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