Director of Education

Title: Director of Education

Department:  Education

Reports to:  President and CEO

Job Type:  Salaried Employee, Exempt

Job Status:  Full-time

General Description: The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1966 and located in the historic Shaker Parklands of Cleveland’s eastern inner-ring suburbs, seeks a creative and committed Director of Education to work with staff, volunteers, and the Board of Trustees to carry out its educational program goals. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced and effective leader and teacher with proven skills in education program administration and collaborating with community partners. More information about the Nature Center can be found at www.shakerlakes.org.

Overall Responsibilities:

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Education is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Nature Center’s educational programs, camps and exhibits, including but not limited to school programs, public programs, urban outreach and early childhood education. In addition to teaching, this position is also responsible for overseeing all education program development and administration, including curriculum/program design, scheduling, program evaluation, personnel management, and budgeting. The Director of Education provides leadership and direction to ensure the Nature Center’s programs are well-balanced, of consistent high quality, mission-focused, fiscally sound and highlight the local natural resources. The Director also helps promote the Center, supervises education staff, leads programs and assists with events and long-term strategic planning. This is a full-time, year-round position, which includes some weekend and evening programming.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Oversee development and implementation of all environmental education programs for schools, including curriculum/program design, scheduling, field experiences, urban outreach programs, early childhood programs, program evaluation and teacher trainings. Ensure all school programs are mission-based, fiscally sound and support current national, state and local education standards and guidelines.
2. Provide leadership and vision while overseeing development and implementation of all public programs, including spring and summer camps, family/community programs, and adult programs. Ensure program content and delivery is high quality, relevant, accessible and effective. Initiate and develop changes to programs as necessary to ensure performance outcomes, operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
3. Collaborate with President and CEO, Board of Directors, and senior staff to develop and implement the strategic plan; take lead role in areas related to education and public programming.
4. Recruit, hire, train, inspire, develop, guide and supervise education/naturalist staff; ensure collaboration and proper coordination with other staff, Board members, and partners.
5. Create and oversee the Education Department’s budget; monitor revenue and expenses; ensure timely negotiation and execution of school and other education-related contracts; coordinate department finances with Finance Director. Serve as primary contact between NCSL and local schools (public and private).
6. Coordinate with Development and Marketing staff to plan, develop, and execute grant proposals for funding education programs in a timely manner; ensure that all grants and contracts involving Education staff are carried out as expected; assume overall responsibility for each education grant project and initiate corrective actions when necessary to ensure funded programs are completed on time and within budget.
7. Oversee the planning and implementation of educational exhibits, displays, and live animals.
8. Maintain positive and flexible attitude and apply professional, common-sense solutions to everyday challenges.

Additional Duties:

1. Expand relevant network, increase visibility of NCSL, and increase innovative thinking by collaborating or engaging with other organizations, environmental education professionals, and attending community events on a regular basis.
2. Provide counsel to President and CEO in areas of budgeting, staffing and strategic planning for the Education Department.
3. Attend Board Meetings and NCSL events as required; network with Board members and donors.
4. Attend staff meetings, management team meetings, and outings as scheduled.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience working in an educational management position, including supervision of staff.
• Three or more years of experience teaching K-12 educational programs.
• Minimum four-year college degree in Environmental Education, Biology or related field.
• Effective public speaker.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to select, lead, develop, and inspire staff and volunteers.
• Experience and/or working knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, proposal writing, fundraising and volunteer management.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Ability to work effectively with a diversity of people with different backgrounds and abilities.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, adapt to change, work independently, and to prioritize effectively.
• Excellent overall computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, online registration systems and databases; working knowledge of GIS a plus.
• Ability to hike 5 miles with a 10-pound backpack.

Compensation:  Commensurate with experience, qualifications and organizational salary structure; generous benefits package; progressive work environment; opportunities for professional development.

Start Date: September 2019, or as soon as possible.

Application Procedure:

Email: careers@shakerlakes.org

Subject Line: “Director of Education” followed by your first and last name

Include: Cover letter and resume

DEADLINE: Friday, July 19, 2019, or until filled

Posted: Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.