Director of Education

Organization: Endangered Wolf Center (AZA Member)
Location: Eureka, Missouri, United States
Role:  Director of Education
Reports To: Executive Director

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: Education manager(s) 

Position Overview
The Director of Education provides the leadership necessary to effectively create memorable and impactful guest experiences. 

Institutional Summary

Did you know every Mexican wolf in the wild today can trace its roots back to the Endangered Wolf Center? Founded in 1971 by Marlin and Carol Perkins, our Center continues to lead the pack with pioneering science, cross-fostering, reintroduction, and inspiring educational programs aimed to preserve and protect Mexican Wolves, American Red Wolves and other wild canid species.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Culture

• Support the Endangered Wolf Center’s organizational culture, promoting transparency and collaboration throughout the organization
• Attract, hire, retain and develop a diverse and talented staff, both paid and volunteer, who can further the educational mission of the Center

Organizational Capacity

• Collaborate with the leadership team to create and implement a strategic plan to realize guest experience objectives
• Lead Education team to ensure efficient and effective day-to-day programming operations

Operational Capacity

• Lead Education department planning efforts in strategy and operational decision-making.

• Identify growth opportunities to extend the Center’s mission reach

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and strengthen relationships with education partners, conservation agencies, and other stakeholders
• Represent the organization in a manner that strengthens the brand and communicates the Endangered Wolf Center’s purpose, mission, and vision

Key Competencies

Collaboration 

• Builds & fosters trust with others
• Motivates with compassion 
• Contributes to a team-first culture
• Cultivates positive interpersonal interactions
• Establishes & sustains effective communication pathways

Accountability

• Acts with integrity
• Contributes productively to group efforts
• Owns mistakes and uses them as constructive growth opportunities
• Effectively manages workload
• Delivers positive results

Initiative & Innovation

• Shows good judgment with sound decision-making
• Proactively navigates obstacles in work flow
• Successfully adapts to unexpected challenges
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning
• Performs duties without unnecessary supervision

Job Ability

• Displays technical skills appropriate to experience
• Work quality meets expected standards
• Demonstrates professionalism with all stakeholders
• Maintains job-related proficiencies
• Stays up-to-date on field-related knowledge

Stewardship

• Exhibits workplace behaviors consistent with mission
• Contributes to sense of belonging, community, and wellbeing for all 
• Prioritizes service to others
• Upholds highest professional ethics and standards
• Demonstrates commitment to safe practices

Experience & Qualifications

• 5 years progressive leadership experience in a guest experience environment and/or public program development and delivery
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; education preferences may be substituted by equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience with informal educational programming at an AZA-accredited institution preferred
• Experience handling exotic animals a plus
• Nonprofit experience a plus
• Must hold or be able to possess a valid driver license within 3 months of hire
• Successful completion of a background check required prior to employment

Physical Demands

• This is a full-time on-site role, remote work days are considered on an as-needed basis
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours (weekends, nights, and holidays) and travel (including overnight trips) as needed
• Capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions and a natural environment
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking (including on uneven surfaces), and occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs

Compensation & Benefits

Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set. EWC’s benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contribution match, paid time off, and some pretty wild co-workers of assorted leg count!