Education Outreach Coordinator

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

• We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).

Job Summary

• The primary responsibilities of the Education Outreach Coordinator will be to work with the School Programs Manager to coordinate the South Carolina Aquarium’s Education Outreach Program for excellence and accessibility.
• This revenue program serves as a way to propel our mission outside the physical walls of the South Carolina Aquarium. 

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies.
• Coordinate outreach programming for all ages (preschool, school, camps, library, adult, retirement).
• Learn and use Altru reservation software. This includes taking payment and up keeping reservations.
• Communicate with outreach contact from beginning of booking process to program completion.
• Teach outreach programs weekly and coordinate with manager other staffing needs.
• Evaluate outreach programs for success and make changes as needed. Create new programs to meet demands of audience.
• Upkeep outreach program stats and work closely with manager and Advancement to provide information for continued grant funding.
• Help market outreach programming to new and diverse audiences.
• Model and evaluate effective teaching techniques for science-based instruction.
• Integrate state and national science standards, as well as standards and themes from other disciplines, into K-12 school program content delivery.
• Help maintain South Carolina Aquarium on-line curriculum to meet outreach audience needs. 
• Work closely with manager to train part-time education staff for outreach programs.
• Communicate outreach program details to part-time staff and serve as their contact for daily program questions.
• Lead education team in communicating with Animal Care staff about animal usage and guidelines.
• Upkeep purchase card and expense reporting for outreach programming.
• Ability to adapt to changing work plans as the Aquarium grows and changes. 
• Provide an exceptional visitor experience for all guests and contacts.
• Help the Visitor Engagement Team engage guests through shows, tours, and gallery interpretation when needed (especially during busy holidays).

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Collaborate with other Aquarium divisions and departments to insure the success of programs. 
• Assist in the implementation of visitor, member, and education programs. 
• SCA 1st Responder.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of science and South Carolina ecosystems.
• Good working knowledge of the science standards at both the state and national level.
• Good understanding of education pedagogy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of interactive, inquiry-based teaching and learning skills.
• Skills needed to combine creativity, enthusiasm, and exemplary teaching methods to engage school children in science related activities.
• Must have valid driver’s license and the ability and comfortability to drive small to large size vehicles (car, truck, large van, SUV).
• Ability to work some weekends, early mornings, evenings, overnights and long days, as needed.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, spreadsheet programs and e-mail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and produce high quality work while meeting deadlines. 
• Must have strong reasoning and risk management skills to work with students/people of all ages.
• Outstanding interpretive skills.
• Excellent group presentation and management skills.
• Ability to work with audiences of all ages.
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to organize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong teamwork ethic and leadership skills.
• High quality standards. 
• High approachability and flexibility.
• Must be able to work effectively with all personalities. 
• Experience and/or willingness to work with a variety of animals including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and invertebrates.

Licenses & Certifications Required: 

• Valid Driver’s License
• First Aid, CPR and AED – required to either possess or obtain prior to start date

Physical Requirements: 

• Often requires standing or sitting, carrying up to 50 lbs, and driving; average walking, bending stooping, crouching, climbing ladders, knelling, balancing, pushing and pulling, computer and phone tasks and travel.

Working Conditions: 

• Usually normal office environment with public contact; rotating schedules and weekend work on occasion.
• Also, occasional overnight travel.
• Outdoor work required and must wear a radio for communication.

Experience Required

• Education & Experience Required:
• Bachelor of Arts in science or education preferred.
• 3-5 years teaching experience in formal or informal education settings.
•   Must be familiar with state and national science standards.

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• 401K,
• Generous PTO,
• Reciprocity Pass Program,
• Amazing Culture!

Salary

• $37,000 - $44,000