Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park,and Audubon Wilderness Park
- At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature.
- Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
- We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
- We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
- We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
- At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission.
- As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do
- The downtown Director of Learning & Engagement (“Director”) is a senior leader within the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Team and is responsible for the development and implementation of facility- wide guest engagement and learning experiences that advance Audubon Nature Institute’s (ANI’s) strategic vision to create an engaging learning environment - encouraging guests of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate the natural world and to preserve it for future generations.
- These experiences include interpretation stations, behind-the-scenes and facility tours, special events, summer and holiday day camps, scout programs, after-hours and overnight family programs, school programs, off-site STEM outreach, and exhibit graphics and interactives.
- They are responsible for supporting a meaningful and positive guest experience. They are responsible for the care and safety of program participants.
- The Director directly supervises the Manager of Guest Engagement and Learning Programs Coordinator, seasonal camp staff, and on-call Educators.
- As a leader on the L&E team, the Director leads departmental strategic and financial planning, effective resource management, proactive communication both internally and externally, promotes appropriate professional development opportunities for themselves and the entire team, and fosters a welcoming and inclusive team culture.
Day to Day Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction for the development and implementation of guest experiences and programs for diverse audiences including formal and informal experiences and programs.
- Supervise, schedule, train, evaluate and coach downtown L&E staff, ensuring established policies and procedures are followed
- Evaluate and continuously improve programming to meet established goals and impacts
- Provide as-needed support within L&E or other facility departments to for general management responsibilities (e.g. coverage of other programs within L&E/supporting other teams, MOD coverage, special event support, etc.)
- Work collaboratively with facility leadership and across departments to coordinate program needs, including physical spaces, animal experiences, supplies, and safety considerations.
- Responsible for tracking and managing revenue and spending in alignment with departmental budget
- Work collaboratively with Volunteer staff to train, support, and mentor teen and adult volunteers
- Collaborate with VP, Interpretive Content Manager, and Environmental Graphics Manager to ensure that interpretive graphics throughout all facilities are current, accurate and consistent with program messaging
- Serve as a model for professional behavior, display courtesy, tact, discretion, good judgement, consideration, and respect
- Embrace a lifelong learning approach to seeking information on formal and informal educational methodologies and trends and participating in professional development opportunities.
Additional/Overall Skills:
- Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
- Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of programs and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
- Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
- The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis.
- They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
- What We’re Looking For
Must Haves:
- 5 to 7+ years working experience in formal or informal learning environments
- Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs tailored to diverse audiences
- Proven leadership experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education or other related field (additional equivalent work experience may be substituted for a degree)
- Demonstrated experience in effective management and communication with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while communicating effectively
- Exemplary presentation and oral communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for program coordination and communication
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekend and after hour events.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience in an AZA institution and familiarity with AZA standards
- Experience working with or overseeing volunteers
- Knowledge of marine and invertebrate biology and conservation
- Experience working with program accessibility and inclusion
- Have or be able to acquire a valid, state-issued driver’s license
Physical Requirements:
- Frequent standing and walking
- Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds
- Bending, kneeling, and reaching occasionally required
- Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools
- Occasional climbing of stairs
- Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery
- Primarily indoors with occasional exposure to other work environments
- Minimal exposure to environmental hazards, although tasks may involve occasional noise or vibration
