Job Description

About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a leading international conservation, science and education charity. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Role Profile:

ZSL is an international conservation, scientific and education charity. The ZSL Senior Learning Manager will contribute to the achievement of ZSL’s Discovery and Learning mission “to provide positive learning experiences associated with the natural world that inspire lifelong learning in, support for animals, their habitats and conservation” ZSL’s Discovery and Learning strategy covers schools and other educational institutions, community engagement, practical programmes,  inclusion, social dimensions of conservation, public engagement in conservation and science,  and evaluation and visitor studies.

With both strategic and operational responsibilities, the Senior Learning Manager is a key role within the Discovery and Learning department. The role will give strategic direction and line management to the Learning Managers at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to ensure the smooth running of the Discovery and Learning teams who are responsible for school visits, practical programmes and inclusion programmes.

This role is full time with a fixed term contract that will initially be for 6-12 months depending on the needs of the applicant.

The Senior Learning Manager will manage the training and development of the Learning Managers; reporting on their individual progress through the PDR process; identify new projects and allocate work.  They will support the Learning Managers to do the same for their teams across both zoos. They will also have line management responsibilities for the D&L Inclusion Officer, Practical Learning Officer and support specific strands of programming linked to science communication at ZSL.

They will report to the Head of Discovery and Learning, and support them with all aspects of further achieving the Discovery and Learning Strategy as required. They will be a key person who works collaboratively with a variety of the D&L team members and other ZSL individuals and departments on a variety of different projects, programmes and events.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Line managing staff across two zoo sites and support prioritisation and continuing professional development of Discovery & Learning staff
• Ensuring adherence to quality learning frameworks and standards for Discovery & Learning practice and development work to meet needs of key audiences
• Supporting and contributing to medium and longer term strategic planning for innovative and creative D&L programming and delivery at both zoo sites, ensuring all direct reports work towards fulfilling the strategic aims. Work with the Head of Discovery & Learning (HDL)  to feed in their into wider ZSL strategic discussion and fulfil the new ZSL strategic aims and priorities
• Seek and foster partnerships with other education bodies, informal science learning providers and other relevant partners to plan and deliver educational programming and project work
• Lead/support key relationships with internal departments such as marketing, press, supporter services, digital services, interpretation and engagement, retail, catering, admissions and commercial
• Assist HDL to support identified opportunities to promote the social dimensions of conservations programmes. Help train scientific staff to deliver the educational components of their programmes
• Work with HDL to seek opportunities to work with, and liaise with, external academic research partners and evaluators to ensure education research informs Discovery & Learning practice and contributes to the body of knowledge for informal education

Person Specification:

• Bachelor degree in education / social or biological sciences
• PGCE or equivalent Masters or equivalent experience teaching in formal or informal setting experience
• Extensive experience managing and developing large teams (preferably across multiple sites) and proven management skills
• Extensive experience developing and managing budgets
• Extensive experience working in a public facing science/conservation learning body, zoo, aquarium, museum or similar organisation
• Extensive knowledge of the education in zoos and aquariums – including BIAZA, EAZA networks
• A proven understanding of learning outcomes frameworks, development processes, education and learning theory and strategies
• Excellent communication skills evidenced by contributing to national and international meetings and conferences and publications in peer and non-peer reviewed publications in the field of education, social/biological sciences
• Track record of obtaining external funding and managing relationships with funders
• Experience at completing evaluation and research projects into learning in the environmental sector Desirable
• Have a strong personal commitment and belief in the conservation, science and education mission of zoos and will have a good knowledge of wildlife conservation issues and of conservation education
• Experience working as Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or enforcing and developing safeguarding practices

Please note: This is a maternity leave cover contract position that is expected to last for 12 months and is to start as soon as possible.

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 3rd May 2017

Interviews: Friday 12th May 2017 

Ideal start date: June/July 2017 

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.