Education Program Coordinator

~ Over the past 40 years, The International Crane Foundation (ICF) has grown from the dream of two college students to a world-renowned conservation effort to save the world’s cranes and the flyways and habitats they frequent. ~

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate for our mission, dedicated to the organization and engaged with their fellow staff and associates. Our campus is located on 200+ acres of rolling prairies with trails. ICF operates a zoo that features all 15 of the world’s cranes. Oh yeah, we also have a nice salary and benefits package, and you can play a critical role in promoting and expanding our mission across the U.S. and 55 countries around the world. Does that sound like you?

Position Overview

Our Education Program Coordinator will support the mission by managing and leading on-site interpretive tours of the crane exhibits; plans, develops and evaluates new and existing interpretive materials and services; manages volunteer naturalist program, and provides general oversight to the ICF volunteer program by creating consistency in training and orientation across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Recruits, supervises, mentors and evaluates Conservation Education Department (CED) interns and volunteer naturalists. Ensures that volunteers and interns represent ICF professionally and incorporate interpretive standards into creative and dynamic guided programs for ICF’s diverse audiences.
• Develops, evaluates and implements interpretive programs for various audiences that support the organization’s mission, such as thematic guided tours, school field trips, VIP groups, on-site special events – as related to the visitor program, formal/informal presentations to enhance the understanding of cranes and threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes.
• Assists with providing daily oversight of the visitor center and gift shop opening/closing procedures, end of day accounting protocols, and supervising seasonal gift shop associates when gift shop manager is not present.
• Coordinates and supervises ICF’s volunteer naturalist program, including organizing annual volunteer experience events.
• Supervises, develops and implements training modules, associated with interpretation, opening/closing the visitor center for staff, interns and volunteer naturalists.
• Coordinates local Wisconsin outreach events; assists with the development of on-site events, as related to the visitor program; and contributes to promoting ICF’s AZA-accredited attraction.
• Provides oversight of ICF’s volunteer program in coordination with Human Resources Director. Assists with matching the needs of ICF departments and programs with the skills, interests and availability of volunteers. Maintains current volunteer contact lists, administrative forms, waivers, personnel needs and reporting duties for funding and audits.
• Collaborates with staff to develop interpretive text for various interpretive media, including exhibit panels, brochures, program descriptions/outlines, video scripts, marketing materials, online resources, etc.
• Coordinates with Facilities staff the daily upkeep of visitor program facilities; opening/closing procedures of visitor program facilities for the season; and conducts emergency training drills with other departments.
• Assists CED staff to develop and implement methods to evaluate naturalist guides, public programming and the overall visitor experience to gauge the effectiveness of ICF’s key educational messages and visitor satisfaction.
• Supports the Visitor Program Manager in maintaining the visitor program and volunteer experience budget.
• Assists the CED, Development, and Marketing and Communications staff to create meaningful, emotional and intellectual connections with visitors, donors and special guests.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Education/Studies, Natural Sciences, Biology, Education or closely related field and no less than two years related environmental and/or education experience.
• Experience developing, leading, evaluating and implementing interpretive programs and products in a science/conservation/natural history based informal education setting.
• Experience leading a diverse workforce including training, mentoring, assigning and directing work, assessing and communicating individuals work performance, and addressing and resolving employee issues.
• Experience utilizing the basic features of Microsoft Word suites; E-mail, Internet and design software (e.g. Corel, Draw, Illustrator or Photoshop).
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including speaking clearly and persuasively to individuals and groups; listening effectively; responding well to questions from the general public.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to effectively draft correspondence and reports in a clear, concise, logical and grammatically-correct manner; and ability to vary writing style to meet the needs of the audience and media.
• Valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to develop new ideas or approaches to engage, educate and inspire a diverse audience.
• Ability to identify problems; collect, organize, and analyze information and make appropriate decisions or recommendations within the defined scope of responsibilities.
• Work as a constructive member of a team, including the free sharing of information and technical expertise as needed.
• Attentive to detail and thoroughness.
• Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; work with integrity and ethically.
• Quickly, effectively and continually adapt to changes in work environment and duties, processes and technologies.

Preferred:

• NAI (National Association for Interpretation) training and certification.
• Experience recruiting, training and hiring employees.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

• The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to type, answer the phone and make phone calls.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Ability to see and read documents and computer screen.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in warm and occasionally wet weather.
• Office environment with a comfortable office climate and limited noise.

To Apply

• Please email your cover letter and resume with "Education Program Coordinator" indicated in the subject line.

~ ICF is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~