Professional Development & Urban Advantage Program Manager

Dedicated to its founding mission in 1936 as an education institution, the Staten Island Zoological Society remains at the forefront of weaving effective education programs into its cultural role as a place of adventure, discovery, and fun for all age groups.  The Education Department develops high-quality educational programs based on current curricula and standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, New York State Science Learning Standards, and the Common Core Standards, serving youth ages Pre-K through adult.  As New York’s “Biggest Little Zoo”, the Staten Island Zoo showcased more than 1,200 animals nestled in a beautiful 8-acre park, reflecting more than 350 species of animals.  An AZA accredited institution since 1988, the Zoo remains a leader in wildlife conservation.

The Professional Development & Urban Advantage Program Manager acts as the lead of two Staten Island Zoo partners in the Urban Advantage science initiative to ensure the design, development, and implementation of all aspects of the program. This individual must have experience in informal and/or formal education and be able to adapt to different teaching environments and audiences.  

Full time, 35 hour a week position including one weekend day

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead internal coordination of Staten Island Zoo’s overall Urban Advantage responsibilities and deliverables; act as assistant to the Director of Education
• Lead the scheduling, development, and delivery of multi-day professional development courses for Urban Advantage middle school science teachers, administrators, and parent coordinators both in person and virtually, including developing and maintaining Moodle online workspace
• Maintain a budget, expense sheet, and track receipts for all materials purchased for the Urban Advantage program
• Maintain and report accurate records of Urban Advantage professional learning sessions, including participant attendance and teacher work
• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and city education standards, including NGSS, NYSSLS, NYC Science Scope & Sequence, current NYC science curriculum, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education, and the CR-S Framework in order to align with professional development course goals
• Attend all-staff Urban Advantage professional development sessions and meetings at other institutions throughout New York City and via Zoom, including monthly partner meetings
• Participate in working groups to improve UA processes such as digital tools, accessibility, and city-wide science EXPO design and planning
• Oversee, collaborate, and allocate duties to Lead Teachers in the Urban Advantage program
• Schedule and conduct school visits both inside and outside of school hours, including  at least 15 family science events and individual teacher support visits per year; this includes some evening and weekend activities
• Develop, purchase materials for, coordinate volunteers for, and oversee the annual UA Family Science Day event
• Track usage of Urban Advantage vouchers used at the Staten Island Zoo
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners to share resources and support course curriculum goals
• Assist with special events as necessary including the Zoo’s annual Spooktacular event
• Additional tasks as needed in support of the Education Department

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, biology, environmental education or a related field; Additional graduate work in the field of education or biology a plus
• Teaching experience (formal or informal), particularly with adult learners
• Knowledge and practice with the NGSS and NYSSLS
• Experience with animal handling, particular tractable ambassador animals preferred but will train

Skills:

• Comfort and ability to work in a leadership role as well as independently
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects; time management skills and flexibility a must
• Strong computer and data management skills, including Google Suite
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to disseminate information to groups of all sizes and abilities
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers
• Ability to work productively in a semi-structured environment with frequent interruptions
• Willingness to occasionally adjust hours based on the needs of the education department

Additional Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a background check
• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions
• Valid state driver’s license preferred
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds
• Negative TB test
• Covid-19 Vaccination

Reports to:  Director of Education