Education Specialist/Lead Scientist

Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people of all ages experience the science and spirit of the Great Lakes through hands-on, experiential learning activities aboard a traditionally rigged tall ship schooner. The knowledge gained through these experiences will provide the education, understanding and commitment needed for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes.

ISEA was established in 1989 to provide aquatic science, environmental awareness and sail training classes for learners of all ages. Classes are conducted aboard tall ships to complement traditional classroom. For more information about Inland Seas Education Association, please visit our website.

Position Overview

This individual has the leadership responsibility for development, implementation and oversight of the Great Lakes education programs of the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA). This role will be expected to design, secure and oversee research grants for ISEA integrating the concepts of Citizen Science whenever possible.

The Education Specialist will also be responsible for designing shipboard and shore-side programming in line with active Great Lakes research projects including program evaluation. The position also ensures staff and volunteers are trained to carry out their responsibilities to provide quality education on board each vessel and shore-side. This position will also be responsible for Deckhand responsibilities as needed.

This position is within the Education Program, secondary grade level and is exempt. The position will be responsible for the science and education interns and AmeriCorps Vista service volunteer, and reports to the Executive Director. 

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Planning: 

• Ensures education program alignment with strategic plan
• Develops business plans for the educational programs that include goals, objectives, audience, marketing, budgets and funding
• With other staff, develops and implements marketing strategies for education programs, including relationship building with client organizations, government agencies, partner organizations and news media.

Education and Ship Operations:  

• Develops and oversees year-round education programs on ISEA vessels and Education Center as well as nearby off-site resources. including streams, wetlands, beaches, urban and rural watersheds.
• Works as a member of the ISEA team to lead and coordinate Volunteer Training.
• Develops joint programs with units of government, tribes, educational institutions, corporations and non-profit organizations.
• Works as a member of the ISEA team to monitor the equipment and supplies needed for education programs, including inventory, acquisition, maintenance and repair.
• Serves as Deckhand when aboard as Lead Instructor.
• As a member of the ISEA team, supervises student interns, AmeriCorps Vista and volunteers.
• Creates new educational opportunities in the Inland Seas Education Center, including exhibits and programs.
• Maintains the high quality of educational programs and prepares the annual Program Evaluation Report.

Relationship Management:  

• Builds and maintains relationships with school districts bringing ISEA into the educational arena as experts regarding the ecology of the Great Lakes.
• Builds a network of scientific experts to bring in new knowledge and provide a resource for program development.
• Creates an open communication environment with staff, volunteers and students to support the ISEA education objectives and corporate culture
• Nurtures relationships with volunteers and donors to foster the mission of ISEA.

Industry Knowledge and Networks: 

• Attends scientific meetings to gain new information and report on ISEA activities.
• Keeps up to date with Great Lakes scientific and popular literature.

Communications:

• Prepares operational reports, proposals, grant updates and news releases
• Serves as ISEA Lead Scientist representative and presenter at conferences and meetings
• Develops content for ISEA website and newsletter.

Leadership: 

• Serves as an ambassador to the community and donors to educate and promote the organization.
• Builds the organizational culture that will attract, retain and motivate a diverse staff of quality employees and volunteers.
• Provides regular performance feedback to supervisor according to established performance objectives
• Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust, provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates
• Recruits and trains new volunteer instructors.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. 

Secondary Responsibilities: 

• Supports other ISEA events and initiatives. 

Qualifications

Education and Needed Skills: 

• College Degree - Master's in Science, education or environment related field
• Strong knowledge of Great Lakes related science and environmental issues
• Experience in museum, science center, or outdoor curriculum development and implementation
• 3+ years experience teaching youth and adults, with experiential science education emphasis
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal
• Strong analytical skills
• 2+ years leadership experience
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to lift equipment of 40 pounds and haul lines
• Ability to travel 1 - 10 days at a time
• Ability to work weekend and evenings as needed
• Ability to work in turbulent waters and challenging weather conditions 

Preferred Skills: 

• Understanding of the concept of Citizen Science
• Experience aboard education, research or sail-training vessels
• Classroom teaching experience 

Compensation: Annual salary is $45,000.

Benefits Include:  

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Partial salary match retirement account
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Paid bereavement days 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your credentials to Fred Sitkins, Executive Director, or, mail to:

Inland Seas Education Association
100 Dame St
PO Box 218
Suttons Bay MI 49682-0218

Note: Applications will be accepted until the end of the day April 11, 2014.