Camp and Overnight Program Coordinator – Conservation, Education and Training
Requisition ID# 771CC

The Camp and Overnight Coordinator contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by connecting children, youth, and families to wildlife and nature through our Zoo Camps, Overnight Programs, Zoo World Patch, and other scheduled education and interpretive programs. This position ensures that Seasonal Camp and Overnight Staff receive ongoing supervision and training that ensures their success and is representative of CZS employer of choice standards. Assists with program content and oversees program registration, responsible for tracking and monitoring the program budget to ensure effective and efficient use of CZS resources, as well as ensure continued program growth.

Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Interpretive Program Manager and in collaboration with designated CET staff: Coordinates implementation of interpretive programs’ summer day camp programs and seasonal camp experiences. Collaborates effectively with CET staff and resources for curriculum development and review. Coordinates and assists in recruiting, hiring, training and supervising seasonal staff, providing logistical and content support for camp staff, and acting as liaison between camp staff and other CZS staff. Coordinates overnight programs, including curriculum development, hiring and supervising seasonal staff, providing logistical and content support for overnight staff, and acting as liaison between overnight staff and other CZS staff. Contributes to monthly and annual budget reporting by providing accurate tracking and reporting of all program costs and expenditures, accurate tracking and reporting of progress toward revenue goals, and makes ongoing proactive and effective recommendations for enhancing net revenues and program capacity building helping to ensure that program revenue goals are achieved. Coordinates the Zoo World Patch (ZWP) Program for youth groups, including program registration, logistic support for program participants and staff, ordering program supplies, assisting with marketing techniques, and development of new patch programs and related materials. Collaborates with other Interpretive Programs Crew to coordinate breakfast tours, behind-the-scene tours, and other specialty tours including assisting in content development, providing interdepartmental communication and logistical support to ensure a positive guest experience. Serves as staff resource for public presentations, voice-overs, special events and other programs as requested. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Education, Science Education, Interpretation, Early Childhood Education, or other related field, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. Minimum two years relevant experience as a camp counselor or supervisor. Experience with an ACA accredited camp preferred. Minimum two years experience working with teens or young adults required. Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise others preferred. Must be comfortable speaking to large audiences. Some prior public speaking experience required. Entrepreneurial experience highly desired, particularly with managing income and expenses, increasing net revenue and delivering a superb product. Must have a strong interest in nature programming for children aged birth-12 and their families. Interest and passion for conservation, biological diversity, and the natural world. Must be comfortable learning to handle a variety of live animals safely. Computer proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required. Experience with PowerPoint and other database packages preferred. Prior experience with financial tracking and reporting. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as strong organizational skills. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team, as well as independently. Must be eager and capable of delivering excellent customer service. Must be eager to develop a business approach where net revenue and customer service are of paramount importance. A genuine interest in hands-on, learner-centered, and inquiry-based approaches to learning. Experience in an informal learning environment (museum, zoo, aquarium, and nature center) preferred. Creative skills/abilities such as musician, actor, dancer, artist, gardener, farmer, naturalist, craftsman, costumer designer/seamstress or other skills that can be integrated into the learning experience are a plus. Valid driver’s license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.