management responsibilities at the leadership level, including leading teams and serving in a supervisor role
• Demonstrated management experience with a focus on staff coaching, support, development and empowerment
• Excellent organization, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work in a fast pace environment, demonstrate and instill in staff members a high degree of professionalism, integrity and service to the organization
• Demonstrated knowledge of instructional skills
• Experience in grant research and writing skills
• Position requires frequent travel to various greater St. Louis area locations and throughout the state, includes transporting material and equipment
• Must be willing to occasionally work weekends or evenings
• High level of digital competency in various technologies including Microsoft Office suite