Director of Conservation Education

JOB SUMMARY

Directs planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation of conservation education programs for schools, teachers, community, and youth.  The Director will expand opportunities for all students, whether through onsite or virtual programming, teacher-training, or offsite enrichment opportunities for the community. This role represents the National Aquarium as a leader in youth education and ensures the alignment of programs, strategy, structure, content, materials, and messages are all in alignment with our Learning and Engagement strategic priorities and Conservation Action Plan goals. Represents the institution on local, regional, and national levels with relevant organizations and seeks out opportunities for funding through critical partnerships and grant-making organizations. Oversees content of support materials for all areas including education related publications, website, and other products and materials.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Direct development, implementation, support, and communication of Conservation Education programs ensuring the National Aquarium is seen as a leader in STEM/STEAM education including informal/formal conservation education in urban settings.
• Lead Conservation Education elements of the National Aquarium’s strategic plan and Conservation Action Plan and develop departmental goals and strategies aligned with these efforts.

• Manage the Conservation Education team including mentorship of emerging leaders, professional development, and performance management.

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships across a broad constituency of institutions, organizations, and governmental agencies.

• Leverage knowledge and expertise of internal and external partners to advance goals of Conservation Education.
• Maintain knowledge of local, regional, and national education strategies and trends, provides thought leadership in areas of expertise.

• Manage accounting and budget within department and for associated projects, including grants.
• Oversee and direct preparation, management, implementation and reporting on federal and non-federal grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
• Conduct evaluation of program results and preparation of summary reports including financial reporting and summary assessment of results in light of strategic priorities, project objectives and grant requirements.

• Cultivate ongoing and new relationships with potential funders and donors.
• Coordinate and serve as representative for meetings with other Aquarium departments and external partner government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Develop marketing strategies for programs in collaboration with Marketing to achieve maximum reach and educational impact.

• Prepare publications, reports, and briefings for internal and external use.
• Perform public relations functions associated with Conservation Education Programs.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in science, education or similar required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5 years’ experience in an education or learning-based environment with experience with an informal science education setting required.
• 3 years’ experience with program development, grant writing, budget management and supervision of professional staff required.
• Experience with strategic planning preferred.
• Demonstrated capacity to work successfully with key stakeholders and funders to generate revenue and philanthropic support for programs or initiatives.
• Ability to address multiple tasks in different project phases, including strong time management, effective communication both internally and externally, and strong planning skills.
• Ability to speak about education programs to the general public, including presentations to colleagues and interactions with the media. Must have strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of educational best practices, strategy, technology, social media, and digital learning formats.
• Highly proficient in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint and other appropriate programs.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

About the National Aquarium

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization that’s changing the way humanity cares 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, and strive to meet or exceed AZA standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. A dedicated team of full- and part-time employees and volunteers drives the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. More than a million guests visit the Aquarium each year, and millions more participate in its conservation, education and engagement initiatives.

Our Culture

The National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a visitor attraction and has evolved into a conservation organization that operates a world-class aquarium. Our core values—integrity, innovation, service, excellence, and engagement—form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behavior and actions to achieve our mission. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, the Aquarium is at the forefront of efforts to connect people with the natural world and raise awareness of the challenges facing our ocean.

Our Mission and Goals

By connecting people with nature, the Aquarium drives conservation action for the benefit of people, animals and the planet. The Aquarium’s mission—to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures—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.