The Community Programs Manager is responsible for the development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs and interpretive materials serving diverse public audiences from the Hawaii community with the goal to increase awareness and community participation and understanding of the Zoo’s conservation mission. The Community Programs Manager works with other HZS personnel as well as Zoo staff, guest instructors, interns, volunteers, and representatives of external partner organizations. Time is split between indoor office and classroom environments, and being outdoors in various weather conditions.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Designs and implements interactive, interpretive on-site learning experiences and programs that increase community awareness, understanding, and participation in the Zoo’s conservation mission.
2. Designs, develops, and utilizes educational graphics, displays, and other interpretive materials.
3. Contributes to monitoring and updating relevant programmatic content on the HZS website.
4. Works collaboratively with other HZS personnel, Zoo staff, and both internal and external community partners in the development and coordination of cross-cutting Zoo promotions, community events, and conservation initiatives.
5. Identifies strategic community partnerships that strengthen or sustain informal educational offerings serving adult and intergenerational audiences visiting the Zoo.
6. Assists in identifying grant funding sources and sponsorship opportunities, as well as annual budgeting and monthly financial reporting for community-serving programs.
7. Provides periodic reports summarizing program activities, impacts, and outcomes.
8. Directs the activities of assigned part-time employees, interns, and volunteers.
9. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Professional Experience: Possession of a baccalaureate degree in environmental education, natural sciences, or a related field and 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for public outreach and/or educational programming in a facility such as a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, or nature center; previous work with an organization that utilizes volunteers; or equivalent education/training or experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate public education programs, classes, tours, and activities that inform the public about the Honolulu Zoo and its conservation efforts.
• Ability to serve diverse public audiences including small and large groups of individuals, various age groups, ethnicities, and knowledge-levels.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, and individuals.
• Ability to work with and develop rapport with a wide audience from the Hawaii community and Hawaii visitors.
• Knowledge of conservation biology principles and/or conservation issues.
• Ability to effectively organize work, manage time, prioritize tasks, and follow both written and oral directions with limited supervision
• Ability to train, assign and direct the work of interns, temporary or part-time staff, and volunteers
• Ability to use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Competency in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other desktop publishing software.
• Ability to lead interpretive tours and informal education programs in indoor and outdoor settings, including standing and walking for extended periods of time; kneeling, crouching, or crawling in preparation for or during events; lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of educational programming pertaining to zoos.
• Professional certification and/or training in best practices in natural resource interpretation (e.g., Certified Interpretive Guide).
• Knowledge of the principals, methods, and techniques for evaluating audience engagement and/or changes in public attitudes, knowledge, or behavior.
• Familiarity with social networking and online outreach technology.
• Familiarity with social marketing.
