Program Director

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Program Director

FLSA: Full Time, exempt salaried position
Supervised by: Executive Director
Supervises: Program Department employees, volunteers and interns
Location: Ely, Minnesota (northern Minnesota)

POSITION SUMMARY

The International Wolf Center is seeking an energetic, outgoing individual to lead program operations at our Ely, Minnesota location. Nestled on the edge of the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the International Wolf Center is a world-class interpretive facility, serving schools, organizations and the traveling public through interpretive programs that teach people about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future. The Program Director will lead the program department in developing and sustaining innovative, effective programs that serve the wolf, our membership base, visitors, students and the broader public.

APPLIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES

 

1. Represent the International Wolf Center in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current members, donors, visitors, vendors, organizations and agencies, and the communities the organization serves.
2. Interact effectively with a diverse group of staff, board members, volunteers, interns, partner organizations and customers of the Center's services.
3. Learn and use operating practices of the International Wolf Center.
4. Uphold the organization's mission.
5. Adhere to organizational standards of objectivity and scientific accuracy in all program activities.
6. Handle confidential information with tact and discretion.

 

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

 

1. create and lead program operations at the organization's interpretive center, including public programs, environmental education classes, adult workshops, group events, public seminars, youth camps, field trips, and exhibits management. As an involved leader, this will include delivering programs and presentations as staffing needs require.
2. Identify new program opportunities to grow participation and program revenue while maximizing year-round use of the interpretive center.
3. Outline safety standards and practices to ensure programs are conducted in a safe, responsible manner.
4. Serve as a member of the Executive Director's Leadership Team, participating in regular meetings, assisting with sensitive and confidential information, and keeping the Executive Director informed of important events and information.
5. Take a lead in resolving guest-relations matters at the interpretive center, engaging other department heads, staff and volunteers as necessary to deliver exceptional customer service.
6. Serve as staff liaison to the Board's Education Committee, supporting the Chair and volunteer committee members while representing the program department. Serve on other board committees and task forces and staff work teams as requested.

 

SUPERVISION

 

1. Recruit, train and supervise program staff, volunteers and interns.
2. Develop personnel schedules, program assignments and weekly work plans to support the effective delivery of programs and public visitation. Ensure proper coverage of all programs, as well as back-up options.
3. Prepare annual performance goals and objectives that focus on continual program growth and development; conduct employee evaluations.
4. Hold staff accountable for developing and maintaining relationships with users, including teachers, group leaders, members and supporters.
5. Monitor employee adherence to operating policies and procedures.
6. Use excellent communication skills to support positive, effective working relationships between program staff, and other departments in both offices.

 

PROMOTION AND MARKETING

 

1. Develop promotional plans and marketing strategies to achieve program revenue goals and objectives. Coordinate efforts with the Communications Director and Web Specialist for their guidance, assistance and support.
2. Prepare promotional materials and content for posters, brochures, social media, the website, electronic newsletters, International Wolf magazine, and other mediums to maximize public interest and participation in program development offerings.
3. Disseminate program department programs, schedules and information to all other International Wolf Center departments and employees on a regular basis.
4. Communicate regularly with past, current and prospective users to establish meaningful relationships that result in repeated use and participation.

 

FINANCE

 

1. Work with the Executive Director to develop and execute balanced budgets for the program department and the exhibits department.
2. Ensure revenue goals are met by working with program staff to execute budget plans and achieve monthly and quarterly benchmarks.
3. Carefully monitor and control spending to ensure expenses are within budget and consult with the Executive Director to make adjustments as necessary if more spending is needed or revenue goals are not being achieved.
4. Find ways to develop new revenue streams and increase admissions income.
5. Work with Development Director to coordinate a summer membership drive and support the annual Alpha weekend major donor event

 

COMMUNITY

 

1. Develop and maintain a working relationship with local environmental organizations including the North American Bear Center and the Listening Point Foundation.
2. Identify, recruit, train and supervise volunteers in the local area to support program operations and other departments at the interpretive center.
3. Lead annual fundraising and membership campaigns in the Ely area with engagement of other interpretive center staff and local board members.
4. Serve as a liaison to the Ely Chamber of Commerce.
5. Meet with resort, merchant and outfitting business representatives annually in the spring to promote programs and visitation.

 

ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is subject to a highly variable work schedule based on programs and public use. Outdoor programs may require the ability to hike on moderately steep, uneven terrain. The employee will travel to the Minneapolis, Minnesota office and may have opportunities for other work-related, overnight travel. Employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift/carry up to 50 pounds, operate a motor vehicle and communicate fluently in English.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

1. A Bachelor of Science degree in parks and recreation, environmental education, interpretation, or camp management or related fields with courses or practical experience in program planning and management.
2. Three or more years' experience leading programs in parks, camps, zoos, nature centers, recreation departments, community education, youth centers or similar types of organizations.
3. Demonstrated success in developing creative new programs from concept through completion, including the ability to write exciting program descriptions.
4. Experience managing program employees, volunteers and interns in a fast-paced organization, including recruiting, training, scheduling, and evaluating personnel.
5. Experience in developing and managing budgets for departments, individual programs, and projects.
6. A love of the outdoors, and a passion for sharing it with others.
7. The ideal candidate will be someone who does not accept the status quo, but rather, who is driven by a deep desire to continually grow and improve programs that draw new participants and reach broader audiences.

 

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER

The International Wolf Center's mission is to advance the survival of wolf populations around the world by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands, and the human role in their future. The world-famous interpretive facility in Ely, Minnesota features daily programs and field trips, an award-winning museum exhibit and a pack of live ambassador wolves living it its wooded territory. (Captive wolves are managed by the Wolf Care Department under the direction of the Curator). Staff in the administrative offices in the Twin Cities includes the Executive Director and Finance, Communications, Development and Membership departments. With members in all 50 states and 37 countries worldwide, the organization is the leading global resource on wolves.

TO APPLY

Email a cover letter, resume, salary history, and contact information of at least three professional references to careers@wolf.org no later than 4 p.m., Jan. 7, 2014. The subject line of the email must contain: PROGRAM DIRECTOR APPLICATION. Finalists will be required to complete a background check. For more information about the International Wolf Center, please visit www.wolf.org