Education Manager

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram@audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Education Manager is responsible for all aspects of planning, developing, delivering, and managing all environmental education activities, programs, events, and promotion at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Tasks include staff recruitment, training, and supervision; education program, activity and event development, coordination, delivery, and oversight; communications and marketing; report writing and review; budget and statistics planning, tracking and management; coordination of educational exhibits and displays; and support of other conservation and education activities at the Sanctuary.

The Education Manager will also lead implementation of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s strategic education objectives and goals, as well as establishing and launching new and innovative education program models. The Education Manager must be able to work well under pressure and manage a fast-paced schedule, be a skilled and effective communicator, and be able to effectively develop, plan and lead programs for ages two to adult, including school programs. Most work will take place at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with occasional visits and meetings in other locations.

Compensation:

$63,000 – $68,000 / year

Essential Functions:

• Manage, schedule, design, deliver, evaluate, and document all aspects of a high quality environmental and outdoor education programs and events for diverse audiences of all ages (children, school and university groups, youth, families, adults, general public, private groups, donors, etc.), including the use of booking and ticketing software.
• Manage recruitment, training, scheduling and supervision of education staff and volunteers, and ensure adherence to health and safety protocols.
• Establish new and innovative programs, revenue models, educational approaches, and best practices and expand client base.
• Prepare and communicate, in coordination with the Communications Team, all education and visitor related promotions, marketing, social media, web content, flyers, signage, displays, and presentations.
• Liaise and meet with the public, group leaders, partners, agencies, schools, community groups, donors, and foundation representatives to ensure a positive experience, develop new partnerships, and increase program participation.
• Develop and manage an annual budget, track all revenues and expenditures, facilitate opportunities for donations and sponsorships, and help prepare funding applications.
• Develop annual plans and implement Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Strategic Plan Education Objectives.
• Serve as an ambassador for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and its mission throughout the community, including at conferences, meetings, advisory boards, festivals, and other events.
• Oversee care and use of ambassador animals at the Sanctuary.
• Maintains and fosters a culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental studies/science, education, natural science, biology, outdoor recreation, or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years’ leadership experience in environmental education, including outdoor education.
• Proven skills in teaching, lesson planning, program design, and assessment in formal and informal settings to diverse audiences, including children, adults, and families.
• Knowledge of Florida ecology and wildlife conservation issues or willingness to learn.
• Minimum one year of experience managing and mentoring staff and/or volunteers and fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
• Must be self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Have good attention to detail, with excellent time management and organizational skills, and capable of balancing a fast-paced work environment and multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a wide range of audiences, including excellent customer service skills.
• At least one year of experience planning, tracking, and managing budgets and revenue; fundraising and grant writing experience is highly desired.
• Must be able to accompany/lead/supervise participants on guided tours over varied terrain in often hot and humid weather among insects and animals.
• Able to maneuver with materials and equipment over moderate distances, including steps, and load/unload them from a Audubon vehicles or cart, with or without accommodation. Proficiency in MS Office, comfortable in using other software applications, and capacity to learn new software.
• Minimum one year of experience and skill in working with digital photos and video, email, internet, and social media.
• Must have current first aid and adult/child/infant CPR certifications or obtain such certification by start date.
• Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work. Occasional out-of-state travel required.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license for operating an Audubon vehicle to transport program participants, materials and supplies, animal ambassadors, staff, volunteers, etc.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Florida Class II Wildlife License from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through practical experience in this position over the course of a year.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.