Youth Conservation Programs Manager

Supports and mentors conservation education staff focused on cultivating and equipping conservation leadership for our community and support diverse and accessible conservation workforce development in the Zoo’s staff pipeline. Guides the development and facilitation of programs to inspire teens and early career professionals to act on behalf of animals in the wild. Promotes a positive culture of innovation, empowerment and collaboration to meet the Houston Zoo’s mission.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages and supports development, implementation, and evaluation of audience-focused conservation education programming including teen programs, adventure programs and a year-round leadership experience for early career conservation professionals.
• Directs the development of domestic and international travel programs to connect teens and early career professionals with our field conservation partners.
• Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of youth program participants through development of program operating procedures and policies
• Responsible for the safety and security of youth when traveling domestically and internationally. Will be required to maintain American Red Cross CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Responder certifications.
• Oversees alignment of audience programming to ensure a continuum of learning that is accessible and engages diverse audiences from the Greater Houston area.
• Promotes and models an equitable and inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership development program which recognizes the value and contributions of youth of all backgrounds and identities.
• Communicates and partners effectively within the team, across all Zoo departments, and with other zoo, museum and aquarium personnel, community organizations, educators, informal/formal educational organizations, contractors, program funders and other professional organizations.
• Directs and manages a team of program supervisors and coordinators in the areas of hiring, program development, program evaluation, and training.
• Facilitates team growth professionally and create an encouraging culture by identifying education team members' strengths, providing professional development opportunities and feedback, and delegating effectively.
• Responsible for the recruitment, selection, development, evaluation, and performance management of direct reports.
• Responsible for developing and training staff on safety and security protocol during off-grounds programming including local, regional and international adventure programs.
• Works with direct reports to create and implement individual programs the collective department’s budget.
• Assists in the development of Conservation Education Department goals and objectives and manages the implementation of new initiatives accordingly.
• Collaborates with all departments to implement Zoo and division initiatives.
• Utilizes sound evaluation principles to drive program modifications and development.
• Designs and implements evaluation tools to measure the effectiveness and impact of conservation education programs.
• Compiles reports and disseminates research findings, program successes, and impact stories to diverse audiences, showcasing the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
• Demonstrates strong facilitation skills and the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate programs in an effective manner with multiple stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
• Seeks out and fosters best practices from other well-respected educational institutions.
• In absence of Sr. Director this role will make decisions on behalf of the department.
• Collaborates with the marketing team to create a marketing plan for all youth conservation programs.
• Oversees scheduling of programs and staff, ordering materials, preparing and maintaining facilities and vehicles related to education-based programming. 
• Reviews and updates operational procedures for staff and volunteers for programs.
• Remains current with trends and best practices of conservation, education, research and evaluation through literature, professional development and networking with other professionals. 
• Uses proper techniques to confidently handle and present ambassador animals to Zoo guests in an engaging and age-appropriate manner, prioritizing exemplary animal care, health, and well-being. 
• In collaboration with Animal Care teams, develops and facilitates Education and Interpretive staff training for proper ambassador animal handling techniques.
• Encourages and models the core values of the Houston Zoo through leadership, program development and implementation.
• Required to be able to travel outside of the United States with a current and valid passport.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant work experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years in a leadership or management role.
• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Responder certifications.

• Proven experience working in a variety of settings developing, managing, and supervising conservation and education programs

• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse teams and environments while treating everyone with respect.
• Strong leadership skills and experience supervising and developing staff, managing performance, effectively leading teams and communicating expectations.
• Proven confidence in producing and giving presentations to include working proficiently with various technologies and platforms.

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
 
Join Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.