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About the Role
The Director of Education provides visionary, strategic, and hands-on leadership for the development, execution, and evaluation of all mission-driven, science learning and conservation education initiatives. This role transforms the guest learning journey into an immersive, story-driven experience that deepens curiosity and inspires personal conservation action. The Director oversees year-round on-site and digital classes, camps, and youth development pipelines, managing a team of educators and ensuring curriculum aligns with AZA and New York State learning standards.
Responsibilities
- Direct the operational planning, curriculum design, and safe execution of the Summer Zoo Camp program.
- Oversee specialized, career-oriented Animal Care and Conservation Camp and manage Counselor-in-Training (CIT) leadership programs.
- Supervise the camp software system (CampBrain) for registration, record keeping, and customer service, managing extended care and camper meal plans.
- Lead the development of early-stage learning, family programs, and interactive events.
- Oversee specialized adult learning workshops, community science initiatives, and conservation education programs.
- Manage the booking, logistics, and content frameworks for public Guided Tours.
- Cultivate and expand collaborative relationships with regional school districts and teachers, delivering learning experiences across in-person classrooms, project-based learning units, and Teacher Professional Development sessions.
- Drive the growth and continuous innovation of live, interactive Virtual Programming.
- Champion the ZooGuides paid internship program (ages 16–18), managing recruitment, training, and scheduling.
- Guide the Teen Leaders for Conservation (TLC) youth council, mentoring members as they create guest materials, support fundraising, and learn nonprofit governance.
- Manage the strategic allocation of the Zoo Camp Scholarship program to ensure equitable access.
- Work directly with veterinary and animal teams to assist in care, handling, and safety/welfare protocols for ambassador animals.
- Build a strong collaborative partnership with animal care team and zoo leadership staff to ensure alignment with AZA practices and education curriculum.
- Generate and maintain the education department's operating budget.
- Work closely with other departments to secure educational grants, scholarship funding, and identify new revenue streams via educational programming.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in science learning, camp administration, or mission-driven public engagement.
- At least 3 years in a formal supervisory/management role within a zoo, aquarium, nature center, or museum setting.
- Deep operational understanding of camp safety regulations (NYS Children's Camp codes).
- Proficiency with database management systems.
- Solid working knowledge of AZA accreditation standards.
- Demonstrated success in balancing operational needs with mission-driven goals.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening events.
- Must be able to traverse a large, multi-terrain physical campus in all Central New York weather conditions.
- Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Curriculum design
- Camp administration
- Public engagement
- Youth development
- Team management
- Database management
- Grant writing
- Budget management
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
Location
- Central New York
Work Type
- Onsite
- Flexible schedule
Experience Level
- Director
- 5-7 years progressive leadership experience
- 3 years supervisory/management experience
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field
- Master's degree or equivalent advanced study preferred
About the Company
- Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is dedicated to mission-driven, science learning and conservation education initiatives.