JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction from the Director of Conservation Education, the Manager of Conservation Education is a member of the departmental management team and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of programming that could include: Henry Hall Camps, fee-based summer camps, high-school youth programming, school programs, outreach, multi-engagement programshomeschool activities, and scouting programs. The incumbent will work to advance Conservation Education goals, reaching audiences of all ages and stages, connecting people with nature, and increasing conservation action. The manager will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs and strategies to engage new and diverse audiences while addressing barriers to participation. The Manager of Conservation Education assists the Director of Conservation Education with departmental planning and ensuring each program aligns with the objectives of the larger department. This position will manage and mentor a team of educators to include scheduling, payroll, performance evaluation, coaching, and monitoring expenditures.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Plan, develop, lead, implement, and evaluate long-term, multi-year education programs and special initiatives. The incumbent will deliver on-site and off-site education programming for various audiences as needed.
• In collaboration with other department managers, assist in strategic planning for Conservation Education, under the guidance of the Director and in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Supervise and coach an effective team of educators to include evaluating staff performance, approving time sheets, scheduling, staffing, providing direct supervision, and allocating resources.
• Manage logistics and execution of Conservation Education programs, including staffing and monitoring/approving expenses.
• Collaborate with other internal departments related to youth conservation and education programs, messaging, or methodology.
• Ensure thoughtful selection processes for all youth and school education programs, requiring cross-departmental collaboration, including the advertising, sourcing, selection, and development strategies.
• Support the Director of Conservation Education in the management of large program partnerships (e.g., Maryland State Department of Education State Aided Institution grant), and proactively cultivate and manage new or existing partnerships and relationships.
• Maintain pertinent certification and follow regulations for proper operation of youth camps. For the purposes of camp compliance and coordination with the Maryland Department of Health, the Manager of Conservation Education will act as the Camp Director.
• Serve as subject matter expert in environmental education and maintain best practices related to safety and risk management practices.
• Develop and manage project budgets. Track expenses for programs and assist with budget reporting as necessary to ensure excellent fiscal management of the overall program and grant management.
• Collaborate with Philanthropy and other internal teams to obtain and maintain program funding.
• Represent the National Aquarium at local, regional and national meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or related field or combination of experience and education required.
• Five years of experience working with youth is required, preferably in a non-formal education setting.
• Two to three years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental justice and equity issues in environmental education.
• Schedule flexibility for early mornings, evenings, overnights, and some weekends may be required.
• STEM Background is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• First Aid/CPR, wilderness first aid, canoe and kayak instruction and/or lifeguard certifications are desirable.
• Current Maryland driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Possess or able to acquire a DOT License and able to safely operate an 8-15 passenger van.
• Working knowledge of educational technology, social media, and digital learning formats.
• Highly proficient in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint and other appropriate programs
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:
Salary range ($64,700-82,474 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
