Associate Manager of Conservation Learning

The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through public engagement, commitment to marine animal conservation, leadership in education, innovative scientific research, and effective advocacy for vital and vibrant oceans.

The Associate Manager of Conservation Learning is responsible for overseeing and supporting Conservation Learning Operational Leads, Visitor Educators, and unpaid staff (e.g., volunteers and interns) in all aspects of visitor engagement. As a senior member of the Conservation Learning team, the Associate Manager will model, train, and evaluate others in interpretive skills, customer service, and the delivery of conservation messaging to our guests. Through their leadership, they will foster a positive team culture and promote a fun, engaging work environment.

New England Aquarium has implemented comprehensive safety protocols for employees and visitors to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure. As a member of our team, you will be provided with the training and resources needed to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. In addition, the Aquarium requires all staff to be vaccinated and boosted (when eligible) against COVID-19 unless a reasonable medical or religious accommodation is requested and approved.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Sunday - Thursday with hours from 8:00a - 4:00p, 9:00a - 5:00p, and/or 10:00a - 6:00p.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Directly supervise, manage, and set expectations for staff, volunteers, and interns daily. Provide mentoring, training, and coaching on communication and mission-based interpretation. Work to ensure the highest standard of visitor engagement, communication, customer service, and positive culture.
• Demonstrate quick problem-solving and flexibility. Ability to troubleshoot or adjust floor programming in response to changing situations.
• Conduct and provide ongoing written and oral performance evaluations, including recognition and addressing performance issues as needed. Provide professional development opportunities.
• Lead the hiring process for Operational Leads, Visitor Educators, and other staff as needed. Develop best practices for recruiting, screening, and hiring enthusiastic staff who demonstrate a passion for interpretation and the Aquarium's mission. May also assist in the hiring process of volunteers, interns, and teens.
• Work with the rest of the Conservation Learning team to develop and implement consistent, high-quality interpretation and educational programming that meets the mission-based goals of the New England Aquarium.
• Deliver direct interpretation to the public, working closely with various Aquarium departments to develop strong relationships and lines of communication. Should be comfortable communicating with and guiding special groups/individuals/VIPs at a moment's notice and in unusual situations.
• Ensure open lines of communication with Conservation Learning staff and other departments, providing communication updates in a timely fashion. Work collaboratively with other teams.
• Work with Operational Leads to create weekly and daily schedules based on anticipated attendance and functional needs. Manage staff time-off requests and adjust to provide adequate coverage.
• Review and approve bi-weekly timecards in accordance with Finance Department deadlines. Work to ensure staff follow and incorporate procedures and practices as laid out by Talent and Culture.
• Perform other position-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of managerial experience in a cultural institution, hospitality setting, or similar environment required.
• Background in interpretation, marine science, environmental science, education, or museum studies preferred.
• Experience screening, interviewing, and hiring required.
• Experience building work schedule for full time and part time staff required, including experience managing time off requests, and ensuring that needs for various departments are met at all times and staff are where they need to be throughout the day.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to communicate effectively with Aquarium members, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues of different ages, interests, and backgrounds.
• Strong management and team working skills; should have ability to motivate, lead teams and projects, and maintain staff morale and team spirit. Ideal applicant will have overall pleasant demeanor, positive attitude, and sense of humor.
• Able to receive and provide effective positive and constructive feedback to teens, interns, volunteers, direct staff reports, and colleagues.
• Must be able to thrive in a changing work environment, be open to new ideas, problem solve and work collaboratively with the team as well as independently; should display good professional judgment, and ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge or one or more of the following areas strongly preferred: exhibit interpretation, educational theory, human development and/or marine biology or ecology
• Strong organizational skills with close attention to detail; should exercise good professional judgment and open communication.
• Excellent presentation skills, both in one-on-one and diverse audience settings, in order to teach about topics related to aquarium exhibits, research, and conservation.
• Must be willing to be trained to handle animals for education programs
• Passionate about presenting the Aquarium's mission-based programming with a conservation and research focus
• Willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends, occasional evenings, special events, and holidays

For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.