Director, Learning and Engagement

Description

If you're ready to take the lead and make a lasting impact by developing educational and engagement conservation initiatives, this is your opportunity. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for a Director, Learning and Engagement to lead and provide the overall strategic direction and operational oversight for the Learning and Engagement branch. Leadership responsibilities include leading the Conservation Education department and the Visitor Engagement department in a manner consistent with organizational purpose, vision, values and culture, particularly in our social mobilization efforts. 

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us. 

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold. 

What you will do:  

• Operate as an integrated member of the senior leadership team maintaining and building on the Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo (WICZ) purpose 
• Develop, communicate and implement a long-term vision for the Learning and Engagement branch aligned to the WICZ’s Long Term Strategic Plan 
• Establish the WICZ as a leader in inclusive learning, social mobilization and behavior change by developing innovative approaches to engaging relevant audiences in the areas of wildlife conservation and biodiversity 
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to strategically design and implement conservation behavior change campaigns that are impactful and measurable. 
• Lead the development and integration of a social mobilization work plan to embed this critical strategic priority within the organization. 
• Lead and innovate the on-site work of the Wilder Institute purpose and vision within new capital developments, new and existing programs, and in existing operations 
• Lead the internal learning program in collaboration with departmental experts. 
• Lead teams to develop relevant programming as well as train and partner with educators and other relevant organizations to amplify the WICZ mission. 
• Set branch performance targets, monitor, interpret and report on goal progress and outcomes to relevant levels of the WICZ team as well as other relevant parties 
• Oversee the development and management of branch operational budgets 
• Ensure effective planning and management of the daily operations of the branch 
• Encourage cooperative relationships with all departments of the organization, specifically taking a leadership role in strategically increasing internal awareness of WICZ work as an AZA institution and global wildlife conservation practitioner 
• Establish relationships locally and nationally with professional organizations, agencies and institutions with aligned interests and goals to share ideas and to build solid partnerships and alliances 
• Support the financial sustainability of the organization by stewarding multiple revenue streams, partnering with the Development branch to pursue fundraising opportunities, monitoring budgets and grant reporting, and balancing against delivery of the WICZ mission 
• Other duties as assigned 

 What you will bring:   

• Degree in education or behavior psychology with a focus on informal learning, behavior change, or related field 
• Minimum ten years experience in education or program management. 
• Minimum five years experience leading a team with both direct and indirect reports 
• Strong preference for experience with planning and delivering behavior change initiatives and or/community social mobilization efforts. 
• Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic programs and supporting tactics 
• Superior ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, education levels, experiences and perspectives. A solid team player who values consultation and engagement with impacted parties as part of the planning and implementation process. 
• Superior written and verbal communications skills and highly developed interpersonal skills. Ability to disseminate information effectively to appropriate levels and receive and give constructive feedback. 
• Excellent judgement, and demonstrated ability to work with varied partners, professional organizations and agencies 
• Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines 
• Ability to delegate, work with others and coach employees to their full potential. 
• Ability to evaluate problems and effectively solve them in a timely manner, acting with empathy and inclusiveness 
• Ability to anticipate needs and challenges, take initiative, ask questions and provide solutions to achieve organization goals 

Working Conditions:   

• Working in an office environment 
• Occasional travel 
• Occasional weekend and evening work 
• On grounds mobility 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. 

What the Zoo Offers:   

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account 
• Employer matching RRSP program 
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise 
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan  
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals  

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.    

Apply by doing the following;    

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)   
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.  
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • If hired, what are your salary expectations for this position?
  • If hired, how long would you need from time of offer to start? When would you be available to start?

While all applications are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada. 

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by July 20, 2025 at 4pm MST.   

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.    

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.