Educator Training Manager

Description

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Educator Training Manager advances Denver Zoos mission through oversight of staff and volunteer training, development and administrative functions within the Conservation Engagement and Learning Department (CELE). This position supports the departments strategic direction, focusing on engaging priority growth audiences (including teens; neighbors; people with disabilities; and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in wildlife conservation learning and action. The position manages a small team of staff and works collaboratively with other leaders to develop our passionate team of conservation educators and guide logistics and administrative processes for the department and the Conservation Engagement and Impact division.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Priority 1 - Oversight of CELE staff and volunteer development

• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative, creative, and effective training and development programs for departmental staff and Guest Experience volunteers, focusing on best practices in engaging guests and communities in wildlife conservation learning and action.
• Ensure the continuous improvement and implementation of processes that support staff and volunteer confidence, preparedness, and ability to facilitate programs according to departmental priorities, such as a robust coaching and feedback program.
• Continually collaborate with program managers, coordinators, and specialists to understand program area needs, implement training to meet those needs, and incorporate those stakeholders in training design and implementation.
• Regularly consult with CELE leadership to understand and imbed strategic vision of the department into educator development programming.
  

Priority 2 - Oversight of CELE logistics and administrative support

• Provide leadership for and partner with the CELE Administrative Coordinator to identify and implement efficient processes for staff, space and resource scheduling, client communications, program reporting, registrations, scholarship distribution, and other administrative support, in collaboration with intra- and inter-departmental and divisional teams.
  

Priority 3 - Departmental and Team Leadership

• As a member of the CELE leadership team, utilize big picture thinking, proactive problem solving and mentorship to contribute to the development and direction of the department, strategic plan, and mission-based programming.
• Model and uplift positive team culture through communication and support of activities designed to welcome, include, and recognize all team members.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all Denver Zoo staff members and volunteers and exemplify outstanding customer service.
• Represent Denver Zoo in the community in a professional and positive manner.
  

Other Responsibilities And Duties

• Other assistance, as designated by supervisor or department leadership, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Directly supervise a small team of staff, fostering growth through goal setting, progress updates, performance reviews, and constructive feedback.
• Act as a good steward of Denver Zoos resources. Work with team and CELE leaders to propose an annual budget. Oversee budget, revenue, and expenditures for the development, training, development, and administrative support team.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo and its participants.
• This position will interact with staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.
  

Work Location: On Denver Zoo campus and occasionally at locations in the community

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion of a high school degree or equivalent required; 3+ years leadership experience in environmental education, museum or informal science institution education and interpretation, and staff or volunteer training and development, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Development and delivery of staff and volunteer training, program development, team leadership and administrative functions.
• Requires ability to foster a welcoming environment and united team, while providing direction and guidance to a diverse group of staff and volunteers.
• Proven experience designing staff and volunteer development programs, especially in informal science settings, and developing education programs for informal learning audiences.
• Demonstrated knowledge and dynamic skills in teaching and mentoring others. Preference given to candidates who have done so successfully in an informal biological or conservation education setting.
• Requires excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, customer service, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Requires the ability to embrace, support, and integrate Denver Zoos philosophies to promote and demonstrate its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism
• English/Spanish fluency a plus.
  

Schedule Availability: Generally, M-F daytime, with occasional weekend or evening support.

Compensation

Range for this position is $5,206 - $6,508 (monthly).

A pay differential will be paid for candidates with Spanish language fluency.

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave.

Application Process and Timelines

Application deadline: January 13th, 2022. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Denver Zoo is following all CDC guidelines. CDC states that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the best defense against the spread of, and severe illness due to, COVID-19. Denver Zoo highly encourages our employees to be vaccinated. We do ask for employees to upload their vaccination card into our HRIS for documentation. This information is kept confidential.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.