Education Programs Specialist, KKO

Education and Engagement Specialist, KKO

Location of Position:
Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

Reports to:

Director, Ke Kai Ola

• This is a full-time position.
• Regular onsite work is required.
• The work schedule is generally eight hours per day, Monday through Friday.
• Days and hours of work may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal Center.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required as job duties demand.
• Some local travel is required as job duties demand.

Compensation Range: $30.00 - $34.00/hour

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

The Education and Engagement Specialist is responsible for coordinating and delivering engaging marine science education programs for diverse audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners. This position uses best-practice instructional approaches to create meaningful learning experiences while providing excellent customer service and ensuring a consistently safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all participants. Working collaboratively with teams across The Marine Mammal Center and with external stakeholders, the Education and Engagement Specialist supports the planning, implementation, and ongoing improvement of education and engagement programs.

Key responsibilities include coordinating program logistics and resources, supporting student and educator engagement, assisting with program design and evaluation, implementing evaluation protocols, and maintaining strong relationships with schools, educators, and community partners.

• Deliver engaging marine science education programs for audiences ranging from 4th grade students to adult learners, using best-practice instructional approaches and age-appropriate learning strategies.
• Coordinate and manage program logistics, including scheduling activities, preparing materials and supplies, setting up learning spaces, maintaining participant documentation, and tracking and recording program data.
• Provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive learning environment for students, educators, volunteers, staff, and other program participants.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with teams across the Center, as well as external stakeholders, including teachers, community members, and partner organizations.
• Respond to program inquiries and participant needs with timely, accurate, and professional communication, escalating questions or concerns to management as appropriate.
• Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to support the well-being of education participants, volunteers, and staff.
• Document and communicate incidents, concerns, or program issues to management in a timely and effective manner.

• Coordinate and support community outreach and engagement activities for diverse audiences, including youth, community groups, educational institutions, and partners.
• Plan, facilitate, and conduct youth site visits, presentations, and educational experiences that promote understanding of the organization's mission, programs, and impact.
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain positive relationships with community partners and collaborators to strengthen engagement and advance organizational goals.
• Represent the organization at community events, and outreach opportunities, serving as a knowledgeable and professional ambassador for the program.
• Support the planning and implementation of onsite tours, special events, donor cultivation activities, and other community engagement opportunities.

• Identify program gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for improvement, and recommend and support the development of responsive updates to curriculum, resources, and program delivery based on current environmental and wildlife issues, audience needs, and the Center’s priorities.
• Apply innovative teaching strategies and integrate technology and supporting resources to enhance participant learning and engagement.
• Imp…