INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Director of Education

REPORTS TO: Executive Director                                     

SUPERVISES: Education and Creekside Forest School Teams

HOURS OF POSITION: Generally weekdays with some evenings and weekends, as needed

STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

REMOTE ELIGIBLE: Up to 25% of time can be worked off-site

DATE REVISED: April 2024

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Education serves as a key member of the Indian Creek Nature Center leadership team. Working collaboratively with all team members, this person leads the planning, evaluation, and implementation of all aspects of ICNC programming. Serves as the director of Creekside Forest School. Implements programs according to ICNC’s overall strategy and goals for organizational mission achievement. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides overall organization and program leadership acting as a key member of the staff leadership team.
• In accordance with ICNC’s strategic plan, leads all aspects of ICNC educational programming. Delegates and coaches employees and volunteers to achieve their full potential. Ensures diverse audiences can access relevant programming.
• Leads and implements the Creekside Forest School. Ensures that all aspects of the program are of high quality and that students are prepared for kindergarten.
• Hires, trains, and evaluates assigned staff. Assigns, manages, and leads staff to achieve overall organization goals. Conducts performance reviews, coaching, and appropriately supervises assigned staff.
• Develops curriculum using sound research, best practices, and innovation. Evaluates and reviews programs using a variety of tools. In a timely manner implements appropriate changes and adjustments based upon the evaluations.
• Develops, manages, and reviews budgets for all assigned areas. Meets targets for both income and expenses.
• Ensures appropriate training for staff, volunteers, and other appropriate personnel in the ability to teach curriculum and programs, as well as how to work with a varied group of people.
• Maintains current knowledge of development in areas of responsibility. Participates in state, local, and national organizations, conferences, and workshops as appropriate.
• Assists in writing grants and securing funding for programs, as needed.
• Attends board meetings and committee meetings as required.
• Other related assignments as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:  Belief in the Nature Center’s mission and a healthy appreciation for the outdoors.  Represents ICNC in the most positive manner with all people, both personally and professionally. Personnel supervisory experience including, hiring, training, coaching, and evaluation. Program development and evaluation skills, including critical and analytical thinking, creativity, and program development based upon community needs and desires. Budget management experience and strong communication skills, including written, oral, and electronic communications required. Direct teaching experience preferred. 

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Position involves sitting and standing in an office setting (67-100%) and working in an outdoor environment in varied weather conditions (34-66%).  Frequent (34-66%) walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing and pulling.  Constant (67-100%) reaching, standing, grasping, finger dexterity.  Frequent (34-66%) talking and listening to people in person or over the telephone.  Viewing computer screens and other types of close visual work constantly (67-100%).  Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds occasionally (10-33%).  May occasionally (10-33%) be required to travel off-site to complete duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred; in related fields (education, teaching, leadership/management, social sciences, or science), plus five years work experience in environmental or early childhood education. Minimum two years personnel supervisory experience. In lieu of degrees, high school diploma or GED required, plus eight years experience in child care center, child development, or education setting. 

Must be approved by the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services as a Center Director, which includes state and federal background screenings and a physical exam. 

Must have a valid Iowa driver’s license and provide proof of coverage and maintain personal automobile insurance coverage, including liability. ICNC conducts pre-employment background screenings prior to hire. Decisions regarding prospective employment shall be made on an individual basis considering all of the circumstances. Prior criminal histories, convictions, or incarcerations do not automatically disqualify a candidate.

COMPENSATION: Starting compensation range is $60,000 – $75,000 based upon experience. Full package of benefits, including group medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, life insurance, accidental death & disability insurance, and flexible and trust-based time off policy. 

To apply send a resume and cover letter to jobs@indiancreeknaturecenter.org