Duties: The Director of Education is a full-time professional staff member supporting a variety of activities of the HNHS/Penn Dixie, but focusing primarily on development and implementation of educational programs at the Penn Dixie Site in Hamburg, NY, and at schools within Western New York. The Director of Education will work closely with the Executive Director and be supported by part-time staff and volunteers. The major goal of this position is to expand the number and scope of the natural science programs. This position will involve weekends and some evening events.
Specific responsibilities:
- Schedule and lead interpretive tours of the Penn Dixie Site (20%)
- Develop new and exciting hands-on activities for Penn Dixie visitors
- Engage in off-site programming such as science nights and school presentations
- Present Penn Dixie materials at community events
- Hire and schedule summer staffing for educational programming including summer camps
- Communicate regularly with area teachers and collaborators at other nonprofits
- Supervise interns and coordinate large group of volunteers
- Supervise site activities and facilities
- Support fundraising activities
- Perform office work such as membership database management, sending mailings, fulfilling online orders, and correspondence with members and the public
Essential requirements:
- Friendly, positive attitude towards the public and willingness to work through challenges, both foreseen and unforeseen
- BS or BA in a natural science field, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Ecology, Astronomy, Physics, etc. Candidates with a degree in education or another field will be considered if experiences demonstrate aptitude for teaching science.
- Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel); mail merge knowledge preferred
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle confidential information
- Capable of working independently and in teams
- Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills
- Access to a vehicle and a safe driving record for reimbursed travel to off-site programs
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
Work environment:
- Spring, summer and fall: outdoor setting (80%) with light office work (20%)
- Winter: general office environment with significant computer and phone work
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending with occasional lift of light (10 lbs) loads
To apply, send resume and cover letter to Phil Stokes at phil@penndixie.org. Applications accepted until 12/30/16; anticipated start date 2/1/2017 or sooner.