The Wilderness Center is one of Ohio’s most established conservation-based organizations and is currently undergoing a strategic visioning process to create a bold and viable future. The Wilderness Center’s mission is to engage our community in conservation through action and education.

Position: Director of Education

Position Type: Full Time, exempt. Benefits include health, vision, dental, life & long- term disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick and holidays), and a 401(k) match up to 5%

Reports to: Executive Director

Summary of Position: The Director of Education provides vision and leadership for the education department and effectively manages a team composed of educators, naturalists, and volunteers while partnering with school districts, community groups and other professional organizations to fulfill our vision to be a regional leader in environmental education and engagement while exemplifying The Wilderness Center’s mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities:

· Develop and organize formal and informal programming. Refine and improve The Wilderness Center’s current efforts with the primary focus being on educational outcomes.

· Provide leadership and management in the development and implementation of an overall budget for the education programs that follow a proven revenue model.

· Hire, train, and lead a diverse team of educators and naturalists. Exhibit results-oriented supervisory experience.

· Lead alignment of environmental education programs and services with The Wilderness Center’s overall organizational vision and direction.

· Create, foster, and strengthen educational partnerships throughout the Stark, Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas and other surrounding counties and ensure continued alignment with Ohio science standards.

· Strategically position The Wilderness Center’s education programs and services to generate earned and raised revenue via partnerships, grants, and fee-based programs.

· Implement quantitative and qualitative program evaluation processes that enable The Wilderness Center to measure and demonstrate program impact.

· Perform or assign administrative tasks including but not limited to creating program agreements and contracts; coordinating staff scheduling; submitting and managing grants; and preparing and submitting reports.

· Lead staff in the design, development and implementation of education programs and services including on and off-site programs, summer camps, early childhood including homeschool programs, adult and senior programs, workshops, outreach programs, and recreational and other informal programs and experiences.

· Serve as a member of TWC’s Leadership Team.

· Develop a comprehensive interpretive plan and ensure integration of message into education programs and other departments.

· Work collaboratively with the other directors and departments.

· Assess and improve staffing structure, policies, and procedures.

· Organize and meet with an Education Committee on a regular basis. Join and participate in professional education organizations and associations.

· Attend and assist with special programs and events.

· Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills/Qualifications:

§ Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental education, science, environmental studies, or a related field.

§ Minimum of 5 years of experience in education required, with additional experience in informal environmental or science education, outdoor learning, interpretation, or school administration preferred.

§ Minimum 3 years of experience in staff management, program planning and development.

§ Supervisory experience required, preferably with both staff and volunteers

§ Ability to represent The Wilderness Center to its supporters and constituents with enthusiasm and professionalism.

§ Proven people skills; ability to work with a wide variety of personalities as a team player and leader

§ Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; grant writing experience preferred

§ Experience working directly with boards, committees, staff, and consultants

§ Strong computer skills required including familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and donor databases (Neon CRM)

§ Ability to work in an evolving setting

§ Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

§ Commitment to The Wilderness Center’s mission, principles and values, and appreciation for the environment and education

§ Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have own vehicle

§ Ability to pass a criminal background check

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• classroom setting educator: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person