What you get to do:
The Manager, Education is responsible for setting and executing strategy for operations, leadership, and budget management for two distinct divisions of the Education Department: Education Programs (Field Trips, Outreaches, Sleepovers, Summer Camps) and Park Experiences (VIP Tours, Public Tours, Interpreters, In-Park Events). In this role, you will also:
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Provide leadership, innovation and vision to staff including a team of supervisors and a large-scale operation for educational programs, in-park revenue experiences, camps, sleepovers, field trips, and outreaches.
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Innovation Management: Be a thought leader and an agent of change. Lead an ongoing creative process which constantly expands and transforms our zoological programming, making it more relevant to perpetually changing audiences.
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Collaboration: Partner with Zoological and other functional leaders to work closely with Marketing and Communications Park Operation to create strategies to best promote and sell and execute park programs.
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Interpretation of animals to guests in park: Includes development of messaging consistent with trends in education and conservation, reimagining presentations, approving interpretative graphics and other methods to increase guest awareness and interest in animals.
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Park revenue experiences: Includes finding efficiencies, promoting incredible guest service and innovating new experiences based on customer demand. In collaboration with Marketing and Communications, create innovative strategies to promote and sell revenue-generating zoological programs.
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Elevate VIP experiences to drive additional revenue for the central Florida market.
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Community Engagement: Accountable for enhancing the brand and success of the company by engaging and messaging to external bodies such as education organization, and community organizations.
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Lead and develop diverse staff to improve their capabilities and expertise. Set a tone of inspiration, harness passion of team to fuel engagement, innovation, and forward thinking. Ensure solid composition of team and development of strong leaders.
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Work in collaboration with the entire Zoological Salaried Leadership Team to achieve department and park goals in a timely manner.
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Develop and manage revenue and expense budgets and participate in financial reporting.
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Partner with other SeaWorld parks to ensure consistency and standardization across programs, operations and efforts.
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Planning and communication within department and inter-departmentally, reinforcing positive relationships. Interface with other departments and park projects. Represent and embody Zoological Department internally and externally.
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Implement company-wide short and long-term goals and strategies as designated.
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Responsible for budget administration including operating expense, labor expense, and revenue.
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Responsible for high-volume guest interaction, including resolution of issues which may arise.
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Responsible for ensuring safe work practices at all times.
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Ensure adherence to highest standards in all areas of responsibility.
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Perform other miscellaneous duties as required.
What it takes to succeed:
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Bachelor's degree in sciences, education or related field required.
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Minimum of five years leadership of people/ teams.
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Minimum of two years direct budget management experience.
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Minimum of five years experience in a customer service environment.
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Demonstrated success leading teams, and leading other leaders.
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Sophisticated verbal and written communication skills. Strong public speaker, with ability to readily adjust to audience.
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Experience in zoological setting, with basic understanding of zoological operations.
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Experience with management and administration of complex budgets.
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Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a high-pace environment.
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Demonstrated strong understanding of educational principles and instructional design.
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Skilled in customer/ guest interaction, including resolution of problems.
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Experience in theme park, entertainment, or hospitality related industries.
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Advanced degree preferred.