At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary: 

Lead the strategic planning and execution of all guest-facing interpretive programs, volunteer-led stations, public programs, auditorium presentations, feeding shows, tours, and specialty VIP experiences. Foster an inclusive, emotionally intelligent environment that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), ensuring that all programming is culturally relevant, accessible, and engaging to diverse audiences. In partnership with management and cross-functional teams, cultivate a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration. Mentor and guide staff and volunteers, ensuring team alignment with the Aquarium’s conservation mission and values. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:                                                                                                                                 

• Set the department vision and leadership rooted in culturally responsive practices.
• Develop strategies for new program design that align with best practices in adult learning, ocean literary, and conservation communication.
• Oversee the design and implementation of new interpretive programs and staff training in various formats in support of Aquarium priorities, strategies, and conservation messaging.
• Oversee the performance and provide coaching and mentorship to interpretive programs staff.
• Create annual works plans including goal setting, detailed implementation plans, staffing, etc.
• Define evaluation requirements for interpretive programs and oversee evaluation initiatives.
• Manage department budget (operational and labor) through annual budget development, ongoing oversite, and gap assessment.
• Stay abreast of current trends, methods, and research related to the field.
• Coach and mentor interpretive programs volunteers.
• Represent Interpretive Programs on Aquarium-wide committees and work teams.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Bachelor degree in marine biology, environmental sciences, communications, or related field or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• At least 7-10 year’s demonstrated experience in a management or professional leadership role—ideally in an informal learning environment (aquarium, zoo, museum or major attraction)
• Demonstrated ability to develop public programs and training materials for multicultural and diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to deliver educational programs in a fun, dialogic, scientifically accurate, and engaging manner
• Strong interpersonal and inclusive leadership skills; demonstrated ability to supervise and work with a variety of professionals, interns and volunteers of various ages and cultural backgrounds
• Expertise in tending to the ethical responsibilities required by complex multi cultural environments
• Ability to build and maintain a positive environment that encourages strong relationships among and between volunteers and staff
• Informal science education experience, public speaking, storytelling, theatrical training/experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with a variety of types of professionals, interns and volunteers of various ages
• Able to adapt to departmental, systematic and programmatic changes and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to contribute to multiple simultaneous projects
• Ability to tend to the ethical responsibilities required by complex multi cultural environments
• Demonstrated ability to create and model culture of inclusivity and compassionate accountability through inclusive leadership strategies
• Experience and comfort in the use of technology as an educational tool
• Experience working with and managing volunteers and volunteer programs
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; Bilingual English/Spanish desired
• Familiarity with Asana, MS Office and Google suite of desired
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
• Bilingual preferred

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:

 $104,900- $134,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.