Director of Education

Director of Education General Description

The Director of Education plans, directs, and oversees all activities around education program development and execution. The Director of Education strategies and prioritizes the education programming activities while working with members of the education division’s leadership team to ensure that educational activities align with, support and enhance the Detroit Zoological Society’s (DZS) mission and goals.

The Director of Education contributes to the development of new education programming; helps develop staffing plans and budgets and manages/monitors education operations and budget.
The Director of Education will support, both publicly and privately, the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society. They will support and advance DZS mission and will follow and enforce DZS policies. The Director of Education will maintain a professional manner and a high level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.

This job description is comprehensive, but not all-inclusive and is subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the DZS and its leadership. Specific responsibilities of the Director of Education will be reviewed and modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop programs to educate and inform in-person and virtual audiences, visitors, the public and community organizations regarding wildlife conservation, humane education and environmental stewardship.
• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all education programs and operations.
• Assist in developing short- and long-range plans for zoo education programs; assist the Vice President of Education in implementing the Zoo’s Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate the educational activities and evaluation of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs.
• Ensure that education programs align with and advance DZS’s mission and are delivered effectively.
• Assist with setting expense and revenue goals according to department resources and in conjunction with organizational priorities.
• Prepare and monitor the department budget according to expense and revenue goals, including grants and other funding opportunities.
• Provide support with department grant submissions, implementation, and reporting.
• Remain current on curricula, specifically biology, zoology, environmental, conservation, as well as AZA and other professional standards and guidelines.
• Maintain current knowledge and a high level of expertise in educational philosophies and instructional and learning methods.
• Act as the public spokesperson for the DZS in educational settings when necessary and appropriate.
• Supervise and evaluate education department management and instructional staff.
• Assist with recruiting education staff and supervise directly/indirectly instructional staff, part-time staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and consultants.
• Establish, maintain and represent the DZS with other formal and informal learning organizations.
• Assist in drafting grant proposals to obtain funds for educational programs.
• Participate in special programs to increase community awareness and support conservation, humane education, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design or equivalent. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in educational programs in a supervisory or managerial role, and at least five years’ experience in an instructional role preferred. Experience in conservation and humane education desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced understanding of educational processes, program development, teaching and learning methods.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with all levels of staff, board members, external partners, vendors, and others.
• High integrity, a strong work ethic and good judgment.

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule may include weekends, evenings, and early mornings. This position may require overnight business travel. The work environment is generally comfortable, and much work is inside in an office environment, but may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events, tours, and openings. The position may require occasional travel to other locations and will be exposed to computer monitors, as well as the output from heating and cooling systems and fluorescent lighting.

Physical Requirements
This position requires the individual to perform moderate physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for extended periods, as well as the use of computer and telephone. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.