Zoo Jobs: Zoological Education Director (Abu Dhabi)

Zoological Education Director (Abu Dhabi)

Role is located at the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Relocation will be provided.

Primary Purpose and Function of the Job

Provide leadership and resources to the Zoological Department over the areas of education and conservation, guest tours and programs, curriculum development, interactives and graphics, outreach programs, and animal ambassador programs such that it continues to achieve its goals and fulfill the SeaWorld mission. Develop a strong environmental message to highlight all of the work being done by the park. Manage labor and expense budgets. Develop high caliber and motivated ambassadors.

Requirements and Competencies:

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, education, other natural sciences or related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of five years of experience in leadership of people/ teams, budget management, and customer service.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong public speaker, with the ability to readily adjust to audience.
Experience in zoological setting, with basic understanding of zoological operations preferred.
Experience in marketing, sales, and promotion of products and programs.
Experience in the developing and implementing an interpretive content strategy.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a high-pace environment.
Demonstrate strong understanding of educational principles and instructional design models.
Skilled in customer/ guest interaction, including resolution of problems.
Commitment to delivering high-quality guest experience programs
Demonstrated commitment to company values and safety
Must be available to work varying shifts/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; weekends, and holidays
Must be nice, patient, supportive, nurturing, judicious, pragmatic, humble, motivating and positive.

Desired Qualifications:

5 years of experience as an Education supervisor/manager/director preferred

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead all education programs. Includes developing excellent, transformational zoological programming. Ensure offerings are relevant and compelling to today’s audiences in content and delivery. In collaboration with Marketing and Communications, promote and sell education programs.
Manage interpretation of animals to guests in park. Includes development of messaging, presentations, interpretative graphics and other methods to increase guest awareness and interest in animals.
Manage in park revenue experiences. Includes streamlining operations, providing incredible guest service and innovating new experiences based on customer demand. In collaboration with partners such as Animal Husbandry, Marketing and Communications, promote and sell revenue-generating zoological programs.
Lead and develop diverse staff to improve their capabilities and expertise.
Develop and manage revenue and expense budgets and participate in financial reporting.
Responsible for budget administration including operating expense, labor expense, and revenue.
Assist in the marketing and sales of all animal programs.
Responsible for high-volume guest interaction, including resolution of issues which may arise.
Foster a culture of human and animal safety; ensure compliance with existing safety policies while encouraging the review and renewal, or provision of new policies and practices so that ambassadors work in a safe manner with the appropriate protective equipment
Ensure any accidents are promptly investigated and corrective action taken as needed
Identify and monitor key results and financial performance for assigned areas
Participate in formulating and administering policies as needed
Perform other duties as assigned