Education Programs Coordinator, School Programs

JOB DESCRIPTION:

A key member of the Education and Exhibitions team, the Education Programs Coordinator, supports school programs, public programs, and volunteer programs at Descanso Gardens. Under the direction of the Manager of Partnerships and Nature Access, the Education Programs Coordinator focuses on school programs (single and multi-visit field trip programs, teacher professional development) and educational partnership programs (My Masterpieces, etc.). This position is highly visible, working directly with schools, visitors, and volunteers of Descanso Gardens in addition to working with internal and contracted team members.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

This is a full-time (40-hour/week) non-exempt position and may include evening and/or weekend hours, depending on the needs of the organization. At the time of hire, the agreed-upon schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. The Education Programs Coordinator is provided two ten-minute rest breaks and a 30-minute unpaid meal break daily.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

Essential Functions, under the direction of the Public Programs Manager

Oversees content development, logistics, facilitation, and implementation of programs, with a focus on school programs and partnership programs.

Greets school groups upon arrival to Descanso Gardens. Interfaces with Descanso volunteers, staff, and visiting teachers and students to ensure smooth entrance of school groups into the gardens.

Provides on-site program staffing as required. Roles may include facilitating workshops and programs, leading school tours, checking in program participants, answering visitor questions.

Coordinates, schedules, trains, and supports school programs volunteers. Assists with general oversight of school programs' volunteer opportunities.

Responsible for completing contracts, grounds reservations, set-up and work-order requests, class and event registration, and rosters.

Interfaces with outside contractors and internal staff to ensure excellent visitor experiences at programs.

Participates in program evaluation, interpretive planning, and strategic planning for Education Programs.

Responds to Education program inquiries by phone, email, and other modes of communication.

Maintains department calendar, including school programs and public programs.

Responsible for inventory, ordering, and maintenance of tools, equipment, supplies used within the Education programs.

Produces routine reports, manuals, correspondence; responds to inquiries or complaints from members, the public, staff, or vendors; processes routine requests for payments in a timely manner.

Other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Computer, phone, calculator, copier, printer, hand-held (two-way) radio, sound system, projectors, golf cart.

Must be physically able to walk to various locations within the Gardens, which are not accessible via motor vehicle, and must be able and willing to work outside in all weather conditions.

This position occasionally requires lifting of up to 15 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

College degree or comparable experience in education, science, or related field required.

2 years' experience in education or volunteer-related environment required. 1 year experience in a museum or non-profit setting preferred.

Flexible schedule including weekends and/or occasional nights is required.

Excellent communication skills, including presentation skills.

Highly developed organizational skills, ability to conceive and implement events from inception to

completion.

Ability to respond flexibly and well in a dynamic work environment.

High degree of discretion and sense of appropriateness. Ability to manage contractor files, including agreements and