About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Mass Audubon is seeking a dynamic, experienced Education Manager to lead and grow nature-based learning across multiple wildlife sanctuaries in Northeastern Massachusetts (Ipswich, Joppa, Broadmoor and Lowell). Reporting to statewide education program directors and working closely with site directors, this role provides strategic direction and day-to-day management for a diverse portfolio of programs serving PK-12 schools, youth, and families while supporting education programming for camps, adult learners and preschools at the wildlife sanctuaries in their region.
Using a community-engagement approach grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, the Education Manager builds, coaches, and supports a high-performing regional education team. The role oversees program design, implementation, evaluation, marketing, and budgeting, and contributes to fundraising through grant development and donor engagement.
This position partners closely with sanctuary operations teams to ensure education programs are well coordinated, safe, and mission-aligned—strengthening connections between conservation, visitor experience, and learning.
As a member of Mass Audubon’s Statewide Education Leadership Team, the Education Manager contributes to strategy and continuous improvement, aligning regional programming with organizational outcomes. The Education Manager also participates in cross-functional committees focused on education quality, evaluation, fundraising, registration, marketing, and communications.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.
Responsibilities
Management
- Oversee the development, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of both on-site and off-site education operating budgets, encompassing school and group programs, children and family learning, and teacher professional development
- Review quarterly and annual educational data reports and conduct analyses to assess their impact on established performance indicators
- Lead recruitment, hiring, and management of both supervisory and non-supervisory full-time education staff as well as seasonal part-time staff in the region
- Co-develop and manage the implementation of regional education strategies for targeted audiences, aligned with Mass Audubon’s educational philosophy, goals, and objectives
- Ensure all education programs adhere to Mass Audubon policies and state regulations, maintaining safety standards
- Oversee the efficient and cost-effective scheduling and administration of all on-site and off-site programs
- Provide strategic guidance and reporting to secure funding sources for educational activities; prepare grant proposals and serve as project manager when required
- Participate in ad hoc education committees addressing organizational policies, procedures, and educational matters
Education Program Development and Leadership
- Ensure all curriculum, educational materials, and exhibits comprehensively support Mass Audubon’s mission; select and procure suitable instructional resources, program supplies, and equipment as needed
- Develop and deliver professional development training sessions for education staff
- Guide and support a team of educators in designing and implementing environmental education lessons and signature programs
- Oversee data collection related to programs and instructors within the region, ensuring compliance with Mass Audubon standards and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction
- Collaborate with colleagues statewide to advance innovative and integrated approaches to curriculum development, teaching practices, and statewide program implementation
- Actively participate in education committees and project-based teams
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants and staff
Community Relationships and Outreach
- Act as Mass Audubon’s educational representative within the local community, engaging in outreach and participating actively in education and youth development focused events
- Collaborate with Education Directors and Marketing to create program schedules and collaborate to develop marketing plans that align offerings with the needs and expectations of both Mass Audubon and the local community
Other
- Collaborate and contribute to the site management team
- Actively participate in sanctuary leadership meetings, statewide education staff events, work groups, and required professional development
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
Must Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental sciences, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- More than six years of relevant management experience, including at least four years supervising full-time staff
- Demonstrated leadership in environmental and climate literacy initiatives
- Dedication to inclusive, universally designed teaching and learning approaches
- Proven experience in planning, delivering, and evaluating environmental education for a wide range of ages, abilities, and backgrounds
- In-depth knowledge of state and national education standards, as well as trends in high-quality environmental education
- Strong skills in educational leadership and partnership development
- Successful track record in fundraising, from project inception through implementation to final reporting
- Commitment to culturally responsive program evaluation
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
- Advanced proficiency in computer applications
- Valid First Aid/CPR certification
- Ability to respond rapidly and effectively to on-site emergencies
Nice to Haves
- Master’s degree in education, environmental education, nonprofit management, or a related field
- Background working with Massachusetts school districts and familiarity with MA Curriculum Frameworks and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Demonstrated success growing fee-for-service programs and earned revenue in an education or nonprofit setting
- Grant-writing experience and comfort managing grant-funded projects, timelines, and reporting
- Experience developing community partnerships that expand access to nature-based learning for historically under resourced communities
- Bilingual or multilingual communication skills
Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $70,000-$78,000 per year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.
Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).
Work Schedule
Full time schedule of 40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday with occasional weekends as needed, particularly during busy programming months.
Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.
Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.