Accessibility & Inclusion Coordinator

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to leading in accessibility and inclusion for guests, staff, and volunteers with a disability. Over the past several years, the zoo has established programs and partnerships to grow a robust suite of accessibility offerings. This suite includes programs for adults living with dementia, evening events for families impacted by severe illness, sensory-friendly hours, and custom programs for small groups.

The Accessibility & Inclusion Coordinator will lead the development and delivery of accessibility programs for the Learning Department. They will oversee recruitment and communications about these offerings, and collaborate with colleagues to evaluate their efficacy. They will work with Learning Department staff to share best practices for accessibility and implement those practices, and may be asked to help assess or contribute to programs throughout the department. The ideal candidate will be able to anticipate logistical needs for programs including establishing schedules, ordering supplies, and formalizing procedures; facilitate programs in an engaging, learner-centric manner, and maintain relationships with access partners.

This position has some flexibility to work from home (up to 2 days per week if programs are not scheduled).

This is a termed position, with an end date of March 31, 2026. It is full-time position with benefits for the duration of the appointment.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead Memory Enrichment program for adults with dementia, and custom programs throughout the year. Programs may take place on weekends and off-hours.
• Lead zoo tours for pediatric patients using a telepresence robot to navigate zoo exhibits.
• Schedule and lead sensory-friendly hours.
• Under the guidance of the Accessibility & Inclusion Manager, develop programs that align with LPZ Learning Framework.
• Serve as a classroom aide when needed for camp and school programming.
• Work collaboratively with Learning Department staff and zoo volunteers in the delivery of programs.
• Address challenges in a timely and solution-oriented manner, including constuctive and clear communication.
• Respect, elevate, and incorporate feedback from the disability community during decision making process.
• Integrate technology thoughtfully to support program outcomes.
• Track program attendance.
• Under the guidance of the Accessibility & Inclusion Manager, support positive relationships with zoo staff, other cultural and community institutions, and conservation/wildlife agencies.
• Support Accessibility & Inclusion Manager in ensuring that programs stay within allocated budget, including showing fiscal responsibility when ordering program supplies.
• Integrate feedback from audience to guide program development through both evaluation and informal conversations.
• Support development and delivery of additional learning department programming as resources allow.
• Work a flexible schedule that may involve delivering multi-hour programs with limited breaks.
• Perform various tasks and other duties as assigned.
• Complete projects that advance the overall inclusion goals of the zoo, including but not limited to updating social stories, captioning videos, creating staff resources, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work in a variety of settings, including zoo grounds, outdoors, and in a classroom environment
• Comfortable with delivering online programs (via Zoom) as-needed
• Commitment to creating an environment that is accessible and inclusive to all, including differentiating instruction to meet participant learning styles.
• Ability to tailor programs to the strengths, interests and abilities of the group.
• Interest in wildlife conservation and education.

Learning Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social services, education, inclusive curriculum & instruction, biology/zoology or related field. Equal value will be placed on lived experience and leadership within the disability community.

Experience Requirements

Minimum 3 years of experience with social or education programs or initiatives in service to and collaboration with the disability community. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to traverse zoo grounds for long periods of time and work outside in a variety of weather conditions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Assist with other Learning programs during times of high staffing need.
• Deliver zoo programs at annual events like Spooky Zoo, ZooLights, Spring Eggstravaganza, etc. Staffing will be based upon availability.
• Work holidays, weekends and/or evenings as needed to deliver programming

OUR PROMISE

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.  For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield)  as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $55,000

Salary : $55,000