Director of Learning and Engagement

Who We Are

The Oakland Zoo, an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres, serves as a hub of wonder and discovery for millions. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. At more than 100 years old, the Zoo is among Oakland’s longest-standing institutions and is nationally recognized as an animal welfare, rescue, and conservation leader. Our mission deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires champions for the natural world. Oakland Zoo is looking to a bright future as we complete a strategic planning process that will set the direction for the next five years and beyond. Through our world class facility and learning and engagement programs, we aspire to create the newest generation of wildlife warriors who will shape the future of conservation.

The Opportunity

The Director leads the Learning and Engagement team to foster connected lifelong learners and champions for animals and nature by examining local programmatic needs and implementing a longer-term vision for learning opportunities the Zoo can offer the community. The Director of Learning and Engagement is accountable for strategy and overseeing the execution of programmatic activities—both onsite and outside the Zoo’s campus—to engage diverse audiences and augment the Zoo's role in the community. This position reports to the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer and will focus on expanding access for Oakland-based students and community-based organizations.

The Director helps shape the future of learning and engagement at the Zoo by leading the development and delivery of educational and interpretive programming as well as managing the Zoo’s educational facilities. The Director manages six direct reports, providing strategic vision and oversight for programs including: on-grounds interpretation, school and community programs, zoo camps, and ambassador animals. Bringing a track record of active listening, humility, collaboration, and optimism, the Director will identify and provide instruction for best practices in teaching and interpretation to staff that aligns with the departmental and organizational strategic goals and plans. Given the nature of Zoo programming, it is anticipated this role will work primarily in person on-site five days per week, with some night or weekend work as needed.

The Oakland Zoo is in an exciting time of alignment and planning and this role will carry forward programming and community engagement while building upon significant organizational strengths including:

• Solid brand recognition and strong reputation as a 102 year old anchor community institution
• A state-of-the-art, 17,000 square-foot Veterinary Hospital designed to accommodate all current and future animals at Oakland Zoo as well as visiting rescues
• Strong partnerships with wildlife agencies to accept, rehabilitate, and rehome wildlife rescued from the illegal and exotic pet trade. To date, we have cared for over 25 mountain lions, 35 California condors, eight bears, and more than 600 frogs from three different yellow-legged species
• Numerous awards and accolades such as: Top 27 Best Zoos in the US (U.S. News & World Report), 24 Best Zoos in the US (TimeOut), Best Zoo Exhibits - California Trail (USA Today Readers' Choice), Best Zoo or Aquarium (Parents Press Magazine)
• Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1988 and close collaboration with animal welfare and advocacy organizations

Essential Job Duties

Leadership and Department Management

• Implement a refreshed vision and program for the Learning & Engagement department that aligns with the Zoo’s commitment to the Oakland community and it’s overall strategic plan
• Manage, mentor, and coach twelve full-time and part-time staff, as well as part-time seasonal employees by identifying and supporting opportunities for professional development
• Manage departmental budget and ensure activities map appropriately to current funding levels; collaborate with the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer to identify and cultivate prospective funders to support proposed future programs, partnerships and initiatives
• Measure and track effectiveness of all educational and interpretive curriculum and material for paid and public programs, events, and camps at Oakland Zoo
• Maintain high standards and policies to ensure program participant, staff and animal safety and wellbeing during all educational programs, and incorporate evolving best practices for animal welfare into programming

Public and Community Engagement

• Develop and/or sustain active and mutually-productive partnerships with other relevant organizations to develop curriculum, content and innovative programming
• Collaborate across departments to incorporate most current and relevant animal welfare and conservation information into educational and interpretive material
• Collaborate with the marketing and revenue teams to expand program access, reach target audiences and collect, analyze, and integrate data into program planning with the goal of increased public and community engagement
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Services department to align activities and messaging for public audiences across ages
• Represent Oakland Zoo and the Learning and Engagement Department at community functions and events, as well as within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
• Integrate new and best practices for developing and executing accessible programs along a spectrum of participant identities and needs

Who You Are

Please don't hesitate to apply even if you don't meet all ideal qualifications — we value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering growth within our team.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years experience in a related position with increasing responsibility
• Demonstrated experience managing a team and operating budget successfully
• Willingness to commute regularly to Oakland and work on-site five days each week with some night and weekend work (as needed)
• Experience serving as an external ambassador for a mission driven organization and establishing strategic partnerships
• Ability to foster a collaborative team environment with strong interpersonal and leadership skills and track record of building effective working relationships across an organization
• A deep understanding of education, including relevant policy, best practices, current issues, informal and formal classroom instruction, and learning pedagogy
• Experience in the field of conservation and environmental research, fieldwork, and leading practices around climate change curriculum is a plus
• High level of comfort with writing, presenting, interviewing, and public speaking
• Ability to lead and develop others in a flexible and changing work environment

Benefits

Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do. Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package including: health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan, paid time off, employee assistance program, and a complimentary Family Zoo Membership. It is anticipated this role will be primarily on-site and work remotely on occasion. The salary range for this role is budgeted at $105,000 to $115,000 annually.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.