Coordinator, Kcss - Teen Leadership

The Coordinator, King Conservation Science Scholars – Teen Leadership contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society (“CZS”) by engaging teens in the Society’s mission both at the zoo and in the communities, it serves, including generating consistent, positive exposure for the Society through community relations and outreach, identifying/communicating with/involving community leadership in CZS programs, and representing the institution to diverse constituencies. The primary goal for this position is to build strong, sustainable relationships with a diverse spectrum of teens, their parents and community stakeholders throughout the Chicagoland area.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Coaches seasonal program staff and coordinates King Scholar program participants during on-site, virtual and off-site programs. This includes:

• Contributing to the King Scholars Newsletter and ensuring that is published and delivered on a bi-monthly basis.
• Maintaining communication between CZS and King Scholars through text/social messaging, emails and phone calls.

Serves as principal advisor for the Teen Leadership Board of Directors, 12 King Scholars directly involved in the holistic development of the KCSS program which includes assistance in the creation, planning and execution of day to day opportunities offered to current, past and future King Scholars.

Assists with the launch and maintenance of events, course information, experiences and records on our registration, education and training management system, Learning Stream.

Contributes to the application process and maintains record database, which includes updating contact information and tracking engagement hours for individual King Scholars who participate in the following supplemental program experiences:

• Career Investigations; 5-7 day long “Study Within” immersive career experiences with industry professionals.
• Scholar Sessions; an internal guest speaker series hosted by and for King Scholars and Alumni.
• King Scholar High School Internships; a collaboration with local high schools to serve as a host location for their high school internship experiences.

Executes, with the assistance of the Teen Leadership Board of Directors, the orientation and on-boarding process for new King Scholars on a biannual, Summer and Winter, basis. This includes:

• Ensuring the KCSS application process is cohesive and timely.
• Maintaining effective and efficient communication with potential King Scholars throughout the application and online orientation process.
• Planning and co-facilitating On-Boarding Days, the in-person, interactive introduction of new King Scholars to their new leadership development program and spaces.

Works collaboratively with the KCSS Manager and staff to facilitate and deliver KCSS courses for both in-person and virtual settings. These courses specifically promote the success of King Scholars by centering what they can do, learn, leveraging, and leading with their differences and highlighting and reflecting their identities within S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).

Principal coordination, monitoring and reporting for the Leadership Portfolio. The Leadership Portfolio is a creative and comprehensive display of a King Scholar’s leadership journey and personal connection to nature and conservation. It is proof of mastery of one or more aspects of the KCSS program’s core tenets. Each King Scholar has a minimum of one (1) year to complete their project. The Leadership Portfolio is a program participant graduation requirement and denotes their successful transition into the King Scholar Alumni Network.

Other related duties as assigned to assure successful achievement of CZS, KCSS and Education and Community Engagement objectives.

The requirements for this position include:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Education, Biology, Liberal Arts or other relevant field or eight years of relevant experience. The eight years of experience can include two years of relevant experience delivering informal education programs in an urban setting. High school diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal, written, and listening skills. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to build relationships, strong rapport and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies and diverse communities.
Minimum 6 months experience in identifying and organizing resources, establishing priorities, and meeting critical deadlines. (Prior experience may include any singular or relevant combination of school projects, internships, volunteer or paid work experience.)
Ability to work independently.
Requires a self-motivated, responsible individual who is results-oriented, flexible, persistent, and helpful, with strong follow-up skills.
Must be strategic in his/her/their orientation, proactive, and demonstrate a caring ethic.
Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work within a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
English fluency at a professional working level.
Valid driver’s license required at time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledgeable about zoo/aquaria and conservation issues and topics.
Previous animal handling and presentation experience.
Experience working with multi-cultural, diverse, or under-resourced communities.
Experience with PowerPoint, other office software packages, as well as video conferencing software is preferred.
Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency is a plus.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Requires a motivated professional who is committed to furthering the organization and its mission. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, organizational objectives, and how the projects undertaken impact the operations of the Society and achievement of its long-term strategies. Incumbent works closely with other staff to plan and provide full support for programs and operations. Individual will be expected to be present and visible at Society events in the community, for its employees, and other professional participants and audiences as requested. Thus, individual must make a significant commitment to the organization. Some evenings and regular weekend or event work is required along with local travel around the Chicagoland area. Some other travel may be required.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The work schedule for this position will require some evenings and regular weekend or event work along with local travel around the Chicagoland area.

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

60513

CET Administration

Conservation, Education & Training

Non-Union

Weekdays- some evenings/weekends- etc.