Director of Learning and Engagement

The Director of Learning and Engagement (L&E) is a leadership position at Great Lakes Aquarium (GLA) requiring excellent communication skills to lead and motivate staff, volunteers, educational collaborators, and community partners as they support the Aquarium’s mission to engage and inspire, encouraging stewardship of wildlife and water. This position serves as a bridge between Aquarium departments and the community, representing the Learning and Engagement team at internal and external stakeholder meetings and community events.

• This role is responsible for setting educational and interpretive goals, implementing the necessary policies and procedures, and collaborating with L&E managers to evaluate and reflect on their successes and opportunities.
• They will oversee the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the GLA's educational and interpretive programming.
• These include classes, camps, education-based outreaches, interpretive programming, touchpool experiences, and the volunteer program.

POSITION DUTIES:

Administration

• Collaborate with the Directors team to set and execute strategic plans that  support the organization's mission and reflect L&E department goals.
• Develop department annual work plans, including goals, objectives, action plans, timelines, evaluations, resource requirements, and budgets.
• Lead weekly department meetings to share organizational updates, check in on work plans and projects, and help problem-solve challenges.
• Facilitate and conduct L&E staff annual performance reviews.
• Maintain accurate job descriptions for L&E staff and support hiring procedures within the department.
• Oversee L&E managers and their respective programs as listed below:
• Community Learning Manager

Staff:

• K-12 School Program Coordinator, Early Childhood Coordinator, Learning Program Specialist,  Seasonal Camp Educators (x3)

Programs:

• Field Trips and Classroom Visits, Teacher Resource Center, Camps, Pre-school, Weekly Nature Play, Overnights, Educational Outreaches, Professional Development
• Visitor Engagement Manager

Staff:

• Volunteer Coordinator, Animal Encounter Ambassador 1 (x6), Animal Encounter Ambassador 2 (x3)

Programs:

• Formal and Informal Interpretation, Animal Encounters, Touchpools, and Volunteers

Budgeting and Development

• Develop, prioritize, track, review, and report on annual organization and department budgets, capital projects, and other facility resources to ensure the achievement of staff and program goals.
• Coordinate with L&E managers to prepare department budgets and set spending priorities.
• Oversee program-related grants and fundraising, identifying funding opportunities, creating letters of intent, case statements, budget development, applications, budget tracking, and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on organizational fundraising efforts, including written statements, site visits, presentations, budget tracking, and written reports.

Communications and External Relations

• Serve on internal committees and attend Director and Board meetings.
• Promote effective collaboration and communication inter and intra-departmentally as a liaison for L&E staff and department goals.
• Respond to internal and external questions, concerns, and feedback regarding educational and interpretive programs.
• Coordinate with the Director of Communications to ensure accurate programmatic information for social media, internal and external marketing, and quarterly newsletter content.

Community Relationships and Partnerships

• Create and foster relationships to ensure successful programming and expand the diversity and inclusion of participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain community partnerships in Duluth, Minnesota, and across the Great Lakes Basin.
• Represent the Aquarium at community events, meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Program Development and Support

• Support the ongoing development of interpretive programs that highlight the Aquarium’s mission and are created with equity, access, and community engagement in mind.
• Co-create a program evaluation plan for education and interpretive activities, including designing evaluation methods and tools to measure program outcomes.
• Support the Learning and Engagement Team in defining goals and objectives, evaluating results, and implementing changes.
• Oversee program management, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Develop new projects, applying relevant theory and experience.
• Partner with various departments to ensure cohesive implementation of interpretive goals across departments, experiences, and programs.
• Ensure the L&E team has the support, training, and resources necessary to fulfill the Aquarium's mission and department goals.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities to grow individual and team capacities.
• Analyze relevant data to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Promote a safe and engaging learning environment for staff, volunteers, and the public in classrooms and on the exhibit floor.
• Develop solutions to challenges throughout the organization, including classes, camps, and interpretive programs.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Master’s degree or higher in education, environmental science, biology, sustainability, zoology, or a related field.
• Background in visitor engagement at an aquarium, zoo, museum, or other cultural institution, non-profit, or similar non-formal community learning environment.
• Ability to effectively manage complex projects and timelines while prioritizing tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, and individuals.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills to identify problems and suggest sound, data-driven solutions.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programming to children and adults with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Versatility and adaptability to prioritize and coordinate various projects, programs, deadlines, and budgets.
• Animal-handling experience or willingness to be trained in handling techniques to safely and effectively teach with resident ambassador animals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience identifying and writing grants and following grant management best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant college coursework and/or Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, sustainability, zoology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years managerial experience, including managing educators or staff development.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional instructional experience in educational programming, including curriculum or program development, implementation and delivery, and evaluation for various audiences, including informal education such as zoos, aquariums, or museums.
• Knowledge of teaching methods, instructional design, environmental education pedagogy, youth development strategies, and adult learning theory.
• Experience applying project management skills and established systems, development processes, and standards for programs and curriculum.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification and receive mandated reporter training.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.
• Final candidates will be asked to provide professional references before an offer is extended.