Education and Conservation Director

Description

Lion Country Safari is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Education and Conservation Director to lead conservation education programs for students, educators, families, community groups, and guests. This role oversees school and outreach programs, tours, camps, interpretive presentations, educational events, and related revenue-generating activities.

The ideal candidate brings strong education and team leadership experience, a passion for wildlife and conservation, and the ability to create engaging, accurate, and inclusive learning experiences. Working closely with Wildlife, Marketing, Guest Services, Finance, and Operations, the Director ensures programs support Lion Country Safari’s mission and applicable AZA standards.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Education Department’s daily operations and long-term strategy, including the written education plan, annual goals, work plans, and performance measures.
• Develop, deliver, and continuously improve educational programs for students, educators, families, community groups, campers, and general guests, including field trips, outreach, tours, camps, presentations, and special events.
• Create and maintain accurate, engaging, age-appropriate curricula and conservation messaging aligned with relevant education standards and Lion Country Safari’s mission.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using participant feedback, learning outcomes, attendance, engagement, revenue, and other performance measures; use findings to improve quality, accessibility, and impact.
• Recruit, onboard, schedule, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate education employees, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers, fostering teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Partner with the Wildlife Department to ensure ambassador animal programs follow approved animal wellbeing, handling, training, biosecurity, sanitation, safety, and applicable AZA practices.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, educators, community organizations, and other partners; expand outreach opportunities and represent Lion Country Safari at educational and professional events.
• Oversee group reservations, registrations, and customer communications; monitor program participation, revenue, expenses, and trends, and recommend pricing and growth strategies.
• Develop and manage the Education Department budget with leadership and Finance; identify potential grants, sponsor ships, and other funding opportunities.
• Serve as the primary organizer for in-house conservation initiatives and maintain relationships with external conservation organizations that partner with Lion Country Safari.
• Collaborate with Marketing and other departments on educational materials and guest experiences; maintain required records and reports for leadership, audits, and AZA accreditation, while following company policies and safety procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental education, biology, conservation, or a related field, with at least three years of education program experience and two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience developing and evaluating educational programs, leading and training staff, and communicating wildlife and conservation information to diverse audiences.
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn relevant scheduling, registration, and data-tracking systems; valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and successful completion of required pre-employment screening.

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree or five or more years of relevant education experience;…