Join in the collaboration efforts to develop and implement School and Group Programs!

Since Brookfield Zoo opened its doors to the public in 1934, the Chicago Zoological Society has had a legacy of educating the public about environmental conservation. Brookfield Zoo has developed many tools to assist educators in sharing information about animals, science, and caring - the things that form the basis of conservation at the zoo and in the wild. We encourage educators to use the information gathered by the zoo to share concepts about data gathering and scientific research, and to use the zoo's charismatic animals to help inspire excitement for learning. The Conservation, Education and Training (CET) staff at Brookfield Zoo works closely with groups and teachers to integrate School and Groups Programs in accordance with its Strategic Plan. This position is responsible for identifying and collaborating with community partners and schools, coordinating with other Conservation, Education, and Training ("CET") programs and staff, contributing to program development, assisting with budgets, grants, and instruction.

As the School Programs Coordinator, you will work closely with the Manager of School, Groups, and Teacher Programs, to integrate and align Connections, Levels of Engagement, and other grant programs to further the Society's mission and Strategic Plan goals. This includes assisting with the procurement of grants as well as managing the annual budget and monthly budget re-forecasting for grants. Utilizing your knowledge of general education principles, you will assist with establishing and meeting programmatic goals and outcomes, participation, alignment with mission, and learning including evaluating Connections and grant programs. You will make use of your strong interpersonal skills to maintain relationships with grant participants; establish partner schools within grant expectations and limitations; and respond to questions and concerns from grant participants and cooperating institutions. As School Programs Coordinator, you will attend and supervise all grant events; align educational outcomes for all programs with those of CET unit; and, ensure Connections programs are aligned with the Chicago Zoological Society's learning strategies. Making use of your flexibility to adopt innovative teaching approaches, you will teach Connections classes as needed; identify new areas to integrate participants with other CET unit programs; and, provide training for instructors and interns concerning Chicago Zoological Society's Learning Strategies, participatory learning, delivery of materials, and available resources. Drawing upon your prior supervisory experience, you will supervise assigned staff including volunteers and make recommendations for hiring, promotions, termination, schedule job assignments, and conduct evaluations. You will utilize your excellent organizational skills to assist with the development of the Connections catalog and marketing materials and to work with the Manager of School, Groups, and Teacher Programs, in conjunction with Development staff to communicate and promote Connections and grant programs, plan and report progress to Trustees, Women's Board, and Governing Members. Making use of your computer proficiency, you will maintain databases and files for grant programs and as requested, prepare reports on relevant programs.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include:

• B.A/B.S. degree in education, interpretation, biology or other related fields, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum two years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent written, listening, and verbal skills. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of general education principles and practices. Flexibility to adopt innovative teaching approaches.
• Excellent organization, follow-through, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment periodically.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to work as a member of a team, as well as independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required forout-of-state residents.

The desirable/preferred qualifications include:

• Master's degree in education preferred.
• Prior budget experience desirable.
  
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.