Education and Public Engagement Manager
The Organisation
Castlecomer Discovery Park is a multi-activity adventure park operating as a not-for-profit social enterprise. We welcome 144,000+ visitors annually with 11,000 participating in our outdoor learning programmes across formal education and informal public engagement sectors. Through adventure, curriculum-linked activities and public outreach, we are committed to promoting the benefits of outdoor and STE(A)M learning, environmental sustainability and wellbeing.
The Role
We are recruiting an innovative, dynamic individual to manage and develop the education, outreach and public engagement aspects of our organisation. This is a leadership role, for someone who is an effective communicator with professional experience of Ireland’s education system and a passion for the outdoor environment and STE(A)M learning. The successful candidate will work within the management team with a focus on effective programme design and delivery, optimised management of resources and workforce management. A key measurement of success will be growth of existing programmes and establishment of new partnerships. This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of one of Ireland’s leading education and activity centres.
Responsibilities
- Manage the operation of the existing education and outreach programmes
- Seek out and implement improvements to increase efficiencies in all aspects of programme delivery
- Work closely with Activity Manager to optimise the role of adventure activities in contributing to the education, outreach and public engagement aspects of the organisation
- Maintain relationships with existing contacts, partners and stakeholders whilst fostering new partnerships
- Identify and pursue new revenue-generating and funding opportunities in promoting (outdoor, environmental, sustainability) learning across a variety of audiences
- Develop and lead implementation of short, medium and long term education and public engagement strategies
- Champion change and lead the team in provision of contemporary sector-leading programmes
- Promote environmental action plan/sustainability of operations
- Plan, monitor and control programme budgeting within management team
- Collaborate with General Manager and others on the marketing and promotion of the programme
- Staff management within programmes and related recruitment, training and mentoring
- Coordination of student work placement schemes
- Ensure compliance with Children First Act and Safeguarding of all staff
- Implementation of Health & Safety requirements
- Collaboration with other management and staff to plan, coordinate and review Park activities, events, procedures and policies etc.
- Assist the General Manager with funding applications and additional administration tasks as required
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to provide inspirational leadership to and as part of a team
- Project management and organisational skills
- Effective interpersonal and communication (oral & written) skills
- Networking and collaboration abilities
- Ability to collate, analyse, synthesise and present data
- Ability to network and collaborate with a variety of professional stakeholders
- Large group management and engaging facilitation skills
- Innovative problem-solving capabilities
- Flexibility and responsiveness to thrive within a dynamic environment
- Excellent technological proficiency particularly Microsoft Office Suite
- Is buntáiste é líofacht leis an nGaeilge.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in education sector, preferably a developmental role
- 3rdlevel qualification in outdoor education, teaching & learning, environmental science or similar
- Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering outdoor learning and/or STE(A)M related workshops to groups
- People management/leadership
- Access to own transport with full, clean driving licence
Desirable, not essential:
- REC3 First Aid or similar
- Safeguarding 1,2,3
- Leave No Trace
- Disability Inclusion Training
The role is subject to Garda Vetting. The post will be 39 hours per week rostered over 7 days as required. Occasional evening and bank holiday work required.
Deadline 30th Januaury 2022
Please send CVs to info@discoverypark.ie with subject line ‘Education and Public Engagement Manager”
