Education Director

~ The Ecology Center is a Michigan-based nonprofit environmental organization that works at the local, state, and national levels for clean production, healthy communities, environmental justice, and a sustainable future. ~

Founded in 1970, the Ecology Center has developed many of the most innovative environmental programs in Michigan and the Midwest. We employ market campaigns, policy initiatives, educational programs, technical assistance, and community organizing to address our top priorities - Environmental Health, Climate & Energy, Sustainable Local Communities, and Green Business. 

Position Overview

The Ecology Center (EC) seeks an experienced and motivated educator to lead our organization's youth education programming. This position is based out of the Ecology Center's office in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

This is a part-time salaried position, starting at 25 hours per week. Most work will be Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm, although a few hours of occasional Saturday work is mandatory to assist with monthly Open House events at the MRF recycling plant.  

Responsibilities 

The Education Director will utilize a range of skills to educate and engage learners, aged preschool through adult, about sustainability topics including recycling, composting, and environmental health issues. He or she will also work to further develop the Education Program and seek out exciting new funding opportunities. 

Specific duties will include:

Educational Outreach 

• Deliver established, age-appropriate classroom workshops in Ann Arbor area schools (ages preschool through high school)
• Coordinate all aspects of School Outreach program delivery, including school/teacher correspondence, database management, program scheduling, evaluation, and reporting
• Modify and replace educational programs as needed to keep content up-to-date and to reflect best practices in outreach education
• Assist the MRF Environmental Educator with delivery of educational programs and tours at Ann Arbor's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) recycling plant, on an as-needed basis
• Work one Saturday (half-day) per month to assist with Open House events at the MRF recycling plant 

Other Educational Activities 

• Staff an information table, featuring a kid-friendly activity, at several local events annually
• Serve on the Planning Committee for Ann Arbor's annual Earth Day Festival
• In coordination with the MRF Environmental Educator, write the Education Program's seasonal e-newsletter, as well as other outreach and social media communications as needed 

Program Development 

• Work independently and with the EC Development Team to identify new opportunities and funding sources for extending and expanding our youth education program
• Write content for grant proposals to support the Education Program
• Work with EC Program Staff to develop cross-program outreach opportunities and ways to integrate more youth/public education into EC focus areas and campaigns
• Represent the organization at relevant coalition meetings, conferences, and other events 

General / Administrative 

• Track all activities for reporting, write quarterly and annual reports, and meet with our City of Ann Arbor contract administrator on a quarterly basis
• Hire, mentor, and supervise work-study intern(s) to assist with outreach program implementation
• Fulfill office responsibilities shared by our 18-person staff
• Additional duties as-needed to maintain a thriving education program 

Qualifications

• Must be an outstanding and dynamic educator, comfortable engaging learners of all ages
• Three or more years of experience as an educator in school or non-formal setting(s)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience with grant writing and program development
• Familiarity with development and evaluation practices, such as needs assessments and logic models
• Solid grasp of environmental issues pertaining to sustainability and environmental health
• Well-connected with area schools, educational organizations, and professional societies a plus
• Proficiency in office software, internet and social media
• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a related field. Master's degree, teacher certification, or other advanced preparation strongly preferred 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. This part-time position includes a full benefits package (health and dental insurance and paid vacation).

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to send resume, cover letter, and any salary requirements. Type "Education Director" in the email subject.
• Applications accepted until Friday, April 25, 2014, or until position is filled.
• Only selected applicants will be contacted and invited for interview. 

~ The Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer ~