Public Programs Coordinator
Department: Education
Reports to: Director of Education
Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt, Full-Time, Regular

Dedicated in 1953, Kingwood Center Gardens is a cultural and educational center with special emphasis on ornamental horticulture and gardening. In honor of Charles Kelley King’s vision, Kingwood Center Gardens’ core framework is as follows:

• Our Vision: Inspire deep enriching connections so that human and natural communities thrive.
• Our Mission: Provide positive transformative experiences within an exquisite garden estate.
• Our Core Values - CARE: Culture of Learning; Appreciation of Nature; Respect and cherish; Excellence and Quality

Job Overview
The Public Programs Coordinator promotes a positive and transformative guest experience through the coordination of mission-focused, formal and informal educational programs, events, exhibitions and interpretation for diverse backgrounds, ages, and learning styles. Under the guidance of the Director of Education, and in collaboration with all Kingwood departments, the Coordinator oversees the development and execution of fee-based and free-with-admission programming and provides a welcoming, safe, and effective learning environment for families and life-long learners to deepen an appreciation for Kingwood Center Gardens and inspire participants about history and the natural world.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Education to develop, plan and execute a full menu of formal and informal public program offerings and experiences for Kingwood’s diverse audience segments including early childhood, youth and family, and lifelong learners
• Follow departmental guidelines for program scheduling, pricing, revenue projections, data entry, marketing content and more
• Coordinate all program logistics including using internal booking and web-based software systems, sourcing supplies, securing classroom space and additional staff, volunteer and/or contracted outsourced instructors, and executing other day-of-program needs
• Communicate, schedule and coordinate specific logistical needs of public programs with various stakeholders including instructors, Kingwood support staff and volunteers, and program participants
• Secure, purchase, store, organize and maintain inventory of program supplies and materials within budget and as needed
• Present public and private guided tours through the mansion and gardens and provide historic information about Kingwood Hall and the grounds and gardens of Kingwood Center Gardens
• Develop, present, and teach curriculum and activities for early childhood storytimes and public youth and family programming in environmental education, natural sciences and history that complement seasonal and traveling exhibits, as well as Kingwood Center Gardens special events
• Maintain and monitor family areas including children’s play space and story book trail. Create engaging seasonal activities and manage quality control of manipulatives.
• Work with and provide training and supervision for Education Department volunteers and interns
• Assist Education Department team with all departmental including, but not limited to, greeting guests as Kingwood Hall host, greeting school groups, and staffing Kingwood hosted special events to contribute to success of Education Department and Kingwood Center Gardens team
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Prolonged periods of continuous standing, sitting, or walking on different surfaces along with occasional stooping, bending, reaching, crouching
• Ability to lift 30 pounds occasionally
• Ability to move around the outdoor gardens in all weather conditions
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed
• Demonstrated passion for educating the public and enriching connections with people and nature
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to self-motivate and be comfortable working with the public (both adults and youth) in both formal and informal program environments
• Must be goal-oriented, flexible, and adaptable to potential unanticipated opportunities.
• Possess verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including effective presentation and critical thinking skills
• Ability to collaborate across departments and provide programmatic support as required for Kingwood special events
• Ability to work with diverse staff, volunteers, interns, families, adults and children of all ages, backgrounds, skills, and abilities
• Demonstrated ability with computers, Microsoft Office programs, and databases used for tracking departmental performance

Qualifications

• At least three years’ experience working, developing and executing youth-focused environmental education programming or related experience is required
• A bachelor’s degree in education, horticulture, environmental science, biology, interpretation, history, or other related field required
• Work experience in an informal education setting preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft 365, including Outlook and Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License
• Must pass a background check
• Must pass drug test