Director of Education

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an inspiring Director of Education with a strategic mindset to lead the Education Department and advance the mission of the Zoo by directing our educational programs from conception through execution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS will include leading the operations of all educational programs; developing strategies and implementing innovative community programming serving diverse audiences; utilizing unique technologies and varied learning models, analyzing current programs and learning styles; developing informal educational programs with emphasis on learning through active inquiry-based exploration; building community partnerships and seek collaborative opportunities with local, regional, and governmental agencies, and educational institutions; preparing annual budgets for the education department, collaborating with the Development Department to seek, develop, procure and administer grants to support education and outreach programs; actively participating in the planning, design, and implementation of new exhibits and facilities, serving as a champion for innovative and inspiring educational experiences.

For a complete list of Zoo Crew and departmental roles and responsibilities, please see Full Job Description below.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, biology, environmental/natural science discipline, or related discipline
• Five (5) years of experience with educational program development and execution in an AZA zoo, aquarium, or museum, or similar informal learning environment
• Three (3) years of experience in a management or leadership position
• Experience with new program development and familiarity with best practices of informal education in AZA zoos, aquariums, or other learning environments
• Experience working with children, youth and families of diverse backgrounds and income levels.
• Grant writing experience preferred
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered

Competencies

• Strong leadership abilities to foster teamwork and inspire others toward a shared, strategic vision
• Ability to develop informal educational programs with emphasis on learning through active inquiry-based exploration
• Comfort with design and implementation of new modes of engagement, new technologies, and unique programming models
• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diversity of groups including board members, cross functional teams, Zoo staff, Zoo guests and Zoo partners
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication, to effectively share information from multiple disciplines to diverse audiences, with varied backgrounds
• Ability to think strategically, execute plans to meet revenue and impact goals, plus generate, manage and report on budgets
• Understanding of AZA Accreditation education needs, Ambassador Animal handling guidelines, AZA Animal Care husbandry protocols, AZA Safe programs, and AZA guidelines
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously
• Competency with Google docs, Microsoft Office, data analytics

Licensing & Certifications

• Valid Driver's License

Physical Requirements

Light: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a
negligible amount of force to constantly move objects. This position requires sitting or standing for long
periods of time, but also may require movement across Zoo grounds

Physical Environment: This position is generally required to perform work within an office setting and occasionally exposed to
external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid and extreme weather conditions.

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

We are committed to an inclusive environment and value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals.

Chattanooga Zoo has adopted a smoke-free campus to serve as a leader in promoting a healthy workplace and environment.

Chattanooga Zoo is a member of the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace program. This position requires pre-employment screenings which will include: a drug screen & background check.