About the position
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center (PRAC) is seeking an Education Manager who will play a pivotal role in developing and sustaining a variety of evidence-based, innovative programs that position PRAC as a leading conservation action center. This position encompasses the comprehensive planning, development, delivery, and management of all environmental education activities tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community. The Education Manager will be responsible for recruiting, training, and managing staff and volunteers, as well as overseeing the design, coordination, and execution of educational programming. This includes effective communication and marketing strategies, report writing, budget management, and contributing to the development of educational exhibits and displays. The role requires a proactive individual who can thrive under pressure, manage a fast-paced schedule, and communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, from young children to adults, with a particular focus on middle and high school students. The Education Manager will primarily work at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, with occasional off-site meetings and events. The position is full-time, requiring 40 hours per week, and offers a salary range of $55,000 to $65,000 per year. The successful candidate will be expected to design and deliver high-quality educational programs that align with statewide standards and local school district requirements, while also fostering positive relationships with schools, businesses, and community organizations. Additionally, the Education Manager will be involved in the planning and execution of special events and community programs, ensuring that all activities are evaluated for quality and participant feedback. This role also includes managing the recruitment and training of education staff and volunteers, establishing innovative programs, and contributing to marketing and promotional efforts for the center's educational initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Manage, oversee, and schedule all aspects of a comprehensive environmental and outdoor education program for diverse audiences of all ages.
- Design, lesson plan, develop and deliver high quality education programs for all ages under guidance from the Director of Strategic Operations and the PRAC Senior Center Manager.
- Ensure all school programs meet or exceed statewide standards, local school district curriculum requirements, and Audubon guidelines/standards.
- Participate in the planning and delivery of special events, festivals, and community programs.
- Regularly review and evaluate programs/events to obtain participant/leader feedback, assess program quality, and make continuous improvements.
- Manage recruitment, training, scheduling and supervision of education staff and volunteers, ensuring adherence to Audubon safety protocols.
- Establish new and innovative programs, revenue models, educational approaches, and best practices to expand the center's outreach base.
- Contribute towards all education and visitor related promotions, marketing, social media, web content, flyers, signage, displays, and presentations.
- Liaise with the public, program participants, group leaders, partners, donors, and foundation representatives to ensure a positive experience.
- Foster positive relationships with schools, businesses, and other community, cultural or government institutions and attend relevant meetings.
- Develop and manage an annual budget and track all revenues and expenditures in consultation with the PRAC Center Senior Manager.
- Track and record relevant program data, schedules, databases, and income and prepare reports as required.
- Facilitate opportunities for donations and sponsorships and prepare funding applications with the Development Team.
- Assist with development and ongoing maintenance of the PRAC business, strategic plan, and conservation action plans as it aligns to National Audubon Society's Flight Plan.
- Participate in Audubon's commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) through staff training and hiring initiatives.
- Oversee care and use of ambassador animals at the Center.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental studies/science, education, natural science, outdoor recreation, or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of five years' leadership experience in environmental education, including outdoor education.
- Proven skills teaching and lesson planning in formal and informal settings to diverse audiences, including children, adults, and families.
- Demonstrated experience in educational program design and assessment, with experience leading middle and high school programming a plus.
- Knowledge of coastal Mississippi ecology and wildlife conservation issues or willingness to learn.
- Minimum one year of experience managing and mentoring staff and/or volunteers and fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Capable of balancing a fast-paced work environment and multiple deadlines.
- Good attention to detail, with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with a wide range of audiences, including excellent customer service skills.
- Experience with fundraising, revenue tracking, and grant writing is an asset.
- Ability to accompany/lead/supervise participants on guided tours over varied terrain in often hot and humid weather among insects and animals.
- Able to load/unload/haul equipment and program materials over short distances, with or without accommodation.
- Proficiency in MS Office, comfortable in using other software applications and capacity to learn new software.
- Must have current first aid and CPR certifications or obtain such certification by start date.
- Must have own vehicle and valid U.S. driver's license for operating an Audubon vehicle.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with fundraising, revenue tracking, and grant writing is an asset.
