Youth Development Programs Manager

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 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.

Priority deadline for applications is September 26 2025 at 5pm Pacific Time. Due to the volume of incoming applications the role may be closed earlier than September 26 2025.

Job Summary:

Manage all aspects of the Education Divisions Youth Development Programs with the goal of elevating and equipping young changemakers to innovate solutions for a thriving ocean. Create a work culture of equity and accountability which is demonstrated by how they lead staff who oversee and deliver programs; coach staff in their professional development goals; recruit new staff members; and effectively communicate the long-term vision strategic plan and annual work plan for Youth Development Programs. Lead evaluations of programs and publish results in collaboration with other Education departments as well as other Aquarium divisions and external stakeholders. Embody the desire to continually grow by engaging in professional learning to ensure the Education Division is informed of current trends methods and research about formal and informal STEAM outdoor education and conservation education. Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Activities:

• Manage the performance and responsibilities of staff including facilitating and inviting courageous conversations; creating a positive culture of accountability; and completing periodic performance appraisals.
• Manage all aspects of Youth Development Programs department which includes:
  • Direct the design development presentation and evaluation of curriculum and programs.
  • Collaborate and communicate with other department managers to ensure implementation.
  • Generate and present quarterly reports annual summaries and future projections for enrollment and learning outcomes.
  • Schedule staff and programs.
  • Oversee the design of new or improvement of existing evaluation tools and methods to measure program outcomes in collaboration with Education Division leadership staff and outside consultants.
• Recommend long-term plan for Youth Development Programs in collaboration with Education leadership and staff that serves the larger Education mission and the Aquariums mission. Clearly communicate this plan to staff other Aquarium divisions other institutions and external stakeholders. Reflect on revisit and iterate this plan regularly based on new learning and staff input.
• Stay informed and practiced in the latest trends and research in management skills that cultivate a culture of equity and improve non-profit business processes.
• Provide staff with the development they need or desire that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential both through direct mentorship and by connecting staff with external trainings and experts.
• Develop prioritize track and review annual department budgets capital projects and resources coordinating with staff and other program areas as needed.
• As needed lead equitable processes to recruit interview hire and train new staff and volunteers.
• Ensure that the Education Department is informed of the latest science research opinions strategies trends and academic standards with respect to formal and informal STEAM education outdoor education and programming.
• Contribute to the peer-reviewed publication of educational research findings through academic writing and editing.
• Represent the department division and the Aquarium to the public visiting dignitaries and the professional education community at various meetings events and professional conferences.

Preferred Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Masters degree with an emphasis in natural science formal or informal education curriculum youth or staff development; or equivalent combination of education training and experience
• Extensive and diverse experience in conservation or experiential science education
• Proven success in creating and contributing to a work culture rooted in equity
• Broad deep understanding of marine science content integrated STEAM educational practices outdoor education and culturally responsive education
• Broad deep knowledge of national and state standards teaching methods and professional and/or youth development strategies
• Advanced education combined with 5-10 years formal and/or informal teaching experience
• Five years supervisory experience including staff management recruitment interviewing training feedback and evaluation
• Five years experience developing supervising teaching and evaluating education programs
• Proficient in the Aquariums core leadership competencies
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English
• Strong leadership management and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent verbal communication with individuals and groups
• A high degree of versatility and ability to prioritize and coordinate a variety of projects and programs and interact with diverse interest groups and support personnel
• Excellent classroom and public presentation skills and ability to represent institutional image to a variety of audiences
• Natural history interpretation skills in exhibit and field settings
• Familiarity with Monterey Bay-specific natural history marine science and STEAM
• Experience in the use of technology as an educational tool with students and/or adults including but not limited to iPad apps Google Suite and web-based educational tools
• Experience modeling transparent communication working collaboratively listening with curiosity and working iteratively.
• Extensive experience leading outdoor experiential education programs including experience training educators in outdoor facilitation techniques.
• Knowledge of valuing diverse opinions and valuing staff that bring learning from their unique prior experiences and backgrounds.
• Desired: fluent Spanish speaking and writing skills
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquariums Core Values
• Must possess or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment a valid California drivers license in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehicles

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Drive a standard vehicle including large vans and pick-up trucks; utilize a laptop computer tablet cell phone VR headset and other hand-held technologies; present in classrooms (Bechtel Center for Ocean Education and Leadership Aquarium labs etc.) and in the field (on beaches wetlands forests parks etc.); comfort in the water to be able to facilitate and oversee participants during water events such as tide pooling snorkeling and boogie boarding
• Standing to present occasionally; regularly walking and hiking indoors and outdoors; some pushing carts of materials
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment field work (beach and coastal shoreline) ocean

Annual Compensation Range:

$84600-$104000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Required Experience:

Manager