The Education Director is charged with the responsibilities associated with the planning, design, development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of all functional components of Chincoteague Bay Field Station’s (CBFS) education programs. This includes leadership of the educational aspects of the following program areas: College, School, Adult, Family, Road Scholar, Research Activity, Community Outreach Programs, Volunteers, Web Education, and Exhibits. As the leader and manager of CBFS’s program staff, the Education Director is the person responsible at the operational level for insuring that the education programs and offerings of CBFS are mission-based. The Education Director reports directly to the Executive Director as a part of the Leadership Team (which includes Finance. Operations, Vessels, Marketing/Development).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides leadership and management and oversees hiring for all educational program staff including: School Program Coordinator, College and Equipment Coordinator, Adult & Family Coordinator, and seasonal educators.

Oversees planning, development, coordination, and enhancement of all CBFS education programs, which include:

School Programs
Summer Camps
College field trips and courses
Road Scholar
Adult weekend or week-long workshops (photography, natural history, birding, etc.)
Family Camps, Home School Programs
Community Outreach Programs
Special Events

Develops and oversees development of new programs and long range programming plans.
Sets department policies and procedures.
Manages program staff assignments, responsibilities, and schedules; fostering autonomy, authority, and accountability relative to the leadership and management of specific program areas.
Encourages collaboration and cooperation with and among respective education staff.
Plans and administers overall education program budget.
Trains and oversees training and evaluation of educational staff in all aspects of their positions.
Develops and maintains connections with the local, state, regional, and national education and environmental education professional communities.
Collaborates with the Marketing and Development Director to market CBFS Program.
Collaborates with the Operations Manager to schedule housing and facility needs for educational groups.
Collaborates with the Boat Captains to maintain current vessel use schedules, and staff training activities.
Provides emergency on-call services on a rotating schedule with other staff.
Maintains good communication and working relationships with CBFS partners (including universities, USF&WS, NPS, NASA, The Nature Conservancy,and all other current and future partners)
Develops and teaches various classes, workshops, and training opportunities.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of educational best practices, safety best practices, applicable laws/regulations and maintains an awareness of new techniques, practices and trends in the profession.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) in education, environmental education, natural sciences, nature interpretation, environmental science or closely related field; supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years previous experience and/or training in education, summer youth/adult program operations, or any equivalent combination of education, ideally with some experience in residential education; proven success in curriculum and program development, assessment, and evaluation; experience with inquiry based hand-on science methods. Must have a minimum of 2 year’s supervisory experience, commitment to team work and demonstrated success in leadership and staff management, budget planning experience, excellent natural history skills, excellent written/verbal/presentation communication skills, and computer experience including word processing, illustrated presentation, spreadsheets and databases. Should be self-motivated and detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and as a team player on multiple tasks.  Must maintain a valid Virginia CDL driver’s license. First Aid and/or Water Safety training desirable. Must enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions. Position requires employee to reside on premises of CBFS, with residence and utilities provided by CBFS.