Position Summary

The Education Coordinator is responsible for the planning and delivery of all public programming at the Leopold Center, including tours, special events, and classes. Leopold Center programs engage a wide variety of audiences, including conservation-minded citizens, natural resource professionals, and college students. The Education Coordinator is an educator who can apply creativity within established programming while growing program participation. The Education Coordinator hires and supervises two Leopold Fellows each year that represent education program capacity and, through our rich curriculum, future leaders for conservation.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (75%):

• Plan annual, on-site education programs for the foundation; work closely with other program staff to develop and schedule program offerings to match the foundation’s mission, budget, and strategic plan goals.
• Hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate education program Leopold Fellow(s) and work closely with the Leopold Fellows project team to implement the conservation leadership curriculum.
• Ensure the success of key program initiatives, including Leopold Shack tours, sandhill crane migration viewing, phenology calendar, and Leopold Week.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to promote education offerings.
• Work closely with the program staff to develop grant concepts and to secure income and funding for educational initiatives.
• Work closely with the Evaluation Coordinator to design and administer program evaluation for continuous improvement.
• Work closely with the Visitor and Business Services Assistant to seamlessly coordinate front-of-house functions and public interactions.  
• Develop relationships with other staff, partners, and experts that assist with the development, delivery and promotion of education programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison for contracted per diem tour guides, workshop leaders, and education program volunteers.
• Work on-site the majority of the time, especially during active programming and initial Leopold Fellow on-boarding. There is the potential for limited, remote work arrangements during the off-season.  

Additional Key Responsibilities (25%):

• Utilize graphic design skills to create, update, and maintain the foundation’s inventory of educational resources and literature.
• Create and maintain program documentation, including tour guide training materials, visual aids for tours, event planning timelines, curricula, and other supporting materials for education programs.
• With support from the education Leopold Fellow(s), manage all logistics and scheduling for the organization’s on-site education programming. This includes reserving spaces, confirming dates and details with guests, booking or serving as support staff for groups, setup/cleanup of program spaces, and staffing plan for Saturday visitation schedule. 
• Build relationships with board members and donors to highlight the value of education programs.
• Represent the Aldo Leopold Foundation at outreach events and conferences.
• Regularly create content for all of the foundation’s communication channels to share compelling stories about education programs.
• Represent the organization in a professional manner in both internal and external communications.
• Track and report on education program success as it relates to the foundation’s budgetary and strategic plan goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural sciences, parks and recreation, outdoor recreation, or related field required.
• 1-2 years environmental and recreational program experience or relevant master’s degree.
• High-energy, creative, self-starter with excellent time management and organizational skills; proven ability to meet deadlines and maintain flexibility.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate with a variety of public and private interests, partners, and constituents.
• Strong computer proficiency and office skills.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to use a personal vehicle when necessary (with mileage reimbursement).
• Ability to exercise independent judgement, discretion, and decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional work standards and ethics.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to work effectively, positively, and collaboratively as part of our dynamic team.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range:  $38,000-$42,000 annually depending on education and/or years of related work experience, with benefits including health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short-term disability insurance, Simple IRA retirement plan (eligible after 1 year of employment), Health Savings Account, and paid time off (vacation, floating holidays, and sick leave).

Hours and Schedule

Full-time; Exempt

M-F; Some Saturdays may be required

Position Reports to:  Program Director