Job Description

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders and creating meaningful educational experiences that make a difference? The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an innovative and collaborative Director of Education to lead the development and implementation of education initiatives that advance our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

About the Role

The Director of Education provides strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that serve guests of all ages both on and off Zoo grounds. This position works collaboratively across departments to create engaging conservation messaging, strengthen community partnerships, and support institutional goals related to education, attendance, revenue, and guest engagement.

The Director of Education serves as a key contributor to exhibit development, conservation communications, and strategic initiatives including the Indianapolis Prize and the Zoo's conservation efforts. This is a full-time position that typically works Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends required to support programs, events, and organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate programs to fully assess impact against education goals and objectives
• Provide strategic leadership for all education programs and initiatives that advance the Zoo's mission and institutional goals.
• Build relationships with schools and community youth-based organizations.
• Develop and evaluate innovative educational experiences that inspire conservation action and enhance guest engagement.
• Collaborate with Zoo departments to develop exhibit messaging, conservation communications, and animal ambassador programming.
• Oversee departmental budgets, business planning, attendance goals, and revenue objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Education Department staff, volunteers, and Naturalist program participants.
• Develop strategic partnerships that advance the Zoo's education and conservation initiatives.
• Assist multiple departments as needed with conservation communications efforts of the Zoo, including organizing lectures for visiting conservationists, curating conservation messaging throughout the Zoo, and engaging with members of the Global Center for Species Survival to further our conservation messaging to the public. The Director of Education will also participate in the conservation grant review process.
• Assist with grant writing, administration, and fundraising efforts supporting education programs and initiatives.
• Represent the Zoo through community engagement, professional organizations, and educational partnerships.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience required, with ten (10) years preferred in education, conservation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven success managing budgets, achieving organizational goals, and overseeing strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience building collaborative partnerships and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Grant writing and grant administration experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and related technology.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Why Join Us?

Working alongside passionate professionals across the organization, you'll help advance meaningful conservation initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and inspire others to protect nature and care for our world. If you're ready to lead with purpose in a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.