Curator of Learning & Community Engagement
$72,413–$72,413 year
On-siteCoachella Valley, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead the daily operations of The Living Desert's Learning & Community Engagement team, including educators, outreach staff, and seasonal employees. Provide strategic vision for educational programs, camps, and interpretive experiences while developing learning opportunities that connect diverse audiences with conservation and desert ecosystems. Supervise and mentor the team through hiring, training, and performance management; utilize evaluation tools to measure learning outcomes and program effectiveness. Manage departmental budgets, grant-funded initiatives, and operational resources. Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and stakeholders throughout the Coachella Valley. Represent The Living Desert through public presentations, conferences, and media opportunities. This role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays, plus the ability to work outdoors in extreme desert conditions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field
- At least five years of experience leading education, interpretation, outreach, community engagement, or public programming initiatives in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nonprofit, outdoor education, or similar setting
- Experience supervising and developing teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development
- Strong background in informal learning, conservation education, program evaluation, and audience engagement
- Experience developing and delivering NGSS-aligned, STEM-based, or conservation-focused educational programming
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with community partners
- Strong organizational, project management, and budget management skills
- Experience with program evaluation, grant-funded initiatives, and continuous improvement processes
- Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in educational programming
- Passion for conservation and an ability to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and positive action
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for programs and special events
- Standing, walking, and moving throughout The Living Desert for extended periods
- Lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
- Working outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat and temperature fluctuations typical of desert environments
- Valid California driver's license or ability to obtain one upon hire
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree preferred
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