Education Program Director

Education Program Director July 2024

Position Summary:
Ojai Raptor Center is seeking an Education Program Director to oversee the development, expansion, management, and implementation of ORC’s Education Programs under the direct supervision of the ORC Executive Director. The Education Program Director will manage and oversee Education Program staff, including facilitating training for staff, volunteers, and Ojai Raptor Center’s birds of prey. This position will require strong leadership skills and the ability to promote and build cohesiveness among teams.
This role is crucial in promoting the mission of our organization:
Mission:
• The rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife
• Participating in scientific discoveries that improve the standards of care for wildlife undergoing rehabilitation, and
• Educating and inspiring the community to become stewards of our environment

Vision: We envision a world where communities are inspired to be stewards of the environment and coexist peacefully with healthy native wildlife populations.

The director will lead and support ORC staff and volunteers to pursue the highest quality care for our non-releasable raptors and develop and administer impactful and inspiring educational programming while fostering a positive, enthusiastic, and sustainable work environment. This position requires strong project management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to set up and maintain efficient systems. Candidates must have advanced knowledge of and experience with:
• Environmental and wildlife Education
• Avian biology and behavior
• Leadership and project management
• Building and managing cohesive teams
• Avian training and welfare
• Administrative management and organizational development

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Raptor Husbandry and Training
• Oversee and collaborate on the healthcare, husbandry, and training protocols of ambassador birds while maintaining a high level of attention to animal welfare and operant conditioning.
• Work with staff and volunteers to create and maintain schedules regarding feeding, cleaning, and facilities maintenance.
• Oversee and maintain collection planning in line with ORC’s collection statement and IAATE standards.
• Develop and assess collection planning evaluation.

Wildlife Education Programming
• Oversee education programming to meet the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the organization.
• Oversee program formation for schools, community groups, and the general public.
• Develop program organization, auditing, and yearly evaluation.
• Assist in fundraising efforts and grant applications to support the educational programs.
• Assess and optimize staff and volunteer time in regard to educational programming and outreach.
• In collaboration with other staff, prepare educational materials such as brochures, informational videos, and website and social media content.

Administrative Management and Organization Development
• Oversee, assess, and develop key roles of staff and volunteers in both husbandry, training, and education programming.
• Create internal structure, policy, and protocols across the program.
• Develop and oversee volunteer program.
• Work with the Executive Director and Director of Development and Fundraising to create program budgets and assist with key fundraising goals and education-related grants.
• Assist the Executive Director in processing all necessary reports and permits related to the education program.
• Serve as the executive director's thought partner, assisting in developing and growing the Education Programs and the overall organization.
• Maintain standards that are in line with all state and federal guidelines.
• Build and maintain relationships with other educators and agencies, including but not limited to CDFW, USFWS, USDA, NWRA, IWRC, IAATE, and CCWR.
• Report to the board of directors as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Qualifications and Experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in captive raptor management using operant conditioning/positive reinforcement training methods.
• Advanced knowledge of hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, and eagles; their natural history, biology, conservation, medical care, training, enrichment, and diets.
• 2-3 years of experience managing 2-4 direct reports, including regular meetings with strong and organized agendas.
• Experience creating and maintaining a volunteer program.
• Experience in collection planning.
• Must be detail oriented, have high project management and multi-tasking skills.
• Be able to provide strong leadership/team management, support, mentorship and training to key staff and volunteers.
• Foster a positive work environment that revolves around respectful and clear communication.
• Be able to give and receive feedback in the spirit of growth and progress.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demeanor when representing ORC.
• Have excellent public speaking skills and create a deep fluency to communicate ORC’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

EDUCATION
Educational Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, wildlife science, or a related discipline is required. An advanced degree in a related field is desirable.
• International Avian Trainers Certification Board preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements
• Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and speak for up to an hour.
• Must be able to operate motor vehicles.

Schedule Requirements
• Flexible work hours, and ability to work some weekends and special events.
• Comfortable working long hours outdoors.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation and Benefits
• Salaried/exempt position. 70-80k commensurate with experience.
• Health benefits, retirement, vacation, and sick time.

Note: All applicants must pass a background check and have Covid vaccines.
This is a general job description and may be subject to changes based on the specific needs of the organization. The Education and Training Director is expected to adhere to all organization policies and to act as a role model within and outside the organization.

To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, CV, and three reference letters to Executive Director Kimberly Stroud- kim@ojairaptorcenter.org