Associate Manager of Interpretation and Engagement - New England Aquarium

The Associate Manager of Interpretation and Engagement is responsible for coordinating and supporting Conservation Learning Operational Leads, Visitor Educators, and unpaid staff (e.g., volunteers and interns) in all aspects of engaging Aquarium visitors. As a senior member of the Conservation Learning team, the Associate Manager will model, train, and evaluate others in interpretive skills, customer service, and the delivery of conservation messaging to our guests. Through their leadership, they will cultivate a positive team culture and promote a fun, engaging work environment.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Sunday - Thursday and work must be conducted onsite. The shifts will be 8 hours, with varying start and end times between the hours of 8am - 6pm EST.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Directly supervise, lead, and set expectations for staff, volunteers, and interns daily. Provide mentoring, training, and coaching on communication and mission-based interpretation. Work to ensure the highest standard of visitor engagement, communication, customer service, and positive culture.
2. Troubleshoot and adjust floor programming in response to changing situations using quick problem solving skills.
3. Conduct and provide ongoing written and oral performance evaluations; recognize good performance on the team and address performance issues as needed. Provide professional development opportunities.
4. Lead the hiring process for Operations Leads, Visitor Educators, and other staff as needed. Develop standard processes for recruiting, screening, and hiring enthusiastic staff who demonstrate a passion for interpretation and the Aquarium's mission. Also assist in hiring volunteers, interns, and teens.
5. Work with the rest of the Interpretation and Engagement team and other departments to develop and implement consistent, high-quality interpretation and educational programming that meets the mission-based goals of the New England Aquarium.
6. Deliver direct interpretation to the public, working closely with various Aquarium departments to develop strong, positive relationships and lines of communication. Should be comfortable guiding special groups/individuals/VIPs at a moment's notice and in unusual situations.
7. Work with Operations Leads to create weekly and daily schedules based on anticipated attendance and functional needs. Manage staff time-off requests and make adjustments to ensure adequate coverage.
8. Review and approve bi-weekly timecards in accordance with Finance Department standard processes. Work to ensure staff follow and incorporate procedures and practices as laid out by Talent and Culture.
9. Perform other position-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of management experience in a cultural institution, hospitality setting, or similar environment required.
• Background in interpretation, marine science, environmental science, education, or museum studies preferred.
• Experience screening, interviewing, and hiring preferred.
• Experience building work schedule for full time and part time staff required, including experience managing time off requests, and ensuring that needs for various departments are always met and staff are where they need to be throughout the day.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge or one or more of the following areas strongly preferred: exhibit interpretation, educational theory, human development and/or marine biology or ecology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to communicate effectively with Aquarium members, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues of different ages, interests, and backgrounds.
• Strong managerial and team working skills; should have ability to motivate, lead teams and projects, and maintain staff morale and team spirit.
• Able to receive and provide effective positive and constructive feedback to teens, interns, volunteers, direct staff reports, and colleagues.
• Able to adapt in a changing work environment, be open to new ideas, problem solve and work collaboratively with the team as well as independently; should display good professional judgment.
• Strong organizational skills with close attention to detail; should exercise good professional judgment and open communication.
• Excellent presentation skills, both in one-on-one and diverse audience settings, in order to educate about topics related to aquarium exhibits, research, and conservation.
• Must be willing to be trained to handle animals for education programs.
• Passionate about sharing the Aquarium's mission-based programming with a conservation and research focus with visitors.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends, occasional evenings, special events, and holidays.

For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.