Lead Specialist, Cultural Services; Education & Engagement

Lead Specialist, Cultural Services (Education & Engagement)

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POSITION TITLE: Lead Specialist, Cultural Services (Education & Engagement) (Full-Time Regular) (Classified)

REQUISITION #: req
8265

DEPARTMENT: Cultural Services

LOCATION: GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK

BENEFIT CATEGORY: Classified (Non-CBU)

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Regular

ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $67,061. (Salaries are paid biweekly)

ANNUAL ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $76,000. (Salaries are paid biweekly)

SELECTION PROCESS: Final date to receive applications is 3:00 p.m. MT on 1/5/2026
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The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer.
We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment.
You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application.
Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager.
You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews.
Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile.
Post-offer background check required
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While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.

• Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, children) – eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
• Retirement + company contributions – after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting
• Flexible spending:
  Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
• Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Wellness program, workout facilities
• Employee/family onsite health clinic
• Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility
• Collaborative work environment

The Lead Specialist provides strategic leadership for The Gardens on Spring Creek's education and community engagement initiatives. This role supervises a diverse team while developing and implementing innovative programming that includes:

• Adult, teen, and youth education
• Public programs and outreach
• Community gardens and equity initiatives

This position distinguishes itself through its comprehensive focus on education programming in informal learning environments, directing curriculum creation, evaluation, and program development for all age groups. The Lead Specialist coordinates adult education programming including classes, tours, and special events specific to botanical and horticultural education, while developing environmental education initiatives that align with The Gardens' mission to foster environmental stewardship.

Community engagement and equity are central to this position's impact. The Lead Specialist leads targeted programs including the Native American Community Garden and manages the Gardens for All Access Program to ensure equitable participation across diverse communities. Additionally, the position supervises full-time, part-time, seasonal staff, and interns while fostering a culture rooted in empathy, integrity, respect, and inclusion.

This role requires a strategic, creative leader with advanced understanding of education programming in non-traditional learning spaces, passion for advancing equity and inclusion in public gardens, and proven ability to develop meaningful community partnerships while staying current with trends in environmental education and community engagement best practices.

The Gardens on Spring Creek is one of Fort Collins’ premier cultural organizations. A botanical oasis in the heart of the city, The Gardens features carefully curated spaces that provide an escape for healing and retreat, rich educational opportunities, an annual concert series, and family-friendly public events. The mission of The Gardens is to enrich the lives of…