Education Coordinator

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Education Coordinator is responsible for developing and leading all environmental education services for the Douglas-Hart Foundation at three unique properties: Friendship Garden, The Whiteside Garden, and the Douglas-Hart Nature Center. Environmental Education services include outreach ( or travel) programs, field trips, scouting programs, educational loan materials, and similar. Educational services hosted by the Douglas-Hart Foundation should be diverse to offer ample opportunities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to enjoy programming at one of our facilities. The largest component of this position is coordinating and leading bookings for these services, especially field trips and outreach. This position is approximately 50% administrative and 50% leading/teaching.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIMARY DUTIES:

PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION

• Develop, plan, promote, implement, lead, evaluate, and document all environmental education curriculum services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds and appropriate learning levels
• Develop, promote, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and document outreach services (schools, libraries, daycares, etc)
• Develop, promote, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and document field trip services (schools, daycares, groups, etc)
• Develop, promote, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and document scouting programs
• Develop, promote, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and document loan boxes or educational resources
• Develop, promote, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and document party rentals
• Manage and coordinate program schedules, registrations, and data using CRM systems, calendars, and spreadsheets
• Schedule, train, and manage staff and volunteers
• Set up, tear down, clean, organize, and store program materials, supplies, and educational classrooms/spaces
• Refine and improve education efforts with a focus on educational outcomes and community needs
• Work with the Executive Director to plan special events and festivals
• Coordinate programs and schedules with the Program Coordinator
• Coordinate and lead the Eco-Meet competition for public schools in tandem with the Program Coordinator
• Coordinate education resources and exhibits for displays, hands-on activities, and similar for trail activities, visitor center activities, library activities, etc.
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator about volunteer roles and opportunities
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and program team to create educational exhibits and signs

OPERATIONAL DUTIES

• Assist with daily operations of the organization, including but not limited to clerical and correspondence duties, managing facilities, gift shop duties, and other relevant office tasks in a timely and professional manner
• Maintain accurate program records, including, but not limited to, program evaluations, attendance records and submit reports as required
• Attend relevant staff and committee meetings
• Provide general housekeeping and maintenance of the visitor center, but especially programming space (indoors and outdoors)
• Utilize CRM system to track and record program and business aspects
• Work with the Executive Director on grant opportunities

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Design and market programs using various low-cost options: Canva, social media, website, e-newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Develop interpretive materials and resources including displays, informational pamphlets, bulletin boards, newsletter articles, and similar
• Assist with Douglas-Hart Foundation publications and content as needed
• Be available to visitors by providing Personal Facilitated Experiences
• Participate in appropriate community events to promote the Douglas-Hart Foundation, which may require some travel
• Support and assist all Foundation activities including fundraising activities, membership activities, special events, conservation activities, or similar
• Hire, train, and lead a diverse team of educators, interns and volunteers that embraces the Douglas-Hart Foundation's values and vision
• Provide vision and leadership that advance the Douglas-Hart Foundation’s mission to be a leader in environmental education

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Exhibit enthusiasm and respect for the outdoors, nature, and education.
• Knowledge of flora and fauna in the East Central Illinois region
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent teaching skills and experience with a wide range of ages
• Be comfortable in a variety of work conditions; be outside in all types of weather, stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and lead groups through various terrain or other locations such as schools, libraries, and other indoor/outdoor locations
• Ability to build, develop, and maintain positive relationships with children, adults, patrons, board, community organizations, staff, and diverse audiences
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the diverse program schedules
• Represent the Douglas-Hart Foundation in a professional manner

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in education, environmental science, environmental education, biology, or a related field OR
• Previous experience in the operation of educational or interpretive programs at a nature center, museum, arboretum, zoo, botanical garden, or park is preferred OR
• Previous experience in an educational setting such as a school, library, daycare, etc.
• Knowledge of school curriculums or scout programs is a plus!

BENEFITS

• Salary range of $17-$19 per hour
• Paid professional development opportunities
• PTO Accrual
• 75% Insurance Premium
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Full-time, permanent position

Send resume to to apply

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Executive Director. This position is subject to change as the future needs of the Douglas-Hart Foundation require.

The Douglas-Hart Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, family, national origin, military service, or citizenship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Mattoon, IL 61938: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19