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Manager, Teacher and Student Programs at Chicago Botanic Gardens

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Opportunity to facilitate the ongoing success and growth of the Center for Teaching and Learning’s (CTL) Teacher and Student programs (TSP) with the goal of providing exemplary educational programs that link the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Science Conservation research activities with the CTL’s secondary education, citizen science and teacher professional development initiatives.

Manager, Teacher and Student Programs PURPOSE: To facilitate the ongoing success and growth of the Center for Teaching and Learning’s (CTL) Teacher and Student programs (TSP) with the goal of providing exemplary educational programs that link the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Science Conservation research activities with the CTL’s secondary education, citizen science and teacher professional development initiatives. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: 1. Manage all aspects of Teacher & Student programs including staff operations/development, budget development and oversight, marketing, fundraising and program/strategic planning. 2. Coordinate with CTL Director and Managers to identify program efficiencies and synergies within and outside of the CTL and to facilitate the smooth operations of the department. 3. Supervise and evaluate Teacher and Student programs team. Oversee the training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating of seasonal assistants and instructors. Train, schedule, supervise and evaluate seasonal instructors, volunteers, and interns. 4. Maintain and develop external/community partnerships with schools, not-for-profit, and government organizations supporting the ongoing success of the CTL and the TSP (i.e. Chicago Wilderness Education Committee). 5. Represent and advocate for the Garden and CTL within local and regional initiatives (i.e. the Burnham Plan Centennial, Science Chicago, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s GO TO 2040). 6. Work with Public Relations & Marketing to ensure effective annual marketing and promotion of TSP. 7. Work with the Development Department to secure funds for TSP by supporting the writing of proposals and reports, developing budgets, and attending meetings with sponsors and funders. 8. Provide direct program support to the Fairchild Challenge including curriculum and program development, budget management, fund development, and strategic planning. Coordinate the Fairchild Challenge Task Force (advisory group) and supervise the Fairchild Challenge Assistant Coordinator. 9. Provide direct program support including teaching/instruction for CTL programs and events, as needed. 10. Participate in Community Education Program staff departmental planning, collaborative projects and programs, and special events. 11. Assist with other projects and duties as assigned. DEPARTMENT: Center for Teaching and Learning REPORTS TO: Director, Center for Teaching and Learning SUPERVISES: Teacher & Student program team, which includes: the Coordinator of Teacher Programs (FT); Coordinator of Secondary Education, College and Career Programs (FT); School Programs Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator of the Fairchild Challenge (Seasonal); and the SEEDS Instructor (PT/Contract). COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Community Education Programs, Science and Academic Programs, Communications, Development, Visitor Experience and Business Development, other departments as needed. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: M.S. or M.A. in education, horticulture, botany or related field. Background in inquiry-based teaching of older children and teachers in an informal or museum setting. Five years experience in curriculum and program development. Experience in managing budgets and staff. Familiarity with current issues in education and teaching methodologies, especially in the area of environmental education.