Education Programs Specialist, KKO

About the role

The Education and Engagement Specialist is responsible for coordinating and delivering engaging marine science education programs for diverse audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners. This position uses best-practice instructional approaches to create meaningful learning experiences while providing excellent customer service and ensuring a consistently safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all participants.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging marine science education programs for audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners, using best-practice instructional approaches and age-appropriate learning strategies.
  • Coordinate and manage program logistics, including scheduling activities, preparing materials and supplies, setting up learning spaces, maintaining participant documentation, and tracking and recording program data.
  • Provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for students, educators, volunteers, staff, and other program participants.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with teams across the Center, as well as external stakeholders, including teachers, community members, and partner organizations.
  • Respond to program inquiries and participant needs with timely, accurate, and professional communication, escalating questions or concerns to management as appropriate.
  • Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to support the well-being of education participants, volunteers, and staff.
  • Document and communicate incidents, concerns, or program issues to management in a timely and effective manner.
• Coordinate and support community outreach and engagement activities for diverse audiences, including youth, community groups, educational institutions, and partners.
  • Plan, facilitate, and conduct youth site visits, presentations, and educational experiences that promote understanding of the organization's mission, programs, and impact.
  • Develop, cultivate, and maintain positive relationships with community partners and collaborators to strengthen engagement and advance organizational goals.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable and professional ambassador for the program at community events and outreach opportunities.
• Identify program gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for improvement, and recommend and support the development of responsive updates to curriculum, resources, and program delivery based on current environmental and wildlife issues, audience needs, and the Center’s priorities.
  • Apply innovative teaching strategies and integrate technology and supporting resources to enhance participant learning and engagement.
  • Implement program monitoring and evaluation protocols to assess effectiveness, outcomes, participant experience, and overall program impact.
  • Contribute program content, data, and insights to support grant proposals, reports, donor communications, and other organizational needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, or related field; and 3 years of experience working with school groups, participating in program design, and leading tours of programs.
• A background in environmental education, natural sciences, or school environmental experience are all highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain clearance via livescan fingerprinting for U.S. Department of Justice to work directly with students.
• A valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability (must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required for this position).

Supervisory Responsibility