• Job Title:        Director of Education                                                   
• Reports To:    President and CEO  
• FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY:

The Director of Education reports to the President and CEO and serves as an integral external ambassador and representative for Naples Zoo. S/he is responsible for developing and implementing education programming throughout the Zoo and within the community. The Director of Education serves on the Naples Zoo Senior management team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acts as an integral mission component, creating and facilitating Naples Zoo education and conservation messaging throughout the community and programming.
• Develops and executes the first comprehensive array of programming to including revenue generating programs, public programs and interpretation, events, and exhibit development.
• Develops and executes education programming for a variety of audiences including schools, teachers, families, grandparents, scouts, and homeschoolers.
• Develops reputation for environmental and conservation education within the community and professional organizations.
• Creates revenue stream for programs to support education costs and general zoo operations. Supports other zoo revenue streams such as special events, membership, group sales, development and marketing/pr.
• Develops annual strategic messaging to reinforce the Zoo’s mission.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with key members of the community including school representatives, principals, educators, scouts, homeschoolers, and other organizations.
• Fosters positive inter-department relationships and integration.
• Assist at organizational events as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President/CEO.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Biology or other related field at an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience, plus minimum of five years of relevant experience with knowledge of informal education, interpretation, child development; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Skills and Aptitudes

• Sufficient accounting and financial management experience to develop and manage an annual budget.
• Ability to motivate staff and volunteers.
• Strong networking and negotiation skills; excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop & maintain effective working relationships with Zoo employees and volunteers, public officials, school districts, and the general public.
• Strong PC skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with presentation software applications such as PowerPoint.

Additional Requirements

• Basic working knowledge of Windows operating system and Microsoft® Office
• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays and occasional evenings.
• Occasional travel via all modes of transportation.
• Subject to 24 hour on-call availability for Zoo emergencies.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Valid Florida State Driver License and must be age 21 to drive personal or zoo owned motor vehicle for zoo business.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, reach or feel and manipulate objects or controls. The employee is frequently required to sit or stand for long periods of time and walk distances, as well as stoop, bend, kneel and crouch. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working conditions are normal for an office environment.  Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.  Some travel may be required.

Naples Zoo, Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description pertains to an “at will” position with the Naples Zoo and in no way constitutes a written or implied contract of employment.