Regional Education Manager

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.

About This Position

As the senior educator in the region, the Metro South Education Manager (EM) has overall responsibility for the design, implementation and evaluation of all onsite and community-based education programs and activities for adults, families, children, general visitors, groups and schools at five sanctuaries in Mass Audubon’s Metro South Region (Blue Hills Trailside Museum and Norman Smith Environmental Education Center at Chickatawbut Hill in Milton, Moose Hills Wildlife Sectary in Sharon, Museum of American Bird Art Education Center in Canton, and Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk) including interpretation, community science and events.

Utilizing a community engagement approach with a focus on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion, the Education Manager is responsible for building and stewarding a regional education team who collaboratively implement and sustain a program portfolio that meets the goals and objectives of Mass Audubon while meeting the needs of the communities in the Metro South region of the state specifically Milton, Canton, Sharon, Norfolk and surrounding towns. The Education Manager will oversee the development, marketing and implementation of all education programs and activities including staff and budget management. The EM is responsible for building and maintaining partnerships with leaders in education, environmental and climate literacy, other community-based partners in the region to strengthen the role for Mass Audubon to sustain existing and forge new opportunities for leadership in environmental education.

As a member of the Statewide Education Leadership team the Metro South Education Manager plays a key role in annual and strategic planning in education for the organization as well as building a statewide community of educators aligned with strategic priorities and statewide education outcomes. As a member of the Metro South Leadership team the EM will play a significant role in strategic planning and community engagement for the for the Metro South Sanctuaries.

Duties & Responsibilities

Staff Management and Supervision

• Build and manage a region-based education team that works collaboratively to advance Mass Audubon’s educational priorities.
• Recruit, hire, train, support, and evaluate all education staff in the region including full time, part time and seasonal staff.
• Encourage staff growth and professional development through ongoing workshops and trainings in the region.

Administrative Management of Education

• Ensure a balanced portfolio of programs and activities that effectively meet the desired impact of Mass Audubon and the needs of communities throughout Metro South.
• In collaboration with other staff, define education strategies for all audiences in the region based on Mass Audubon’s strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement.
• Oversee development, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of on and off-site programs and activities and their operating budgets including school, out-of-school and community-based programs (on-site and outreach), preschool, youth programs, children and family programs, summer day camp, vacation week programs, teacher training, and visitor education and interpretation.
• Oversee and ensure effective risk mitigation and management for all education programs including accountability to Mass Audubon safety policies and all regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Teach and/or lead education programs, trainings and other activities as needed.

Communications, Community Relationships and Marketing

• Build and steward collaborative relationships with education, environmental education, climate education, and social sector leaders.
• Present at conferences, publish articles, and/or actively promote the education work of the region.

Statewide Coordination and Integration

• Collaborate with the team of Regional Education Managers and the Mass Audubon Education Department to further the goals of education across the state by participating in the design and implementation of statewide initiatives and projects.
• Participate on select statewide committees focused on the advancement of excellence in our education programs.
• Collaboratively design, review, produce and analyze quarterly and annual statistical and narrative reports on education programs in the regions and statewide.
• Collaborate with the Arts and Nature Education Manager to incorporating art into nature programming within Metro South
• Collaborate with the Wildlife Care Supervisor to incorporate live animal demonstrations into Metro South education programing.
• Collaborate with the Farm Manager to incorporate farm education programs in to the Metro South education portfolio.

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:

• Passionate about and experienced leader in environmental and climate literacy.
• Strong experience in management and supervision of program and related staff.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience with 4 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Committed to nurturing universally designed, inclusive learning environments.
• Considered an expert in planning, designing, marketing and evaluating environmental education programs.
• MA or MS in education, environmental education, biological or earth science, environmental studies, OR equivalent experience.
• Experienced in the development, implementation and evaluation of environmental education programs for a variety of audiences.
• Experience presenting education programs with Ambassador Animals strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of state and national education frameworks, best practices, standards and trends. Experience as a team leader and/or facilitator.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve shared goals. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate programs and instructors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum and to instruct others in instructional techniques and program.
• Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships with education leaders and outside organizations.
• Advanced Computer Skills.
• Ability to respond effectively in an emergency on the property.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Flexibility and ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work as an effective team member.
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Massachusetts.

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $60,000 - $67,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits and Perks

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 12 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Additional Information

This is a full time 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'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.

How To Apply

Please apply in ADP Workforce Now and include a resume and cover letter with your ADP application: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=451939&lang=en_US&source=EN.