Executive Director

~ Since its founding in 1988, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Conservancy) has protected nearly 1600 acres of open space as nature preserves on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. ~

Our vision is the creation and management of large blocks of natural open space where visitors may enjoy peaceful solitude, where children and adults can learn about the natural environment, and where locally native plants and animals will exist in a secure environment.

In complement to the land preservation, the Conservancy operates two nature centers and facilitates and delivers educational programming to school groups in the field and the community at large in a variety of settings. We encourage strong community involvement and support by connecting people of all ages with the land through nature walks, innovative environmental education programs, and outdoor stewardship volunteer opportunities.

Position Overview

The Conservancy seeks a personable and experienced Educator Director with proven success at executing a full range of education engagement strategies and programs with an ability to interact with participants of all ages and types in a welcoming and professional manner. The Education Director will be responsible for the management of the educational department including planning, implementing, and measuring and coordinating of educational and environmental programs.

Responsibilities

The Education Director will:

• Work independently and with the education team to accomplish deliverables of sponsored projects such as but not limited to creating education curricula, training programs, developing education technologies, and conducting other outreach to communicate the broader impacts of our education, land preservation, and habitat restoration activities
• Teach during field trips
• Oversee the operations of two nature centers including staff and volunteer coordination
• Develop creative educational programming for the Nature Centers, including guest speakers
• Prepare funding proposals or sections of proposals for education related programs
• Evaluate education programs and write reports as needed
• Provide ongoing training for part-time staff and volunteers who facilitate activities
• Create and sustain partnerships with local and regional community-based organizations with similar goals (urban ecology, garden, and environmental organizations) to leverage services, realize mutual benefits, and expand programming
• Plan, calendar, and budget
• Write articles for newsletters and press releases
• Maintain a climate that attracts, retains and motivates educators and interns
• Outreach to community members through presentations and networking to raise awareness about the educational opportunities the Conservancy offers
• Serve as contact person for teachers and principals when questions arise about ways for schools to provide classroom enrichment opportunities using the preserves

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Education or related field
• Teaching credential a plus
• Proven success with curriculum and program development, assessment and evaluation
• Working knowledge of interpretive techniques and interpretive program planning for various audiences
• Experience in staff management and/or mentoring
• Ability to build professional relationships within the community
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a diverse audience and staff
• Ability to capture the attention of school-age children in an outdoor learning environment
• Knowledge of southern California natural history

Additional Requirements:

• Working Conditions - Office and outdoors (all seasons)
• Physical Requirements - Ability to walk up on uneven terrain, work in a variety of weather conditions and carry moderately heavy loads of 20-30 pounds
• Travel - Willingness and ability to travel, as required. Must possess reliable transportation for visiting properties throughout PVPLC’s service area

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience and skills. Employee benefits include medical, dental and 403b retirement account. Paid vacation and holidays.