Education Coordinator
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Mass Audubon is looking for a creative, passionate, energetic, and organized environmental educator with strong program coordination skills and experience. This Education Coordinator position works as part of a dynamic team of staff who support education efforts at our sanctuaries, regional schools, community venues, and other locations.
The Education Coordinator spends approximately 50% of their time teaching education and engagement programs. Education Coordinators also commit significant time to supporting program development and design in one or more specific audience focus areas (e.g., school and camp programs, climate change education, and adult education), and may assist with registration, marketing, budget management, etc. All program development and delivery must be in accordance with Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda strategic goals and Mass Audubon’s education frameworks, guidelines, and policies. The Education Coordinator will supervise seasonal/per diem educators and assist with program specific budgets with support from the Lead Education Coordinator and/or Regional Education Manager.
Based out of Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, the focus areas for this position include school programs and field trips (approximately 50%), summer camps (approximately 45%), and other programs (approximately 5%). During the school year, this position schedules and teaches school programs (e.g., K-12 school science enrichment programs in schools, field trips at Arcadia or other natural areas, etc.) in coordination with other education staff including the K-12 programs lead and Lead Education Coordinator. The position assists all aspects of school program operations, including program planning, marketing, and implementation. During the summer months, this position serves as the Assistant Camp Director for summer camp programs based out of Arcadia. The position assists with hiring, training, and supervising seasonal staff in collaboration with the Lead Education Coordinator.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references with your ADP application.
Responsibilities
Management
- Plan and coordinate school and camp programs in partnership with area camps, schools, and community groups in collaboration with Lead Education Coordinator.
- Maintain accurate records of program curriculum, program attendance, and evaluation.
- Assist with developing and monitoring program budgets. Maintain records of program revenue and expenses and inform supervisor of variances and take steps to change program registration trends, if needed.
- Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising full- and part-time, seasonal and per diem staff to support programs. This includes providing new employee orientation, reviewing and monitoring performance, and providing ongoing training/mentoring.
Education
- Develop, implement, and evaluate environmental education lessons for K-12 school programs and summer camp programs, with demonstrated skills and ability to work with diverse groups, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices for inclusion.
- Prepare and conduct activities for community engagement, events, and other related educational activities.
- Work with supervisors, including Lead Education Coordinator, Regional Education Managers and statewide Education Department to ensure adherence to program standards and alignment with Mass Audubon audience and instructional best practices.
- Assist in the professional development of seasonal, part-time, and per diem educators to ensure high quality program design and instruction. Provide training, mentoring, and support for staff, interns and volunteers, as needed.
- Maintain updated instructional materials, curricula, educational supplies, and resources.
- Maintain the safety of all participants and staff as a priority, in accordance with specific program regulations and policies.
- Attend regional staff meetings and actively participate in statewide education staff meetings, professional learning communities, and professional development training, as required.
- Depending on expertise, design and lead professional development opportunities for teachers, education colleagues, and other Mass Audubon staff.
- Serve as a resource on natural history, legislative priorities, conservation science issues including climate change and biodiversity for visitors, program participants, other staff, and volunteers.
Marketing, PR, etc.:
- Orient visitors, program partners, participants, and community members to Mass Audubon’s mission and programs.
- Actively engage in learning about community needs and opportunities for collaboration.
- Assist in activities during camp, special events, and community engagement, and support membership development and fundraising, as needed.
- Participate in the planning, writing, and preparation of audience specific program catalogs, site-based informational brochures, and education related publications, including e-communications.
- Support other programs, special events, and duties as needed.
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in education, biological, earth science, environmental studies, or equivalent, and a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in conducting educational programs; or Master’s degree in education, biological, earth science, environmental studies, or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2 or more years of prior supervisory experience of staff/volunteers
- Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work well with staff and volunteers
- Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and best practices for inclusion
- Ability to establish effective Mass Audubon presence in surrounding communities related to conservation and biodiversity of urban, suburban, and rural areas
- Requires First Aid and CPR (child and adult) certification upon hire
- Valid driver’s license
Nice to Haves
- Knowledge of local natural history, conservation, and environmental education
- Familiarity with culturally responsive teaching or other equity-based pedagogy
- Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or some level of Spanish language communication proficiency
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $22.50 To $24.83/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).
Work Schedule
This position works primarily Monday-Friday with weekend and evening hours as needed. Summer is a primary season for this position.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.