Education Manager - Special Events & Public Programs

About the Role

The Education Manager of Special Events & Public Programs acts as a key ambassador for the Memphis Zoo by creating engaging educational content and leading special events and public programming. This role involves designing and facilitating unique learning experiences, managing offsite outreach, supporting daily educational activities, and supervising part-time Zoo Educators. Collaboration with the Education Department, Zoo staff, volunteers, and interns is essential to provide exceptional guest service and uphold Zoo policies.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and supervise part-time education staff, overseeing hiring, timecard management, and performance reviews.
• Develop and deliver educational programs to school groups, scouts, camps, and other audiences across various formats including live, virtual, and pre-recorded sessions.
• Create interactive and educational experiences for program participants and visitors.
• Maintain safety protocols for guests, animals, and staff during all educational and exploratory activities.
• Provide excellent service to guests, participants, and team members.
• Build and nurture professional relationships with external organizations and internal Zoo teams.
• Support tours, events, and promotional activities as needed.
• Ensure smooth daily operations of the Education Department, including organizing and maintaining equipment and supplies.
• Maintain lab safety and compliance during hands-on experiments such as dissections.
• Handle animals responsibly and facilitate educational animal interactions.
• Maintain accurate records, manage budgets, and track program data.
• Lead the planning and execution of the Zoo's Special Events education portfolio, including After-Dark programs, adult and scout programming, birthday parties, workshops, and tabling events.
• Coordinate staffing and logistics for evening, weekend, and seasonal programs.
• Develop innovative, revenue-generating educational programs aligned with the Zoo’s mission and guest experience goals.
• Create and manage annual program calendars and staffing plans for effective program delivery.
• Evaluate participation metrics, guest feedback, and operational outcomes to promote continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, biology, zoology, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and background.
• Proven experience supervising and guiding professional staff.
• Preferred: Interpretation Guide Certification or progress toward it.
• Experience in professional childcare, educational, entertainment, or hospitality sectors.
• Familiarity with handling and caring for exotic animals.
• Basic skills in graphic design and video editing are advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong recordkeeping, reporting, and data management abilities.
• Ability to manage stress and maintain composure.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to delivering excellent guest experiences.
• Relationship-building and cross-department collaboration capabilities.
• Leadership and staff development expertise.
• Program innovation and communication/presentation skills.
• Operational planning and organizational abilities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This full-time position primarily takes place onsite at the Memphis Zoo, with a balance between indoor classrooms/offices and outdoor Zoo environments exposing the employee to varying weather conditions such as rain, humidity, heat, and cold. Frequent interaction with diverse groups of guests near animal ambassadors is typical. Physical duties include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, occasionally lifting items up to 20 pounds, navigating Zoo grounds, and communicating via phone and radio.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and a clean driving record.
• Successful clearance of background check, drug screening, and TB screening.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

Working Hours and Schedule

Due to the nature of programming, availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. The role involves a 5-day workweek during peak seasons, which may include some shifts exceeding eight hours and occasional overnight responsibilities. The position is salaried and exempt from federal and state wage and hour laws.

Benefits

The Memphis Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Memphis Zoo values diversity and inclusion and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds—including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and veterans—to apply. The Zoo is an equal opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination and provides accommodations upon request during hiring processes.

Note

This job description is not exhaustive and responsibilities may evolve or change without prior notice.