Duties include:

• Manage the design, implementation, maintenance, promotion and evaluation of all educational programs for PreK-12 students and teachers to ensure high quality and effective educational experiences for all audiences.
• Design and lead implementation for all programs ensuring alignment to new state standards and development of new programs that broaden the Zoo’s demographic reach and are inclusive, equitable and relevant to all Minnesotans.
• Develop, direct and supervise school program personnel so that staff are skilled and available as needed, collective bargaining agreements and Minnesota Zoo policies and procedures are implemented and appropriately enforced, programs are staffed correctly to meet deadlines and stay within budget, and the Minnesota Zoo’s mission and education department’s goals and objectives are effectively supported.
• Manage associated school program budgets, including the implementation of all scholarships for school programs, ensuring all expenses incurred most effectively support the Minnesota Zoo’s mission and are available and within budgetary limits and all money is received and paid in compliance with all State and Zoo policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
• Current K-12 teaching licensure
• Minimum of two years of experience at an informal institution such as a zoo, aquarium or museum including curriculum development, program management and program delivery
• Minimum of two years’ experience supervising staff and preparing and managing budgets
• Demonstrated experience writing grant proposals, tracking outcomes and preparing reports
• Experience designing and delivering learning experiences for adults such as teacher professional development, staff training and/or informal classes and programs for adult audiences
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access with demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and underserved audiences
• Understanding of formal K-12 school and district systems, curriculum frameworks, trends in standards and testing and teacher qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, science, conservation experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
• Knowledge of age-appropriate formal and informal education methodology and child development, including familiarity with state and national educational standards
• Knowledge of environmental education, including awareness of, sensitivity towards, and empathy with animals, their needs and their purpose on the earth
• Excellent written communication skills sufficient to develop reports and marketing collateral
• Proficiency in office software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software
• Current valid driver’s license