Education Manager

At the Coastal Interpretive Center (CIC) we’ve entered a new phase of growth. Under new leadership, the CIC is broadening our vision from a museum that requires people to come to us, into a community organization that meets people where they are. We’re more fully embracing the people and places of our service area: Grays Harbor County and the western Olympic Peninsula. We’re reenvisioning our biology, ecology, and anthropology programs as the means to an end– the goal being a reconnected community– so we can create a more dynamic organization that leads a more dynamic region. To do this, we’re refreshing the CIC into an institution that utilizes cultural and natural history to inspire creative engagement with a changing world.

Application Timeline

1. Application submission period [Opens July 11, 2024]
2. Application review begins [July 26] 
3. Initial phone interviews [July 30 to August 1]
4. In-person interviews [Aug 6 to Aug 8]
5. Job offer sent [Aug 9]
6. Job start week [Aug 12 or thereafter]

Summary of Role

The Education Manager will be responsible for all aspects of CIC education programs (for students, for adults, and for the community at-large), and will interact with some aspects of CIC museum programming, CIC stewardship programming, and CIC volunteer programming. This position is a full-time position with room for growth, and with the support of the Executive Director, the CIC hopes to expand our educational offerings significantly in the coming years. Though the title of this position includes “Manager”, it is not currently responsible for employee management; when the CIC can secure funding to expand our educational team, this position may then be responsible for direct management of employees. We strongly encourage all applicants who are interested to apply: even if you feel you do not have all necessary qualifications, we still value your interest!

Benefits

This position is eligible for partial remote work at this time. This position is eligible for flexible scheduling. The CIC recognizes the need to provide competitive compensation and benefits; we want all staff to feel valued for their contributions to the team. At this time we’re building a two-year roadmap through the year 2026 to both (1) create a pay schedule and benefits package that fairly rewards staff and (2) to implement that roadmap. More details about benefits can be shared during the interview phase of this job application process.

Community Accountability

As an organization that prioritizes community learning, community stewardship, and community belonging, it’s important that the CIC is accountable to our partners, supporters, volunteers, and students. We’re actively developing a plan that will positively impact our internal and external operations. More details about community accountability can be shared during the interview phase of this job application process.

Summary of Responsibilities

Curriculum Development- 10% of hours

Curriculum Origination- The Education Manager will be responsible, at times, for the creation of new curricula for use in school or outdoor settings, largely for students below the age of 18, but occasionally for college students or adults. This may require meeting with partners, seeking out new information or resources, and significant planning efforts. Executive Director will support.

Curriculum Adaptation- Utilizing already existing curricula, the Education Manager will update or modify said curricula to fit varying program needs, prescribed granting programs, or partner specialties.

Curriculum Refinement- With feedback from program participants and volunteer assistants, the Education Manager will further improve curricula to reflect community needs.

Educational Instruction- 60% of hours

In-Class Instruction- Leading educational modules developed by the CIC, in concert with partners, or provided wholly by partners, the Education Manager will work directly with teachers and students of all grade levels on their school campuses.

Outdoor Instruction- Leading educational modules developed by the CIC, in concert with partners, or provided wholly by partners, the Education Manager will work directly with teachers and students of all grade levels at locations around Ocean Shores and Grays Harbor County. These modules may include: community science activities, scientific monitoring activities, restoration activities, and/or field trip activities.

Additional Educational Activities- The Education Manager will be responsible for non-traditional learning opportunities such as guided tours of outdoor areas, guided tours of the CIC museum, and collaboration with CIC partners to create event-specific educational activities. Executive Director will support.

Partner Coordination- 20% of hours

Project Planning, Coordination, Implementation, Review, & Training- For the purposes of delivery of educational programs, the Education Manager will work actively with CIC partners at various or all stages of project planning, coordination, implementation, review, and if necessary, training of partners or associated volunteers. Executive Director will support.

Program Administration- 10% of hours

Departmental Workplan & Budget- The Education Manager will be responsible for the creation of an annual Learning Department workplan and budget and will report quarterly on the efficacy of the plan and progress on budgeted expenses. Executive Director will support.

Impact Reporting- Responsible for program photos, outcomes, and metrics, the Education Manager will accurately enter and store education-related information in a timely manner in CIC databases. These needs will fulfill CIC impact reporting generally and grant-funded requirements specifically.

Standards & Practices

The Education Manager will uphold the mission, vision, and values of the Coastal Interpretive Center, more information about which is available on the CIC website (see “Mission & History” section). Additionally, the Education Manager will actively participate in the culture of the CIC, promoting not only the organization’s mission, vision, and values, but also the shared success of the organization through active collaboration with staff and board.

Necessary Qualifications

• Experience in educational instruction, preferably of “STEM” topics and with students below the age of 18
• Experience with curriculum development, preferably utilizing Next Generation Science Standards
• Experience in program planning and coordination
• Commitment to community and serving persons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Commitment to the shared growth of the CIC team and of the community
• Ability to work independently but under supervision
• Ability to work interactively with other team members
• Ability to self-teach new skills but to ask for help when needed
• Ability to switch between tasks and prioritize tasks as needed
• Ability to provide and receive feedback
• Ability to work in-person at the CIC campus and in outdoor settings across Grays Harbor County in all seasons
• Ability to pass Washington State background check (applies to all CIC staff and volunteers)
• Experience thinking proactively to spot issues before they arise and thinking creatively to create solutions when necessary
• Experience with data entry for the purposes of impact reporting
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to drive as needed
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours on occasion
• Interest in the natural and cultural history of Washington’s Pacific Coast

Desired Qualifications

• Salesforce database experience (can be learned on the job)
• Google Workspace productivity experience (can be learned on the job)
• Demonstrated success with external partner coordination and support

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit for long periods of time, listen and respond to verbal instruction and direction, read and respond in writing to verbal instruction and direction, and use a computer on a consistent basis. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Noise level in the work environment can be loud.

Application Instructions

This position description is intended only to describe the Education Manager position– this is not an application! To apply for the position of CIC Education Manager, please visit www.interpretivecenter.org/careers and click on the link titled “Click here for application instructions”. You will be directed to a Google Form which will contain instructions on how to email your resume and complete the online application. After completing the application, you will receive email confirmation. All questions about the position not answered in this position description can be directed to CIC Executive Director, Jacob: jbaker@interpretivecenter.org.