Norman Bird Sanctuary > a 300+ acre wildlife refuge near Newport RI, offering over 7 miles of hiking trails.

Director of EducationJob Description

Reports to: Executive Director

Schedule: Monday-Friday, plus weekend/evening hours as required. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

Job Summary: As the leader of the Norman Bird Sanctuary education team, the Director of Education will be responsible for a program that reaches nearly 15,000 students per year. The Director oversees two education coordinators, 4+ AmeriCorps members, part-time Teacher/Naturalists, and 20+ summer camp staff. He/she will design and manage a (growing) budget and will be responsible for all program areas (camp, school, public program, ecotour, etc.). This position involves some teaching and preparing and developing educational materials and standards-based curricula. The Director will model enthusiastic and innovative instruction, and teaching through hands-on and inquiry-based methods that encourage exploration, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world.

NBS seeks a candidate that is able to work independently as well as part of a team, is self-motivated, and shares a passion for the environment and the conservation of our natural resources.

Responsibilities: The Director of Education’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Designing and managing the budget
Developing and evaluating over 50 environmental education courses; designing standards-based curricula and program materials
Conducting effective evaluation of all programs
Recruiting, training, and managing a staff of education coordinators, AmeriCorps members, part-time Teacher/Naturalists, and summer camp staff
Oversee animal husbandry department and provide quality care to education animals, including birds of prey, mammals, herps, and invertebrates
Coordinating volunteers and interns in animal care, education, exhibit design, and marketing
Developing education plans for new Farmhouse EcoTour programs; helping to design staffing plans, budget, and overall organization of the new facility
Developing education plans for the Third Beach Education Center
Researching and writing grant applications; managing successful grant projects; compiling monthly reports for funders and other stakeholders
Marketing all NBS programs to ensure success and continued growth; producing promotional materials (i.e., brochures and postcards) to advertise programs
Developing and managing strategic plans for education department
Serving as board member for the Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative (OSEEC); working closely with AmeriCorps program director and partner organizations
Developing and strengthening partnerships with school and community groups
Coordinating use of buildings and other NBS spaces
Leading the NBS Education Committee and other NBS committees as assigned
Other projects as assigned

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, or related field preferred. Masters or other advanced degree desirable.
5+ years working with children in a responsible and professional setting
Proven experience leading a large and diverse staff
Must be a skilled and effective communicator (oral, written, and visual) and comfortable speaking in front of groups of all ages
Thorough understanding of the natural sciences and environmental education
Enthusiasm for working with children and interacting with the public
Experience working with and caring for captive wildlife
Experience in grant writing, budget development, and marketing
Self-motivated and able to work independently and with a team
Ability to lift 50 pounds and work actively throughout the property in a variety of weather conditions
Positive attitude and a sense of humor are a must!
Must pass mandatory state and national criminal background checks
Minimum of Basic CPR and First Aid certifications required (or willingness to obtain)

Compensation: Salary is competitive and determined based on experience and qualifications. Full medical benefits with option for vision coverage.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, current resume, writing sample, and list of three professional references to: Natasha Harrison, Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or via e-mail to education@normanbirdsanctuary.org. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.