Job Description

Education and Communications Coordinator

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: $24-27/hr

Job Type:​ non-Exempt Full-time, 40 hours/week

Location: In the office at 1460 N. Fairview Ave, Goleta CA 

Reports to : Director of Partnerships

Benefits : Health insurance ($350 monthly contribution towards group health plan), paid time off

Work authorization: United States (Required)

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) has an exciting, immediate opening for an Education and Communications Coordinator. This position is on site, and not remote or hybrid. The individual in this position will play a key role in growing and strengthening SBWCN’s presence as a resource for the Santa Barbara community and beyond. The Education and Communications Coordinator will Develop and deliver educational programs, both in-person and online, and coordinate outreach events. This position includes managing SBWCN’s educational program to schools, community groups, households, educational materials online, public relations, and print communications. 

This person is also critical in fundraising and event opportunities. They must wear many hats and be willing to operate in a fast-paced, collaborative, and constantly-evolving environment. A positive, can-do attitude is a must, and a deep love of wildlife is essential. 

About SBWCN

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases wildlife in need. Since 1988, thousands of birds, reptiles, and terrestrial mammals have received quality care every year thanks to the hardworking volunteers and staff at SBWCN. 

The ideal candidate is:

• Positive
• Creative
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Collaborative 
• Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing
• Savvy in digital communication
• Comfortable speaking in front of large crowds

Responsibilities include:

• Identify good stories and exercise good story-telling skills. 
• Works with the SBWCN team to create cutting-edge, mission-related programming. Oversees youth education programs; outreach education; group visits and tours; public educational events; and exhibitions.
• Works collaboratively with the SBWCN Animal Care staff to develop educational goals, programs, and interpretation that speak to the wildlife served by SBWCN’s mission
• Designs and executes the development of educational programming and work toward strategic growth in the department to engage diverse audiences.
• Creates new strategies for implementing a formalized learning experience for schools
• Contribute to digital communications including bi-weekly e-newsletters, seasonal mailed newsletters, social media posts, and press releases.
• Contribute to updating the SBWCN website to reflect current campaigns, events, and educational initiatives.
• Drive strategy to increase engagement on social media.
• Give educational wildlife presentations and tours to interested groups. 
• Assist in Coordinating events including the annual Open House, Benefit for Wildlife, and others.
• Represent SBWCN at outreach events throughout the year.
• Serve as a key media contact. Actively reach out to local media outlets with relevant news.
• Research and collect data to optimize communication strategies and better understand the SBWCN audience. 
• Supervise interns.
• Collaborate across multiple departments to further the mission of the organization.
• Supervises, trains, and provides professional development for volunteers in the educational and outreach programs
• Oversees and trains a core group of volunteers that specifically work in education 
• Work with the Executive Director to develop annual budget needs for the education program
• leading classes, tours, and workshops, covering events, and assisting with exhibit fabrication as needed.
• participate in long-range planning and the design and implementation of programs and projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in education or related field or equivalent experience. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience creating and delivering successful, engaging, and mission-related programs in a non-traditional educational environment, such as a museum, nature center, zoo, or botanic garden.
• Understanding of and dedication to fulfilling SBWCN’s mission and ethics
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organization, time management, and team management skills 
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while successfully managing multiple priorities
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) desired
• Possess a strong personal work ethic, positive attitude, superior public relations skills, and have a high level of integrity
• Must be able to work from the Santa Barbara area with frequent travel onsite to the SBWCN Center located at 1460 North Fairview Ave in Goleta.
• 2+ years managing communications
• Knowledge of local wildlife species and best practices for living in harmony with wildlife
• Experience cultivating relationships with community organizations and individuals
• Comfortable speaking to the public, especially in educational settings
• Event coordination experience 
• Significant experience in:
• Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp preferred)
• Graphic design (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Canva, etc.)
• Video editing/photography
• All major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
• Curriculum design and implementation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Google Analytics
• Executing virtual events 
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Science communications background 
• Direct supervisory experience
• Development experience with a nonprofit organization
• Enthusiastic animal lover who can inspire and educate others
• Intimate knowledge of the Santa Barbara area. Existing contacts with local media agencies are highly desired!

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must have current driver's license and insurable driving record.

Work Environment:

Must be willing to work evenings, holidays, or weekends as requested for special events. Must be able to work the required hours to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines. 

This position is located within a Wildlife Hospital. While this position does not work directly with animals, all employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals, and radiography equipment.

Ability to lift and move items up to 40lbs.

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to crouch, crawl, climb, stoop, and kneel.
• Vaccination requirements: Covid 19 and Tetanus. Flu shot may additionally be required due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies.
• Must be able to respect biosecurity protocols in place to keep people and animals safe. 

Please send the following to Ariana, Executive Director, at ariana@sbwcn.org 

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references
• If applicable: portfolio, website, professional social media, educational curriculum

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