Public Programs Manager

Public Programs Manager - Education Department

Working with youth and their families at the zoo is a dream job come true! Whether it is our 14-year-long, whole child development approach employed in Zoo Troop, our camps offered in every season, or the Living Classroom Education Access Fund that provides our programming to those in need at no cost, one can't help but feel you are a positive force in this world. There is nothing more satisfying than working with youth, families, wildlife and our community in our public programs and starting them on their path to becoming conservationists.

If you want to be a part of a department that starts youth and their families on the path to being people that live their conservation values, then we would love to meet you!

Position Summary: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Education Department is seeking a creative and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for connecting children and families with nature and wildlife! Reporting to the Senior Manager of Public Programs, this position focuses on education program logistical preparations, staff hiring, training, scheduling and evaluation of public programs and other events. Incumbent supervises part-time instructors, AmeriCorps Members, volunteers and interns.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Recruiting, training, inspiring, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating part-time employees, instructors, volunteers and interns involved in Public Programs.
• Coordinating, organizing, and evaluating Public Programs including evening and weekend efforts.
• Leading by example and enabling every member of the team to act.
• Staying current and informed in trends and best practices in informal learning (Environmental Education, Conservation Education, Natural History Interpretation and Participatory Education)
• Implement strategies designed to accomplish yearly budgetary and strategic goals for Public Programs.
• Working to develop long-lasting relationships with youth and families attending Public Programs.
• Working regularly with our animal collection to maintain the highest level of proficiency, maintaining their status as an animal handling trainer to offer high quality, innovative and fun programming that considers the needs of our guests, the welfare of our animal ambassadors, and deploys the full scope of our animal resources.
• Evaluating select public programs while considering our programmatic goals and objectives; participant, employee, and intern needs; with the purpose of maximizing our impact and ability to achieve our programmatic purpose while informing program design and staff training.
• Creating programs and experiences that are aligned with the Zoo's conservation goals, 8 areas of impact and the Education Department's programmatic goals and objectives.
• Other related duties as assigned to ensure the overall wellbeing of the Education Department and its programs and advance the mission of the Zoo.

Qualifications & Desired Skills: An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in education, natural history interpretation and/or one of the biological sciences.
• Experience working in environmental education or interpretive programs designed particularly for youth and families.
• Experience conducting formative, summative program evaluation with a keen interest in understanding the impact our programs.
• Aptitude for using operant conditioning methods when working with program animals.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Have a demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
• A positive attitude as a default setting is a must!
• Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of the Core Values and Behaviors of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Lives these on a day-today basis by "Modeling the Way" for others.
• Strong knowledge of animal and plant natural history and an even stronger desire to cultivate this knowledge in others.
• A strong conservation ethic and enthusiasm for wildlife.
• Command of Windows-based software and applications is required.
• Excellent attention to detail, project management and interpersonal & organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment
• Requires an individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who is able to gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships
• Possess excellent ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships within an organization; superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse personalities and people; tact; maturity; flexibility are key qualities.
• Ability to work well with staff, volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the public.

Working Conditions/Other Requirements:

• Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen and satisfactory background investigation.
• Must be able to work a schedule that may include evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed.
• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, and have the manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard.
• Ability to lift and carry 25lbs and spend time outdoors on varied terrain, in all weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle.

To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must apply via our online application on our website at http://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/job-opportunities/. Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.