Outreach Manager

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Do you have nature education, leadership, and programming experience? Join our team as the Outreach Manager! Great Parks is seeking a qualified professional to oversee the development and daily operation of Great Parks’ Nature Center at The Summit. This will include building strong, collaborative relationships with the surrounding community and providing nature education programs and interpretive events at the center. 

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.

This position directly manages a team of part-time year around nature education staff. Responsible for consistently leading with an integrated approach to promote employee engagement, a positive work environment, and a commitment to the development of others. Prepares and presents inclusive interpretive programs for organized groups.  Connects guests to local natural and cultural history.  Creates educational opportunities shared through various sources such as print, web and kiosks.  Works a variety of evenings, holidays and weekends.

The successful candidate will do the following:

• Builds organizational awareness among staff and develops programming that involves everyone.   Supports open, transparent communication among team members.
• Primarily works offsite utilizing office and programming spaces provided by one or more host organizations.
• Works independently with oversite provided by the Regional Education Manager.
• Develop and establish collaborative relationships with the local community to improve access to outdoor and nature educational programs, events and services. 
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with members of the neighboring community served by the Great Parks host site. Promote accessibility to opportunities presented at the host site. Ensure that services and programs are inclusive engaging and impactful.  
• Directly supervises assigned staff to accomplish educational objectives.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Great Parks’ policies and applicable laws, and delegated authority.  
• Responsibilities include participating in, and making recommendations pertaining to the selection and discipline of employees, and other personnel decisions in coordination with Human Resources Staff.   
• Plans and delegates work assignments, trains employees, provides guidance, resolves work issues, and ensures work complies with Great Parks’ policy and performance standards.
• Reviews and approves timecards.  Manages labor budget. Monitors and assists in developing operating budget and revenue projections for host site.
• Accounts for cash transactions. Complies with all cash handling policies and enforces cash control procedures.
• Reviews and approves invoices and controls expenditures. Prepares purchase requisitions and approves where applicable. Adheres to purchasing card procedures and submits expenditures for supervisor approval.
• Maintains positive working relationships and effective communication with host staff, volunteers and the surrounding community.
• Engages surrounding community and presents inclusive interpretive programs focused on local natural and cultural history, environmental topics and sustainability to diverse groups and individuals.
• Coordinates transportation from a host site to a variety of Great Parks programs, activities and events.  Also coordinates transportation for intern work assignments.
• Conducts research to develop program topics; communicates factual information in an accurate, educational and entertaining manner utilizing experiential learning techniques wherever possible.  
• Engages in professional development to enhance knowledge of interpretive techniques, learning styles, program planning, local flora and fauna, animal care, etc. 
• Transports and handles live animals during presentations; uses various forms of technology to enhance programming; distributes written materials; leads hikes.
• Supervises the humane care of interpretive and display animals to established standards.  Ensures all regulatory requirements are met and written records are maintained.  Ensures the safe interaction of animals with the public.  
• Maintains required records and reports to measure programming effectiveness.  
• Represents Great Parks in a positive manner; provides general park information and answers inquiries as needed; receives and resolves guest concerns and complaints; collects and deposits program fees.  
• Develops interpretive themes and content shared through various sources such as print, web and kiosks.
• Works and communicates effectively with other departments, leadership, and peers; attends and participates in meetings; completes required training. 
• Provides assistance with special events and other tasks assigned by the Regional Education Manager.
• Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks of Hamilton County’s policies, procedures, and performance expectations. 
• Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information. 
• Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required.  
• Represents the agency at offsite events and meetings; speaks and presents to internal and external groups; participates in overnight or multi-day travel for training, professional development or information gathering.
• Utilizes and promotes environmentally sustainable practices and processes. 
• Regularly assists with setting up and/or tearing down tables, chairs and equipment for programs and events.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify the applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:
• Associate’s degree in Natural History, or related field is required with 2 years related experience which evidences a comprehensive knowledge of natural history interpretation, community relations and management principles.
• Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

LICENSE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License meeting GPHC current carrier guidelines. Certified Interpretive Guide credentials from NAI or ability to obtain within three years of employment

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.