Toronto Botanical Garden is seeking a Director of Education with experience as an educator and manager in a nature-focused institution. The successful candidate will possess the leadership skills, as well as the understanding and commitment required to further the educational mandate of a dynamic, large-city botanic garden.
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Executive Director, and working collegially within a senior management team structure, the Director of Education is responsible for planning and management of all educational activities, with the purpose of advancing TBG’s botanic garden mission to “transform our city by connecting people to plants and the natural world”. These activity areas include adult education, children’s education, library services and interpretation, as well as any future educational opportunities provided by implementation of TBG’s expansion plans.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning:
Prepare annual plans for Education activities, as well as long-range plans, for consideration by the Executive Director, Education Committee and Board
Liaise with staff and consultants to develop Education plans for a botanic garden expanding in size and impact
Prepare annual departmental budget
Lead the Science Advisory Committee and the Lectures Committee, as well as sitting on the Library Advisory Committee, the Garden Committee and occasional ad hoc committees
Collaborate with Development staff to generate ideas and content for grant proposals, track deliverables and ensure reports are prepared on time
Meet regularly with the Education Committee to discuss program direction, development and uptake
Work with the Knowledge Resources Manager to develop TBG’s interpretation plans
Liaise with partnering organizations and individuals to manage ongoing partnerships and incubate new opportunities
Administration:
Supervise four full-time Education staff
Monitor financial performance and assess and report on monthly variance reports
Meet with Education staff teams regularly and individually, including provision of annual performance evaluation
Supervise recruitment and hiring of staff, program assistants, volunteers and interns
Track timesheets, vacation and sick time for salaried staff; hours sheets for contract staff
Assist the Adult Education Coordinator in development of course offerings and production of the Program Guide three times per year
Meet regularly with the Children’s Education Supervisors to oversee development of program delivery and production of promotional brochures
Meet regularly with the Knowledge Resources Manager and Library Advisory Committee to enhance library resources and to develop and monitor policies and procedures
Program Delivery:
In collaboration with the Adult Education Coordinator, research, retain and host 8-9 speakers annually for the Lecture Series and develop occasional symposia or conferences
Provide administration and oversight for the delivery of TBG certificate programs such as Urban Beekeeping, Garden Design and Horticultural Therapy.
Deliver occasional adult courses
Assist in delivering Children’s programs during occasional staff absences
In collaboration with Education and other TBG staff, organize annual special events such as Earth Day, Harvest Day, Holiday Open House and Canada’s National Garden Day
Promotion and Outreach:
Represent TBG as a spokesperson for Education, specifically nature-based Education, to the public and to various media
Liaise with the Director of Marketing and Communications to assess and leverage promotional and educational value of upcoming events
Participate actively on Trellis Committee, providing regular submissions for upcoming issues
Monitor promotion of courses through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Develop creative approaches to strategic program design, signage and cross-promotion with partner organizations
Assist at TBG-wide events, public promotion or speaking events, as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
University degree in education, environmental science, ecology, horticulture or related field
Current teaching certification; membership in the Ontario College of Teachers an asset
At least two years teaching experience at the elementary or secondary level, or in a botanic garden or nature-centred institution
Experience as an educational administrator, particularly in the non-profit sector, an asset
Proven excellence in team leadership, organization, administration and communication skills
Proven achievement in building and adhering to balanced budgets
A passion for people, education, horticulture or ecology, as well as knowledge of the sector
Proven experience working with and/or managing volunteers in a nonprofit setting
Experience as a beekeeper an asset
Excellent facility with workplace computer software including Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Raiser’s Edge
Some flexibility in the work week, including weekend or evening work is required.
Posting closes 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. Thank you for your interest, however, only candidates scheduled for an interview will be contacted.
To apply please send a resume and covering letter in a single PDF with the applicant’s name as a title to:
Harry Jongerden
Executive Director
Toronto Botanical Garden
director@torontobotanicalgarden.ca