Education & Leadership Manager Jobs

Position Title: Education & Leadership Manager

Reports to: Managing Director

Classification: Part-time 50% (20-30 hours per week), non-exempt

Compensation: $31/hour (approximately $29,000 - 31,000 annually)

Locations: Laguna coast, Southern California, and remote

our programs are built on the participation and contributions of staff, interns, and community volunteers.

Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) is a Laguna-based non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable ocean ecosystems along the Laguna Coast (Southern California) through science, education, and community engagement. We envision an evolving understanding of our local marine resources in order for Laguna Beach to better protect and enhance this valuable wilderness. Founded in 2003, our programs are built on the participation and contributions of staff, interns, and community volunteers. LOF’s Education & Leadership Program is dedicated to advancing community awareness of Laguna’s marine ecosystems, and nurturing young community leaders. As part of the education program, paid educators and volunteers (docents) provide interpretive education at sites throughout the Laguna coast.

Job Summary:

LOF is currently seeking a Part-time Education & Leadership Manager (ELM) to help the organization grow programmatically and financially. The ELM manages and advances the LOF Education and Leadership Program as determined by funding sources, the LOF Board of Directors, and the Education team. The Manager manages the program; acts as a key member of the fundraising team, particularly for the EL Program; recruits, trains, and supervises educators, docents, and interns. Three key responsibilities are: 1) provides the strategic vision and creates programmatic opportunities for the Education & Leadership program; 2) represents the education and leadership components of LOF in public and professional settings; and 3) manages the program including administration, recruitment and training, and daily operations. Furthermore, s/he will work with LOF leadership to integrate the EL Program with LOF’s other programs. There is a possibility that this position may be expanded to a full-time position based on successful performance and funding.

The ideal Education and Outreach : prioritizes the mission of the Laguna Ocean Foundation; has experience in creating and growing programs; is responsible, reliable, motivated, and mature; is detail oriented; is creative and takes initiative in developing ideas; manages people with diplomacy and fairness; enjoys interacting with the public, donors, public agencies, and corporate and non-profit partners; and understands Southern California marine ecosystems.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates with other LOF programs (e.g., research, conservation, and community engagement) to advance the mission of the organization.
• Respond promptly to communications including e-mails, texts, and phone calls from interested parties, staff, and Board members.
• Works closely with potential donors and partners to develop initiatives, programs, and collaborative opportunities including: developing joint proposals; attending and speaking at professional events.
• Initially spearheads a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis with the team.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises employees, docents, interns including helping Emerging Leaders (college interns) to develop independent science, communication, and community-engagement projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Plan and host appreciation events for employees and volunteers.
• Provide data and information to support grant applications, reports for existing funding sources, and new funding opportunities.
• Takes initiative to write publications in scientific, educational, conservation or popular media.
• Provides strategic direction and manages the Education & Leadership Program including a detailed analysis of the current education program to highlight strengths and future potential opportunities.
• Manages program/projects in reporting, budgets, awards, and contracts.
• Engage and maintain connections with academia, non-profits, and agencies working in marine and coastal conservation to ensure LOF is consistent with current science and educational practices and familiar with research related to marine and coastal issues with a focus on education and interpretation.
• Provides regular written and oral updates to the Board on the EL Program.
• Leads in programmatic and strategic planning as a member of the LOF EL Committee, and reports to Managing Director and Board.
• Monitors EL Program’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, and ensures organizational accountability.
• Schedule staff to achieve coverage goals for each cove within budget.

Required Qualifications:

• Variety of audiences.
• Proficiency with shared Google Drive documents
• Minimum 2 years of experience managing projects/programs, employees, volunteers, and/or interns, including schedule creation and maintenance.
• Facebook
• Minimum Master degree in science, marine biology preferred, or equivalent experience with knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, rocky intertidal habitat, local organisms and interpretive techniques, with a combination of education and/or training and experience.
• Successful track record in developing and implementing projects and programs, and proposal writing.
• Aspiring science and conservation professionals.
• Ability to represent LOF in professional and public settings.
• Experience with non-profit organizations
• Ability to communicate verbally and in written form in a clear, timely manner with a
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems, tide tables, and Marine Protected Areas.
• Experience with interpretive and other education programs and formats, and mentoring
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Ability to manage multiple email and social media accounts, including Instagram and

Work Environment:

The Education and Leadership Manager’s on-site tasks take place outdoors during low tides in the rocky intertidal areas of Laguna Beach. As such, the is exposed to variable weather and water conditions, including sun, rain, wind, and waves. The may at times expect to be surrounded by large numbers of people, as is typical of summer beach visitation in Laguna Beach. Weekend and some evening work will be required. Administrative tasks may take place at the ’s remote office or at LOF’s office using personal equipment, including personal phone, computer, and printer. LOF allots a stipend to cover some expenses. As such, the ELM’s physical demands will be as follows:

• Cold, and wind).
• Ability to lift and transport outreach materials such as tables, chairs, canopies, banners, and materials.
• Ability to be outdoors for shifts or outreach events of two to seven hours long.
• Ability to sit in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand and traverse over rocky, wet, and uneven surfaces.
• Ability to withstand extreme and/or changing seasonal weather conditions (e.g., heat,

To Apply:

Please submit CV and cover letter summarizing your experience and desire to work at Laguna Ocean Foundation to [email protected] with the e-mail subject line, “Education & Leadership Manager Position”.