Nature Education Director 

We are seeking a Nature Education Director who has a proven track record as a strong leader in inspiring a team to deliver age appropriate, educational and creative informal and formal nature education opportunities for all ages. This educational leadership position is a key strategic part of our team as we plan and build the new nature center on 3,000 acres on the northern boundary of Nederland Colorado.

Lead Wild Bear’s Education Team in developing, implementing and evaluating all formal and informal educational  programs at Wild Bear Nature Center including: 

• Year round children’s programs
• Group programs and retreats
• Year round adult and family workshops
• Community Engagement initiatives
• Lead the Exhibits development with Community Engagement Manager

Job Responsibilities: 

Education   

• Lead staff to plan and implement creative and cutting edge formal and informal learning opportunities for all ages. 
• Mentor staff to deliver a positive culture in all programs
• Develop with team educational, creative and fun opportunities for all ages, enriched with cutting edge materials and experts to support educational goals.
• Mentor, support and evaluate programs and staff
• Oversee the development and delivery of  timely seasonal and interesting programs for all ages, developing themes and curriculum with the Education team.
• Oversee Education team to support all aspects of children’s programs
• Teach and model educational strategy when appropriate and necessary 

Administrative 

• Set annual education goals per education strategic plan
• Maintain appropriate staffing of all programs through hiring, training and evaluating staff and volunteers. Maintain education staff, intern, and volunteer files to meet all state childcare licensing requirements. 
• Implement program evaluations and set goals to address feedback. 
• Oversee and ensure communication streams with program participants.
• Represent Wild Bear through County and Regional education partnerships
• Set and monitor yearly budget goals 
• Ensure tracking of participation and program evaluation

Other:

• Support fundraising efforts including meeting with the Development Director, attending fundraising events when necessary.
  

Nature Education Director Profile 

• Passionate about  Wild Bear’s mission and applies to all activities
• Models excellent teaching strategies and supports staff to become excellent educators , including environmental awareness and ethics, innovative teaching style and an innate love of educating people of all ages about nature
• Strong positive leader with an empathetic, fun, energetic and enthusiastic style
• Proven track record of supervising, developing and leading staff
• Proven ability to integrate the arts and creative projects into nature programs
• Excellent organizational skills and follows up in a timely manner
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong innovative decision making skills, self motivated
• Flexible and able to step into teach when necessary 
• Strong  environmental ethic, and is DEAI focused in teaching and leadership style.

Position Qualification Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or qualified experience of 3 years or more
• At least 5 years of experiential environmental education experience with various age groups 
• Experience and/or education in curriculum development and program planning
• Experience in supervising other staff members/volunteers 
• Strong computer skills such as Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, etc. 
• Clean FBI background check 
• Clean driving record. Experience driving 12-15 passenger vans preferred

Compensation:

$60,000 annual salary 

Full time, year-round, In person position, including some weekends located in Nederland, CO 

Benefits to activate after 90 days of employment 

Paid Time Off:  accrued monthly at 80 hours/year

Personal time: 80 hours/year 

11 paid holidays per year

Health stipend: $150/month, option to join Kaiser plan

401K retirement plan option

50% childcare benefit

Send resume, cover letter, and at least three professional references to jobs@wildbear.org | Open until filled until July 15, 2023

An important goal at Wild Bear is to increase diversity amongst our staff. We provide equal employment opportunities and encourage all qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other personal characteristics.