Director of Learning Programs

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to:

Tiffany Tuckett
Manager, Human Resources
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

jobs@sheddaquarium.org
Fax: 312-663-0971

Based on Shedd Aquarium’s commitment to the environment, electronic versions of resumes are preferred.

Status: Full-time, regular
Department: Learning Programs
FLSA Status: Exempt

General Description:
The director sets the direction for the Learning Programs department and its function within the Learning Group. The director uses current research in the areas of learning science in informal environments, place-based education, conservation psychology and behavior change and learning online (among others) to broadly inform program design and implementation. The director ensures the department’s programs are developed and executed in alignment with Shedd’s learning framework, business goals and objectives, and institutional priorities. The director must also ensure that department staff have the training, support and guidance needed to facilitate learner-centered instruction at Shedd, in the field and online. The position directly supervises an assistant director, manager of digital learning and an early learning specialist, overseeing a total team of 16.

Job Requirements:
Strategic Leadership
SET the direction for the department using research-based practices to meet learning outcomes and business objectives

PLAN, execute and monitor strategic projects

DEVELOP near-term and annual department goals, objectives and deliverables

DEVELOP dynamic communications tools that convey learner stories and outcomes for multiple target audiences

OVERSEE the early-science-learning program, including staff supervision and partner-relationship management, as well participate in program development and execution, as needed

BUILD new and strengthen existing partnerships with organizations regionally, nationally and internationally, especially related to after-school and out-of-school programming, field programs and citizen science

PARTCIPATE in institutional risk-management planning

Team Development and Management
DEVELOP and implement workflows appropriate for a high-performing team

SUPERVISE assistant director, digital learning manager and early-learning specialist, including coaching them to develop their skills and identify professional growth opportunities

COACH and train Learning Programs staff to prepare and support them in implementing learner-centered teaching strategies

MAINTAIN and grow an environment that empowers staff to contribute to a culture of collaboration and accountability

ALIGN individual and organizational performance

Fiscal Management
DEVELOP department’s annual plan and operating budget with vice president

MONITOR fiscal reports, conduct monthly cost-savings reviews and communicate fiscal status updates to Operations Management Team and vice president

EXECUTE approval processes for finance and accounting procedures

MEET with funders and donors. Participate in the creation of grant proposals and reports.

Professional Development
DEMONSTRATE a commitment to professional and personal growth by initiating dialogue with colleagues, engaging in self-directed learning and focusing on professional development goals

Team Participation
PARTICIPATE in aquarium-wide and interdepartmental teams, projects, or meetings as needed

Other
FULFILL other duties as required

Position Specifications:
• Master’s degree in education, not-for-profit, or organizational management, organizational psychology, museum studies or a related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum five years acting in a management role, including budget responsibility and direct supervision of staff
• Minimum five years facilitating education programs in an informal setting
• Demonstrated experience thinking creatively, working creatively with others and implementing innovations
• Demonstrated experience in critical thinking, including systems thinking and problem solving
• Demonstrated experience with financial and grants management
• Positive attitude and familiarity with new and emerging learning technologies
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Must be able to work irregular hours including occasional evenings, weekends and overnight programs/events
• Driver’s license

Preferred:
• Experience with MS Project, Basecamp, Management Reporter and other business software tools
• Experience with marketing, including brand management
• Personal vehicle and auto insurance to drive to/from program sites or meeting locations