Director of Education and Frick Environmental Center

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is seeking a Director of Education for the Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh, PA. This senior leadership role involves developing and managing educational programs, overseeing a team of educators, and liaising with various stakeholders. Responsibilities include program evaluation, community outreach, and supporting the Frick Environmental Center's sustainable management. The position aims to enhance environmental education for all ages using parks as a platform.
See https://pittsburghparks.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=24
Position Summary:
Operating out of one of the greenest buildings in the world, the Director of Education and the Frick Environmental Center is responsible for the development, management, and implementation of education programs at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) for people of all ages using parks as the primary platform to explore nature in the city. As a senior leadership position, the Director of Education and the Frick Environmental Center helps to represent the PPC and our portfolio of educational programs to the City of Pittsburgh, community groups, non-profits, foundations, donors, and others. The position will liaise with all appropriate schools and school districts, universities, consultants, city departments, and organizations that support educationally related projects while also supporting other community outreach initiatives. Additionally, this position oversees the management of the Frick Environmental Center, the greenest, municipally owned building in the world, and the surrounding Frick Woods.
Position Duties:
Performs under the general supervision of the President and CEO and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
Management and Leadership Responsibilities (40%)
Manage and support a team of educators (currently 8 full-time) and support staff as well as a variety of part-time positions, including contractors and summer camp counselors .Recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate employees for development of a professional and support staff with a high degree of competence, sound judgment, collaboration, and inclusivity.Craft and execute a shared vision that carries forward existing environmental center programming while allowing for growth and supporting the overall strategic goals of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.Communicate regularly with Education team to strategize about program development and performance. Identify areas of potential strategic programmatic growth. Support staff in developing new ideas and competencies through professional growth opportunities.Communicate with facilities managers to ensure ongoing sustainable management, maintenance, and enhancement of the Frick Environmental Center building and campus.As part of the Parks Conservancy’s senior leadership team, help craft and enact organizational strategic goals, budgets, policies, etc.Serve as a liaison to the Education and Frick Environmental Center Committee of the Board of Directors.
Educational Responsibilities: (30%)
Guide the growth and development of The Parks Conservancy’s complete range of educational programming, including school-based offerings, summer camps, public programming, and other events and activities.Evaluate the effectiveness of education programs to reflect best practices and support ongoing improvement.Support the continued growth of educational partnerships with public and private educational partners at every age level.In collaboration with the Community Engagement team, build effective environmental education programming in communities across the city of Pittsburgh, including those in which the PPC may not have prior working relationships.Continue to leverage the LEED Platinum and Living Building Certified Frick Environmental Center to promote environmental sustainability through educational programs, resources, and partnerships.Continue to strengthen and enhance the educational materials and partnerships around environmental justice that currently exist at the Frick Environmental Center.
Philanthropy and Finance Responsibilities: (30%)
Assist with the development of the annual department budget with the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Finance.Strategize with and support the work of the Advancement team in fundraising, including grant identification, proposal development, and reporting for annual need of ~$400,000.Engage with funders and donors to cultivate philanthropic partnership opportunities at local, regional and national levels. Serve as a public face of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Frick Environmental Center to the philanthropic community, partner organizations, and the general public.Seek new opportunities to increase earned revenue at the Frick Environmental Center.
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry)
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in non-profit and/or environmental education field, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory roleDemonstrated success managing a team and working across departments to achieve strategic goalsBachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, environmental education, or related field; equivalent professional experience will also be consideredWorking knowledge of best practices in environmental education, nature interpretation, and allied fieldsStrong commitment to, enthusiasm for, and direct experience working with children and families in outdoor education settingStrong commitment to building relationships in historically underserved communitiesExperience writing and/or managing grants and interacting with the philanthropic communityFirst Aid and CPR certification required (obtained within 6 months of work start)Pennsylvania Child Abuse History and Criminal Record clearances requiredFBI Fingerprint clearances approvedValid PA driver licensePersonal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
The PPC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
How to apply:
Go to https://pittsburghparks.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=24&source=aWQ9MjI%3D&utm_source=nonprofittalent