Primary job duties and responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of high school and college outreach programs that foster strong, sustainable relationships within various communities.  Identify and collaborate with various departments, community partners and schools, both secondary and college level, to ensure diverse and inclusive participation.  Accountable for leading key programmatic decisions, outcomes, evaluation, budget, grants, scheduling and staffing for current suite of programs and new program initiatives.  Develop recruitment strategies and materials to promote programs externally. 
• Proactively work with other departments to identify opportunities for high school and college students. Work with existing and cultivate new external partners to extend outreach network to ensure diverse and inclusive participation.  Work with an external advisory group that informs program recruitment, promotion and structure.  Through programs, expand and enhance the Society’s impact and relevance within target communities. 
• Develop annual budget and prepare accurate monthly reforecasts. Assist with fundraising efforts for programs including cultivation, proposal drafts, presentations, grant administration and reports. 
• Select, train, supervise, schedule and evaluate staff, volunteers and Roving Naturalist interns who assist in program development, delivery and logistics throughout the Chicagoland area. 
• Other related duties as assigned to ensure successful achievement of Society objectives. 

The requirements of this position include: 

• High school diploma or (GED) equivalent. Bachelor's degree in education, interpretation, biology or other related field or eight years of equivalent experience. Two years of supervisory or management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five years of experience in coordinating, developing and delivering informal education programs in an urban setting. Knowledge of general education principles and practices. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work as a member of a team as well as independently. Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Experience with urban teens preferred. Experience with reasonable accommodations under the American’s with Disabilities Act preferred. Excellent written, verbal and listening skills. English competency at a full professional proficiency. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. Excellent organization, communication and customer service skills. Prior budget/reforecasting experience. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Valid driver’s license required. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Requires a genuine interest and passion for nature and animals with a record of accomplishment in creating innovative programs to engage underserved audiences in conservation. Awareness of teens’ attributes and ability to work effectively with teens. Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends. Incumbent is expected to keep current with trends in service learning and work-study.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.