University of Minnesota
Ed Pro 5-Ed Ops/Admin - Education Director
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Overview
Background: Public outreach is one of the four core pillars of TRC's mission. Each year, the education department engages approximately 100,000 individuals, with a strong focus on K-12 audiences. Through this work, we offer Minnesota's diverse communities a window into the world of raptors, the challenges they encounter, and how to support their survival and habitats. These goals are accomplished through onsite and offsite outreach programs designed to educate, inspire, and captivate the public. Position Description: We are seeking an adaptive, forward-thinking leader who thrives on developing people, programs, and partnerships—and who recognizes the power of ambassador animals to elevate environmental education and deepen public engagement. The Education Director serves as a vital leader within The Raptor Center (TRC), providing strategic direction, oversight, and guidance for the education department and its core programs. This role shapes and strengthens high-impact programming and partnerships that engage diverse audiences. The Education Director will lead the development and execution of the department's educational strategy and oversee all administrative functions, supervising a team of 5-6 full-time staff (including education naturalists and a curator of ambassador raptors), part-time staff, and 30-40 volunteers. This position reports to TRC's Interim Executive Director. Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Responsibilities
Department leadership and operations (55%) Serve on the TRC leadership team Collaborate with internal and external partners to create and implement short-term and long-term strategic vision for the education department Supervise staff, including directing activities, scheduling, mentoring, performance management, and hiring Manage complex staff and outreach program scheduling Work with TRC leadership to manage the education department budget and administrative functions Modify practices and procedures to improve department efficiency and quality Partnership and education program development and implementation (35%) Lead education partnership development and network expansion with internal and external stakeholders, including K-12 educators Lead planning, development, and implementation of educational programming and curriculum for onsite and offsite programming Oversee management and implementation of medium-sized grant-funded program initiatives and identify new opportunities Professional Trainings (5%) Lead the team in developing, maintaining, and implementing instructional programs, professional workshops, and online trainings on the care and management of ambassador raptors Other duties as assigned (5%) The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Qualifications
Minimum: BA/BS in a relevant field with a minimum of 6 years post-degree experience leading and supervising education teams, or advanced degree with 4 years' experience Experience working with volunteers Experience in planning, leading, and coordinating environmental education Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to create reports and presentations Preferred: Experience in developing sustainable partnerships with internal and external partners Experience in grant writing and management Knowledge of raptor behavior, ecology, or related field Note:
To be considered, please ensure your resume clearly states examples of how you meet each minimum/required qualification. Please also provide a cover letter explaining why you believe environmental education is important and the role ambassador animals can play. About the Department
Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is a hospital for ill and injured raptors, caring for over 1,000 birds annually. TRC trains students and professionals to become leaders in raptor medicine and conservation, and maintains a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. The education team uses ambassador birds and innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through onsite, offsite, and virtual programming, supported by more than 300 volunteers. Pay and Benefits
Pay Range:
$63,453.00 - $72,000.00, depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment Category:
75%-100% Appointment (If not specified in the description, assume 100%.) Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Regents Tuition Benefit Program for ongoing learning Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Flexible spending accounts and University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contributions Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight free counseling sessions Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Attach a cover letter and resume, and you may upload additional documents after application in the My Job Applications section. For accommodation requests, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity
The University values diversity and inclusion and is committed to equal access and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Prospective employees are presumed eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
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Background: Public outreach is one of the four core pillars of TRC's mission. Each year, the education department engages approximately 100,000 individuals, with a strong focus on K-12 audiences. Through this work, we offer Minnesota's diverse communities a window into the world of raptors, the challenges they encounter, and how to support their survival and habitats. These goals are accomplished through onsite and offsite outreach programs designed to educate, inspire, and captivate the public. Position Description: We are seeking an adaptive, forward-thinking leader who thrives on developing people, programs, and partnerships—and who recognizes the power of ambassador animals to elevate environmental education and deepen public engagement. The Education Director serves as a vital leader within The Raptor Center (TRC), providing strategic direction, oversight, and guidance for the education department and its core programs. This role shapes and strengthens high-impact programming and partnerships that engage diverse audiences. The Education Director will lead the development and execution of the department's educational strategy and oversee all administrative functions, supervising a team of 5-6 full-time staff (including education naturalists and a curator of ambassador raptors), part-time staff, and 30-40 volunteers. This position reports to TRC's Interim Executive Director. Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Responsibilities
Department leadership and operations (55%) Serve on the TRC leadership team Collaborate with internal and external partners to create and implement short-term and long-term strategic vision for the education department Supervise staff, including directing activities, scheduling, mentoring, performance management, and hiring Manage complex staff and outreach program scheduling Work with TRC leadership to manage the education department budget and administrative functions Modify practices and procedures to improve department efficiency and quality Partnership and education program development and implementation (35%) Lead education partnership development and network expansion with internal and external stakeholders, including K-12 educators Lead planning, development, and implementation of educational programming and curriculum for onsite and offsite programming Oversee management and implementation of medium-sized grant-funded program initiatives and identify new opportunities Professional Trainings (5%) Lead the team in developing, maintaining, and implementing instructional programs, professional workshops, and online trainings on the care and management of ambassador raptors Other duties as assigned (5%) The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Qualifications
Minimum: BA/BS in a relevant field with a minimum of 6 years post-degree experience leading and supervising education teams, or advanced degree with 4 years' experience Experience working with volunteers Experience in planning, leading, and coordinating environmental education Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to create reports and presentations Preferred: Experience in developing sustainable partnerships with internal and external partners Experience in grant writing and management Knowledge of raptor behavior, ecology, or related field Note:
To be considered, please ensure your resume clearly states examples of how you meet each minimum/required qualification. Please also provide a cover letter explaining why you believe environmental education is important and the role ambassador animals can play. About the Department
Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is a hospital for ill and injured raptors, caring for over 1,000 birds annually. TRC trains students and professionals to become leaders in raptor medicine and conservation, and maintains a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. The education team uses ambassador birds and innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through onsite, offsite, and virtual programming, supported by more than 300 volunteers. Pay and Benefits
Pay Range:
$63,453.00 - $72,000.00, depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment Category:
75%-100% Appointment (If not specified in the description, assume 100%.) Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Regents Tuition Benefit Program for ongoing learning Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Flexible spending accounts and University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contributions Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight free counseling sessions Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Attach a cover letter and resume, and you may upload additional documents after application in the My Job Applications section. For accommodation requests, email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity
The University values diversity and inclusion and is committed to equal access and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Prospective employees are presumed eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
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