Vice President of Learning [Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL]

The Vice President of Education provides the vision, strategic direction and leadership to ensure all programs within the department carries out the Aquarium’s mission and strategic plan, are coordinated and communicated both internally and externally, and meet institutional goals and budgets.  As a member of the Aquarium’s leadership council, the Vice President of Learning contributes to organization-wide planning, goal setting and policy direction.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
• Supervise and support the managers of the department to accomplish departmental and institutional goals.Foster and support staff professional development, job satisfaction, retention and individual growth.
• Act as a creative and entrepreneurial catalyst for the Education Department and the Aquarium, exploring and producing ideas for new education opportunities, partnerships and programs.
• Be an effective and contributing member of the senior management team responsible for institution-wide planning, goal setting and policy direction.Participate on Aquarium-wide teams and collaborate effectively with other Aquarium departments and projects.
• In collaboration with members of the department, develop annual budgets and ensure that income targets are met and expenses are kept within budget.Prepare periodic budget revisions and other financial reports.
• Model effective leadership practices and institutional values, and hold direct reports responsible for doing the same.
• In coordination with other departments, prepare and deliver written and oral grant solicitation to secure funding for educational programs.
• Regularly assess staff performance and the department’s progress in meeting short-term and long-range objectives.
• Represent the Aquarium and its education commitment on a local, state and national level.Cultivate and maintain relationships with the educational community, governmental, conservation, cultural and zoological organization.

Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in education, a natural science or conservation field preferred.

Experience: Seven to ten years of experience in a senior management position at an institution (preferably a not-for-profit), in the education, communications or conservation field.  Experience in a museum or non-profit strategic planning and management.

Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.  Ability to motivate and inspire interdisciplinary teams to accomplish highly creative work.  Strong personal commitment to the Aquarium’s mission and to serving the public.