Director of Learning & Engagement (Downtown)

Position Title: Director of Learning & Engagement (Downtown) 

Department: Learning & Engagement

Reports To: Vice President of Learning & Engagement Location: Audubon Aquarium & Audubon Insectarium FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park,

and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in

their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with

people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek

smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

The downtown Director of Learning & Engagement (“Director”) is a senior leader within the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Team and is responsible for the development and implementation of facility- wide guest engagement and learning experiences that advance Audubon Nature Institute’s (ANI’s) strategic vision to create an engaging learning environment - encouraging guests of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate the natural world and to preserve it for future generations. These experiences include interpretation stations, behind-the-scenes and facility tours, special events, summer and holiday day camps, scout programs, after-hours and overnight family programs, school programs, off-site STEM outreach, and exhibit graphics and interactives. They are responsible for supporting a meaningful and positive guest experience. They are responsible for the care and safety of program participants. The Director directly supervises the Manager of Guest Engagement and Learning Programs Coordinator, seasonal camp staff, and on-call Educators.

As a leader on the L&E team, the Director leads departmental strategic and financial planning, effective resource management, proactive communication both internally and externally, promotes appropriate professional development opportunities for themselves and the entire team, and fosters a welcoming and inclusive team culture.

Day to Day Responsibilities

•    Provide strategic direction for the development and implementation of guest experiences and programs for diverse audiences including formal and informal experiences and programs.

•    Supervise, schedule, train, evaluate and coach downtown L&E staff, ensuring established policies and procedures are followed

•    Evaluate and continuously improve programming to meet established goals and impacts

•    Provide as-needed support within L&E or other facility departments to for general management responsibilities (e.g. coverage of other programs within L&E/supporting other teams, MOD coverage, special event support, etc.)

•    Work collaboratively with facility leadership and across departments to coordinate program needs, including physical spaces, animal experiences, supplies, and safety considerations.

•    Responsible for tracking and managing revenue and spending in alignment with departmental budget

•    Work collaboratively with Volunteer staff to train, support, and mentor teen and adult volunteers

•    Collaborate with VP, Interpretive Content Manager, and Environmental Graphics Manager to ensure that interpretive graphics throughout all facilities are current, accurate and consistent with program messaging

•    Serve as a model for professional behavior, display courtesy, tact, discretion, good judgement, consideration, and respect

•    Embrace a lifelong learning approach to seeking information on formal and informal educational methodologies and trends and participating in professional development opportunities.

Additional/Overall Skills:

•    Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

•    Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of programs and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

•    Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

•    Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

•    The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

•    5 to 7 years working experience in formal or informal learning environments

•    Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs tailored to diverse audiences

•    Proven leadership experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education or other related field (additional equivalent work experience may be substituted for a degree)

•    Demonstrated experience in effective management and communication with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds

•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while communicating effectively

•    Exemplary presentation and oral communication skills

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for program coordination and communication

•    Must be able to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekend and after hour events.

Nice-to-Haves:

•    Experience in an AZA institution and familiarity with AZA standards

•    Experience working with or overseeing volunteers

•    Knowledge of marine and invertebrate biology and conservation

•    Experience working with program accessibility and inclusion

•    Have or be able to acquire a valid, state-issued driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

•    Frequent standing and walking

•    Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds

•    Bending, kneeling, and reaching occasionally required

•    Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools

•    Occasional climbing of stairs

•    Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery

•    Primarily indoors with occasional exposure to other work environments

•    Minimal exposure to environmental hazards, although tasks may involve occasional noise or vibration