Education Coordinator

INTRODUCTION 

The Education Coordinator (EC), a non-tenure track position hired at the rank of Associate Cooperative Extension Educator or Assistant or Associate Research Professor, is the education program manager and lead educator at the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR). The EC strategically plans, coordinates, evaluates, and manages funding for CT NERR-led environmental education that serves PK-12 and post-secondary students, visitors and community members, and mentoring-based teacher professional development. As the direct supervisor of the Education Specialist and in collaboration with other program leadership at the Reserve, the EC develops and leads meaningful educational opportunities responsive to community, partner, and watershed needs. The EC demonstrates advanced communication skills and models educational best practices in program planning, promotion and delivery, while coordinating nationally with other National Estuarine Research Reserve System education program managers and NOAA staff. They work collaboratively to include diverse perspectives in programs and to serve diverse audiences. Through this work, the EC increases public understanding of, connection to and support for Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, and their watersheds.

The CT NERR is one of 30 reserves in the country that are focused on research, education, and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems.  It consists of approximately 50,000 acres of marsh, upland and open water in Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds as well as the lower Connecticut and Thames Rivers.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

Please visit National Estuarine Research Reserve System for more information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Education Coordinator develops and oversees all educational efforts at the Reserve including the conceptualization, development, funding and instruction of educational programs, curriculum, exhibits, outreach materials, and instructional materials. The EC supervises the Education Specialist, interns and volunteers associated with the education program.  Initially, the EC will help to establish a volunteer program for the reserve.

35% Education Program Strategic Planning, Development, and Budget Management

Develop and implement an education strategy aligned with the Reserve management plan and the goals of the National Estuarine Research Reserve system, including operating policies and procedures for the education program. Generate and maintain partnerships with local school districts, educational, and environmental organizations and agencies to develop responsive programming.  Conceptualize, coordinate and manage grant proposals to fund education initiatives. Plan, implement and monitor education program budgets. Report progress to funders and the Reserve’s lead agencies and contribute to educational efforts within UConn and NOAA.

15% Supervision and Leadership

Provide leadership, professional development opportunities, support and supervision for the Education Specialist, education interns and volunteers. Lead the hiring process, manage performance and resolve personnel issues. Work with staff to plan for and manage risk in outdoor locations. Occasionally serve on committees or boards that guide education efforts in the region, state or National Estuarine Research Reserve system.

15% Cross Program Support and Partnerships

Support Reserve operations including planning and facility development, estuary restoration and research, and other projects related to the overall role and function of the Reserve. Ensure that education program perspectives and educational best practices guides decisions and outcomes that fulfill the mission of the Reserve, UConn, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Regularly engage with colleagues to integrate education efforts across research, monitoring, stewardship, and training programs.

35% PK - 12 and Post-secondary Education

Lead the development and implementation of the Teachers on the Estuary education program, a place-based and outdoor education mentoring program that provides professional learning opportunities and collaborative mentoring for formal PK-12 educators.  Lead the development and implementation of the K-12 Estuarine Education Program (KEEP), working with NERRS colleagues and local partners to deliver estuarine and watershed-based training to students in grades K through 12. Plan and implement accessible field experiences and project-based learning opportunities that integrate state and national educational standards and research activities in the area of the CT NERR, including Indigenous-led efforts. Facilitate opportunities for UConn instructors to use the reserve for field and lab experiences in their classes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental education or interpretation, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience conducting educational programming related to the environment, science and/or natural resources, especially watersheds or water resources.
• One year of experience providing oversight of and supervision in an environmental, youth or community development, or education-related program.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to positive and productive workplace relationships, effective leadership and sustained partnerships.
• Evidence of the ability to build effective relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.
• Valid driver’s license to utilize University fleet vehicles for work-related travel needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in environmental education or interpretation, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
• Knowledge of ecology, history, and resource management issues related to Connecticut or the Northeast USA.
• Experience developing engaging community programming, interpretive exhibits, and materials.
• Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs for diverse audiences utilizing a variety of educational techniques, methods, and modes.
• Demonstrated experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position is a full-time, non-tenure track, 11-month appointment.  This is an annually renewable position based on performance, budget, and needs of the program. The position is located at the CTNERR Office in Groton, CT. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position requires the incumbent to move or work with others to move educational equipment, up to 25 lbs, and navigate over uneven terrain outdoors or on boats, occasionally in cold, hot, or wet conditions. 

In addition, weekly local travel and occasional travel within the state and to regional and national events relating to the job responsibilities, with some overnight travel expected.

How to apply:

Apply online to Academic Jobs Online and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.)
• Names and contact information for three references