Assistant Director, Learning Programs Operations
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Chicago, IL, United States
Overview
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John G Shedd Aquarium – Assistant Director, Learning Programs Operations DEPARTMENT:
Learning Programs
REPORTS TO:
Sr. Director, Learning Programs
STATUS:
Full-time, Exempt
SALARY:
$75,000 - $85,000
LOCATION:
Hybrid - Chicago, IL
TIME COMMITMENT:
Must be able to work irregular hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight/off-site programs/events
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Learning Programs Department creates and facilitates equitable and accessible environmental educational experiences that extend beyond standard museum visits, offering participants the chance to engage more deeply with learning opportunities. Our programs cater to diverse groups, including students, educators, teenagers, out-of-school youth, and families. We offer a comprehensive range of programming, including camps, specialized school experiences, professional development for teachers, after-school youth programs, and family-focused engagements. These programs take place across multiple venues—from our facilities at Shedd to community sites, outdoor natural environments, and online digital platforms.
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Learning Programs, this position will work in collaboration to provide leadership and drive educational excellence, advancing the department’s annual operational plan. This role encompasses program planning and implementation guidance, staff and finance management, data and resource oversight, as well as evaluation planning support. This position will be responsible for fostering community partnerships, collaborating with internal teams to advance annual goals, and maximizing opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Annual Plan Management
Demonstrate leadership following Shedd’s mission and values
Provide insights and expertise into the department’s annual and long-term strategy
Execute annual operating plans with a focus on resource optimization, educational excellence, measurable outcomes, and DEAIJ strategies
Ensure the team meets curriculum development and learning standards by contributing expertise and critical review of the programming suite as needed
Ensure annual goals and objectives for the department are being met and communicate progress towards benchmarks and indicators to the director and stakeholders
Support managers in the interview and hiring process
Prepare and contribute to organizational annual planning outputs
Staff Supervision and Development
Provide direct supervision and mentorship to Learning Programs Managers as well as oversight of 25+ museum educators, seasonal interns, volunteers, and community partners
Foster a collaborative culture that empowers staff to contribute meaningfully to organizational success
Collaborate with leadership to identify and monitor professional development opportunities and training programs
Maintain high standards for resource management, annual planning, and program delivery
Financial and Operational Management
Oversee the department’s annual operating budget in conjunction with the annual plan and manage spending with managers
Collaborate with development and finance teams on grant tracking and reporting needs
Monitor budget execution and guide managers in resource allocation
Oversee programmatic operations that support program and partner logistics (waivers, agreements, Tessitura builds, registration launches, website updates, etc.)
Data Management and Evaluation
Partner with the evaluation and research team to implement comprehensive assessment strategies
Use data insights to recommend program improvements in collaboration with managers
Collaborate with internal stakeholders on program and partner data management, tracking, reports, and attendance
Partnership and Collaboration
Develop and maintain relationships with community partners
Build intra- and interdepartmental relationships to maximize collaboration
Collaborate with aquarium-wide teams to ensure learning is integrated across programs
Collaborate with External Affairs and Marketing to support storytelling strategies
Professional Development
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional growth through self-directed learning and training
Model organizational values and mission in all interactions
Engage in continuous dialogue with colleagues to enhance effectiveness
Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s degree in education leadership, science/environmental studies, or a related field.
Experience:
5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and managing educational programming with a DEAIJ lens
3+ years of experience managing diverse teams
Budget and grants management experience
Passion for informal environmental education and knowledge of best practices and innovative approaches
Experience working with students, educators, teens, youth, and/or families in informal or formal settings
Ability to work independently and in teams
Strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication; strong cultural competency
Familiarity with digital and media literacy tools and performance assessments aligned to standards
Ability to use social media tools for learning
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; PowerPoint or Prezi for presentations
Preferred Qualifications:
Bilingual (Spanish/English preferred)
Experience with Chicago-area communities or similar urban settings
Experience with culturally relevant science education practices
Further Comments BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth. Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA options, Vision and Dental Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holidays, Life Insurance, Parental Leave, 401(k), Parking/Subsidies, EAP, Wellness programs, Employee Discounts, and more. Reasonable accommodations available. Email jobs@sheddaquarium.org for accommodations. We encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary $75,000 - $85,000
How to Apply Please apply directly through the job link: https://sheddaquarium.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a23xwy5nru0r/aaam
John G Shedd Aquarium 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.
John G Shedd Aquarium – Assistant Director, Learning Programs Operations DEPARTMENT:
Learning Programs
REPORTS TO:
Sr. Director, Learning Programs
STATUS:
Full-time, Exempt
SALARY:
$75,000 - $85,000
LOCATION:
Hybrid - Chicago, IL
TIME COMMITMENT:
Must be able to work irregular hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight/off-site programs/events
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Learning Programs Department creates and facilitates equitable and accessible environmental educational experiences that extend beyond standard museum visits, offering participants the chance to engage more deeply with learning opportunities. Our programs cater to diverse groups, including students, educators, teenagers, out-of-school youth, and families. We offer a comprehensive range of programming, including camps, specialized school experiences, professional development for teachers, after-school youth programs, and family-focused engagements. These programs take place across multiple venues—from our facilities at Shedd to community sites, outdoor natural environments, and online digital platforms.
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Learning Programs, this position will work in collaboration to provide leadership and drive educational excellence, advancing the department’s annual operational plan. This role encompasses program planning and implementation guidance, staff and finance management, data and resource oversight, as well as evaluation planning support. This position will be responsible for fostering community partnerships, collaborating with internal teams to advance annual goals, and maximizing opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Annual Plan Management
Demonstrate leadership following Shedd’s mission and values
Provide insights and expertise into the department’s annual and long-term strategy
Execute annual operating plans with a focus on resource optimization, educational excellence, measurable outcomes, and DEAIJ strategies
Ensure the team meets curriculum development and learning standards by contributing expertise and critical review of the programming suite as needed
Ensure annual goals and objectives for the department are being met and communicate progress towards benchmarks and indicators to the director and stakeholders
Support managers in the interview and hiring process
Prepare and contribute to organizational annual planning outputs
Staff Supervision and Development
Provide direct supervision and mentorship to Learning Programs Managers as well as oversight of 25+ museum educators, seasonal interns, volunteers, and community partners
Foster a collaborative culture that empowers staff to contribute meaningfully to organizational success
Collaborate with leadership to identify and monitor professional development opportunities and training programs
Maintain high standards for resource management, annual planning, and program delivery
Financial and Operational Management
Oversee the department’s annual operating budget in conjunction with the annual plan and manage spending with managers
Collaborate with development and finance teams on grant tracking and reporting needs
Monitor budget execution and guide managers in resource allocation
Oversee programmatic operations that support program and partner logistics (waivers, agreements, Tessitura builds, registration launches, website updates, etc.)
Data Management and Evaluation
Partner with the evaluation and research team to implement comprehensive assessment strategies
Use data insights to recommend program improvements in collaboration with managers
Collaborate with internal stakeholders on program and partner data management, tracking, reports, and attendance
Partnership and Collaboration
Develop and maintain relationships with community partners
Build intra- and interdepartmental relationships to maximize collaboration
Collaborate with aquarium-wide teams to ensure learning is integrated across programs
Collaborate with External Affairs and Marketing to support storytelling strategies
Professional Development
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional growth through self-directed learning and training
Model organizational values and mission in all interactions
Engage in continuous dialogue with colleagues to enhance effectiveness
Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s degree in education leadership, science/environmental studies, or a related field.
Experience:
5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and managing educational programming with a DEAIJ lens
3+ years of experience managing diverse teams
Budget and grants management experience
Passion for informal environmental education and knowledge of best practices and innovative approaches
Experience working with students, educators, teens, youth, and/or families in informal or formal settings
Ability to work independently and in teams
Strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication; strong cultural competency
Familiarity with digital and media literacy tools and performance assessments aligned to standards
Ability to use social media tools for learning
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; PowerPoint or Prezi for presentations
Preferred Qualifications:
Bilingual (Spanish/English preferred)
Experience with Chicago-area communities or similar urban settings
Experience with culturally relevant science education practices
Further Comments BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth. Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA options, Vision and Dental Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holidays, Life Insurance, Parental Leave, 401(k), Parking/Subsidies, EAP, Wellness programs, Employee Discounts, and more. Reasonable accommodations available. Email jobs@sheddaquarium.org for accommodations. We encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary $75,000 - $85,000
How to Apply Please apply directly through the job link: https://sheddaquarium.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a23xwy5nru0r/aaam
John G Shedd Aquarium 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
#J-18808-Ljbffr