Chicago Zoological Society Looking for Coordinator, KCSS – Alumni at Brookfield, IL  Full Time

06-Jun-2023

2526BR

Regular Full Time

Job Function and Responsibilities

The Coordinator, King Conservation Science Scholars – Alumni 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:

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

Serves as principal advisor for the King Scholar Alumni Network Chairpersons, two King Scholars Alumni who are directly involved in the holistic development of the Alumni Network as well as the creation, planning and execution of opportunities, support and benefits offered to past King Scholars and their FANs or Friends of the Alumni Network program.

Assists the KCSS Manager 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 registration process and maintains record database, which includes updating contact information, and tracking engagement and course hours for individual King Scholars who participate in the following supplemental program experiences:

• KCSS Courses; 2-hour interactive courses that center leadership, environmental literacy and socio-emotional learning and feature a wide array of subjects.
• Research Expeditions; 6 – 8 month long “Study Beyond” research experiences that include a field research experience in another region or state.
• Animal Handling and Presentation; a learning program that trains King Scholars to deliver educational experiences and enrichment demonstrations with live animal ambassadors.

Executes, with the assistance of the KCSS Manager, the parent orientation and engagement process for new and current King Scholars Parents/Guardians on a quarterly basis. This includes:

Ensuring that new KCSS Parent Forms are completed and recorded as well as any questions, concerns or feedback shared surrounding those forms or the program are answered in a timely manner:

• Maintaining effective and efficient communication with all King Scholars parents and guardians between On-Boarding Days, the in-person, interactive introduction of new King Scholars to their new leadership development program and spaces
• Planning and co-facilitating Virtual Parent Orientation and in-person and virtual Kickback, post On-Boarding Day check-ins with King Scholars parents and guardians that shares updates, accomplishments and future opportunities.

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 Transitional Leadership Division. The Transitional Leadership Division encompass our partnership(s) with young adults, who are enrolled in a local Transition Program. KCSS provides opportunities for postsecondary training and resource and community building.

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

Position Requirements and Specifications

The requirements for this position include the following:
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.

Additional Information

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Schedule Details

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

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Education and Community Engagement

Group

Conservation, Education & Training

Union Status

Non-Union

Work Shift

Weekdays- some evenings/weekends- etc.