The director of education is an experienced, creative and big thinker to direct and expand its
educational programming. This position provides leadership and vision for all Friends of the
Chicago River educational activities, working to expand and deepen Friends’ commitment to
education and outreach as outlined in its strategic plan. Audiences include the general public,
volunteers, members, teachers, students and McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River
Museum guests. The director of education and outreach leads a team of education and
outreach staff. As the only organization exclusively dedicated to improving the Chicago River, Friends staff
are individuals who are committed to the environment and view the river as an important
part of the history, culture, ecology, and future of the region.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Management
• Directly supervise Bridgehouse director, community relations developer, education
manager, and paddling program coordinator.
• Lead an educational and outreach team to provide cohesion and strategic vision for all of
Friends’ educational and outreach efforts.
• Serve on Friends’ Organizational Development team, which includes executive director,
director of development, director of watershed planning, and director of operations.
• Assist with development and facilitation of annual organizational planning.
Programming
• Develop and oversee training for Friends’ Chicago River Eco-Warrior volunteer
program. This includes work day volunteers, canoe guides, Bridgehouse docents,
Chicago River School Network volunteers, River Day site captains, and key Student
Congress volunteers.
• Grow and enhance Friends’ internship program to meet the needs of both the
organization and the students. Collaborate with university partners to develop and
enhance service-learning and internship opportunities.
• Coordinate the development of the outreach component of Friends’ flagship events:
Chicago River Day and Big Fish Ball.
• Provide vision, leadership and direction for Friends’ educational programs including the
Chicago River Schools Network, Blueways to Green, McCormick Bridgehouse &
Chicago River Museum and paddling programs.
•Ensure that Friends’ suite of educational and outreach opportunities are thoughtful and
strategic, and that they build on each other to help community members move from
awareness and appreciation, to knowledge and action.
• Strategically develop paths for deeper engagement among Friends’ members, volunteers
and other stakeholders through the Chicago River Eco-Warriors volunteer program.
• Lead student field trips, classroom programs, and other activities as needed.
Funding and Evaluation
• Develop and implement evaluation plan for educational and outreach activities at
Friends.
• Oversee all education and outreach budgets, with direct responsibility for developing and
reforecasting four of the five cost centers.
• Assist development team with funding of educational and outreach activities, including
developing grant proposals and reports and corporate and major donor outreach.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The right candidate will have a master’s degree in environmental education, education,
ecology or related field with at least eight years experience in environmental education and
outreach. The candidate should also have experience managing budgets, overseeing staff,
and, preferably, cultivating major donors and grant writing.
In addition, the candidate should have:
• An ability to work on multiple projects at once
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Be organized, flexible and self-directed
SALARY: Commensurate with experience
AVAILABLE: Immediately
To Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter via email to:
Kasandra Cooper
jobs@chicagoriver.org
No phone calls, please.
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