Manager, School Programs and Educator Development

Full job description
Create lasting memories for the students and teachers that attend Conservation Education programming! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for a Manager, School Programs and Educator Development to oversee the curricular-connected portfolios in the Conservation Education Department: school programs, Chevron Open Minds Zoo School and educator development.

The Manager will play a key leadership role in shaping and driving strategic planning, research, development, evaluation, and budget management of programs. This position also supports a thriving team environment through the hiring, onboarding, and performance development of coordinators and front-line staff. A strong collaborator, the Manager works closely with fund development to provide compelling content, impact reports, and data that support successful grant applications and sponsorship opportunities. Building strong cross-departmental partnerships is essential, as is fostering dynamic collaborations with external organizations to broaden the reach and success of our programs.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.
Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.


What you will do:
Operational Leadership

Support education coordinators in curricular-connected program planning; including guidance and advice on program design, indicators of success, and milestone setting, as well as effective monitoring and evaluation
Work closely with the Development team to ensure appropriate support in donor relations and a clear view of the programs and plans for fundraising proposals, and providing content and reporting for grants and agreements as required
Staff Management

Oversee a team of 4 permanent education staff and indirectly support their respective seasonal teams. This includes long-term workforce planning in alignment with organizational goals, hiring, setting pay, directing, mentoring, workflow management, professional development, and evaluation of direct reports within their team.
May work with/supervise volunteers.
Program Management

Supports the creation of an annual slate of outcomes-based, curricular-connected programs for Conservation Education, including key performance indicators
Supports the creation and maintenance of logic models, monitoring and evaluation plans for each program area
Integrate and evaluate innovative behavior change and conservation action strategies
Oversee department communication pieces including advertising, website content and client communication, often in direct collaboration with communication and marketing
Internal and External Partnerships

Represent the WICZ on external committees as strategically appropriate
Cultivate and steward community partnerships for curricular-connected program portfolios, building dynamic networks of like minded organizations
Work with Animal Care to create/maintain animal experience opportunities to enhance program offerings/ impact
Actively contribute to national communities of best practice for environmental education
What you will bring:

A bachelor’s degree in education, business administration, project management or other related fields is preferred.
At least 5 years’ experience overseeing strategic plans in an educational setting is required
A valid standard first aid is required
A valid Class 5 Driver’s license or equivalent is required
Strong background in performance coaching and management
Experience working with diverse community partners, ability to build rapport and maintain strong relationships
Exceptional budget, program pricing and financial planning acumen
Innovative and resourceful with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Team oriented with a willingness to work with staff and volunteers from across the organization
Comfort with proactively assessing the need for and using change management to support team and others through cycles of change
Additional Requirements:

This position will require submission of a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
Working Conditions:

Some weekend and evening work required intermittently
Some lifting of heavy and/or awkward objects
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
Employer matching RRSP program
Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals
Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
Fill in the Application questions:
If hired, when would you be available to start?
If hired, what are your salary expectations for this position?
Do you have a valid Class 5 Driver's License?
Do you have a valid First Aid Certification?
Please briefly describe your experience in nonformal or environmental education.
Please briefly describe your experience as a people leader.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by July 25, 2025 at 4pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Canada
Alberta
Calgary Show on map Get directions