Director, Learning & Engagement

SUMMARY

The Director of Learning and Engagement advances the mission of Birmingham Zoo, Inc. (BZI) by leading the planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating of all learning and engagement initiatives, both on Zoo grounds and in the community.  Provides strong leadership to the team responsible for the development and implementation of diverse programs for multiple audiences.  Provides strategic leadership by collaborating with key stakeholders to achieve BZI’s mission and vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Directs the development, implementation and evaluation of learning and engagement programming including school programs; camps; tours; premium experiences; guest engagement; community outreach; on-grounds interpretation; and volunteer programs.
2. Provides leadership to help catalyze staff thought and creativity in identifying audience needs and developing educational activities to meet them.
3. Provides leadership and support for integrating BZI’s diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) into learning and engagement programs and practices.
4. Provides overall vision, leadership and strategic direction for the Learning and Engagement department and ensures effective coordination and communication both within and across departments.
5. Works closely with all staff and volunteers to develop and promote a holistic approach to learning and engagement for BZI.
6. Capably and regularly communicates the Zoo’s mission and core values to diverse audiences.
7. Serves as a key person for developing and maintaining relationships in a broad range of organizations including community-based organizations, informal education institutions, schools, and government agencies. 
8. Facilitates partnerships with appropriate collaborators in the Birmingham area, statewide, nationally and internationally as appropriate. 
9. Works on collaborative projects and activities that fit within the zoo’s mission, core values, and education strategy.
10. Develops strategies to keep department current on trends, concepts, and methods.
11. Directs the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of on-grounds interpretive signage.
12. Works closely with marketing team to support the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of informational on-grounds including way finding, operational, and safety.
13. Actively participates in the planning, design, and implementation of new exhibits and facilities, serving as a champion for innovative and inspiring educational experiences.
14. Works across departments to implement the zoo’s strategic plan, educational mission, revenue generation, and marketing strategies for audience growth and outreach.
15. Manages assigned staff, including selection, job assignment, training and development, evaluation, salary review, promotion, discipline and separation.
16. In collaboration with the Development Department, seeks, develops, procures and administers grants to support education and outreach programs.
17. Oversees development and management of departmental budgets.
18. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manager of Learning
2. Manager of Interpretation & Engagement
3. Volunteer Manager

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Director of Learning and Engagement is impacted by hazardous exposures common to an office environment as well as public safety in an outdoor environment and ride operations.  Some of the following exposures will occur daily:

• Hazards associated with trains, and carousel and other attraction operations.
• Hazards associated with maintenance trades.
• Hazardous waste management
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents.
• Thorough understanding of guest safety protocols, particularly with young children.

Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain the safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection. 

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory. All staff members of the Zoo are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department, Safety Manager, or Manager on Duty (MOD). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the Director of Learning and Engagement should expect:

• Use of tools or controls. 
• Frequently required to remain stationary, walk/move for distances across the Zoo, access and move items high up or low to the ground, and communicate effectively with staff, visitors, vendors, and guests.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
• Exposure to wet surfaces.
• Frequent exposure to the elements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

1. Advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in education, biology, environmental/natural sciences, non-profit leadership, or related discipline
2. Minimum of seven (7) years professional experience in informal/formal education preferably including a zoo, museum, or related setting
3. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a management or leadership position which included responsibility for leading and developing staff, oversight of program development and evaluation, and development and management of budgets.

Skills and knowledge

1. Knowledgeable about a variety of pedagogical strategies for free-choice learning in informal settings
2. Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to foster teamwork within and across teams, and across multiple disciplines.
3. A demonstrated ability to plan, organize and direct programs in an effective manner and to supervise, develop, and evaluate staff, as well as volunteers.
4. Ability to communicate and inspire others toward a shared vision.
5. Excellent communication, interpersonal and team facilitation skills
6. Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills required for strategic planning and revenue generation.
7. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with a diversity of groups including board members, volunteers, Zoo staff and the public.
8. Demonstrated leadership involvement in professional organizations (AZA, IZEA, etc.)
9. Competency in computer skills.

Other requirements

1. May be required to provide documentation of negative test results and/or of up-to-date status on certain vaccinations if working with some species.
2. Must be willing to travel locally.  Must have a current valid driver’s license with no significant traffic violations within the last five years to operate Zoo vehicles.
3. Must be First aid/CPR certified, or willing to be certified.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

1. Full time
2. Mainly weekdays: however, weekends, occasional evening work and holidays may be required.
3. Will be included in the Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position.

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.