Education Programs Specialist

The Education Programs Specialist will provide coordination of all education strategies, programs, and events at Bonnet Springs Park. They will be responsible for the design, implementation, and assessment of innovative and fun educational programming for all ages of park guests.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for management of logistics and communication for all Education programs and events. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other departments to plan implement education programs and events 
• Develop and lead hands-on education programs and curricula, primarily for a youth and family audience. Programs will focus on STEM, natural and environmental sciences, conservation, recreation, sustainability, etc.
• Create and follow event and program timelines, schedules, and plans. Be the on-site manager for education events and programs

Essential Functions:

• Conducts all business in a moral and ethical manner leaving no room to question the integrity of the park or its staff
• Research, recommend, and secure vendors and performers for Education programs and events
• Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of the field trip program 
• Collaboratively develops and manages annual budget for education programs. Gives input in development of overall Programming budget
• Sets annual Education program goals
• Responsible for research of education and recreation trends. Recommends new programming initiatives to serve audiences of Bonnet Springs Park 
• Supervise education program volunteers. Interview, train, motivate, guide, and retain them. Support education program volunteers to ensure they are prepared to assist or lead programs 
• Provides input and assistance for community engagement initiatives
• Manage the collection, analysis, and reporting of program evaluation and assessment data. Provide reports as needed and requested. 
• Cultivate, engage, and maintain partnerships with city, county, and community organizations
• Engage and work closely with the public schools and districts in the surrounding geographical MSA. Align programs to regional district standards
• Create strategies for passive learning opportunities throughout the park to engage visitors in learning about the park’s mission, features, and natural elements
• Assist and support brand development of programming around education programs 
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field of study  

Experience

• At least five years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Demonstrated Knowledge and Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office software and Google G-Suite
• Must have a proven track record of engagement with school-ages children in classroom or program settings
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Outstanding personal communication skills, ability to interact and communicate effectively and collaborate with co-workers, community partners, donors, prospective donors/partners, and agency contractors
• Must demonstrate leadership abilities in building and sustaining a team of volunteer educators 
• Possess planning and organization skills with attention to detail and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and follow-through 
• Proven track record in building effective collaborative partnerships and networks
• Knowledge of program and event coordination and planning
• Must have a good understanding of high-quality customer service to internal and external audiences, and respond to participant evaluations and feedback as needed
• Must be dedicated to producing high-quality experiences for diverse audiences
• Must have good contract administration skills
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports and presentations

Requirements:

• Pass a background check and mandatory drug test
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable through the park’s insurance carrier
• Ability to manage by walking around in a 168-acre park
• Must have good people skills and be comfortable dealing with the public
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends, and events

Work Environment:

The work environment is widely varied and spans from quiet indoor office work to loud outdoor work in extreme weather conditions, primarily heat, though cold weather work may be necessary. The candidate must be able to adapt to either condition very quickly as transitioning from indoor to outdoor could occur multiple times per day.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job include but are not limited to regularly required to sit, stand, walk, see, hear, talk, drive and meet with others.  Employee must possess conversational hearing, with or without aid, as well as adequate vision and ability to verbally communicate effectively. Additionally, employee must possess dexterity to operate standard office equipment, drive a golf cart and ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds or more. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to apply:

Please apply through our website.