Education Manager

Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112, USA

The Education Manager of Special Events & Public Programs serves as an ambassador of the Memphis Zoo through engaging educational experiences, special events, and public programming. Duties include designing and leading programs, participating in off‑site outreaches, supporting daily education and interpretive programs, engaging with guests, and overseeing part‑time Zoo Educators. This position works cooperatively with the Education Department, Zoo team members, volunteers, and interns to ensure exceptional guest service while upholding Zoo policies.

This Manager position will be primarily responsible for our After‑Dark programming, adult and general audience programming, Scout programming, and all other weekend programming such as birthday parties, workshops, tabling events, as well as additional public programming. All Managers contribute to our seasonal events and to any education programming as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensure the staffing needs of the education department are maintained by hiring, training, and supervising the part‑time educators.
• This position will oversee the hiring, timecard management, annual reviews (where applicable), etc. of those staff members.
• Research, develop, and present educational programs to school classes, scout groups, camps, and other groups (live, in person, on air, virtually, or pre‑recorded).
• Provide unique, interactive, and educational experiences for program participants and Zoo guests.
• Ensure safety of guests, animals, and staff through practicing professional classroom, camp, tour, informal programming, and nature exploration management.
• Provides excellent service to guests, program participants, and team members/volunteers.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with personnel from outside organizations and facilities as well as internal Memphis Zoo teams and leaders.
• Assists with tours, events, promotional activities, etc. as needed.
• Helps ensure that the Education Department functions smoothly and productively; tasks include preparing, organizing, cleaning, inventory, and maintaining equipment, facilities, and supplies.
• Maintain laboratory safety and compliance while performing dissections or other hands‑on experiments.
• Handle animals and facilitate educational animal encounters.
• Maintain records, reports, budgets, and program data.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Zoo's Special Events education portfolio, including After‑Dark programs, adult programs, Scout programs, birthday parties, workshops, tabling events, and other public education experiences.
• Oversee the coordination, staffing, and operational logistics for evening, weekend, and seasonal education programs.
• Develop new educational experiences and revenue‑generating programs that support the Zoo's mission and enhance the guest experience.
• Coordinate annual program calendars and staffing plans to ensure successful delivery of assigned programs throughout the year.
• Evaluate program participation, guest feedback, and operational outcomes to identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education, biology, zoology or related field.
• 5 years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job.
• Possesses expertise in overseeing, guiding, or supervising professionals.

Preferred

Education and Experience:

• Have or working towards Interpretive Guide Certification.
• Previous experience in working in professional childcare, educational, entertainment or hospitality organization.
• Previous experience handling and caring for exotic animals.
• Competency with basic graphic design and video editing.
• Recordkeeping, reporting, and data management.
• Stress management/composure.
• Guest experience excellence.
• Relationship building.
• Leadership and staff development.
• Program innovation.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Operational planning and organization.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has up to 15 direct reports.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Curator of Education.

Position Type/Expected…