Education & Community Engagement Manager

Education & Community Engagement Manager

Organization:

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park

Job Title:

Education & Community Engagement Manager

Reports To:

Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)

Department:

Education, Community Partnerships & Advancement

Compensation Type:

Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Professional development

FLSA Classification:

Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Education & Community Engagement Manager leads the design, expansion, and execution of all mission-based educational programming at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. This includes curriculum development, youth learning programs, adult education initiatives, docent leadership, community partnerships, and interpretive storytelling aligned with the park’s horticultural and environmental themes.

Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), this role plays a central part in strengthening Gilroy Gardens’ identity as a nonprofit organization dedicated to horticulture, sustainability, environmental education, and community enrichment. The position collaborates closely with Marketing, Operations, Philanthropy, and community stakeholders to elevate Gilroy Gardens’ visibility and impact throughout the region.

This position ensures the park’s unique horticultural heritage, environmental stewardship initiatives, sustainability themes, and educational values are effectively communicated and experienced by guests year-round.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Educational Program Leadership

• Expand learning opportunities beyond Natural Science Days to create year-round STEAM, horticulture, sustainability, and environmental literacy programs.
• Develop curriculum-aligned lesson plans consistent with California K–12 educational standards.
• Create engaging and age-appropriate experiences for children, families, seniors, and adult learners.
• Oversee all operations within the Green Barn, serving as the park’s primary educational venue.

2. Interpretive Storytelling & Exhibit Development

• Maintain, update, and enhance key educational exhibits including:
• Monarch Butterfly Green House
• Hydroponics Garden
• Redwood Area
• Circus Trees
• Develop and install engaging interpretive signage that highlights horticulture, sustainability, conservation, and the park’s nonprofit mission.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to integrate educational messaging into digital content, guest communications, and on-site materials.

3. Community & School Partnerships

• Build and grow relationships with:
• School districts
• Educators and administrators
• Youth programs
• Senior groups
• Community-based organizations
• Promote field trips, educator resources, and large-scale group educational experiences.
• Represent Gilroy Gardens at education and community-focused meetings, conferences, and outreach events.

4. Docent & Volunteer Program Leadership

• Revitalize, expand, and supervise the docent program, ensuring volunteers are trained, informed, supported, and recognized.
• Recruit, schedule, and manage seasonal educators and program assistants.
• Provide training and ongoing supervision to ensure consistency and quality across all learning programs.

5. Program Operations & Delivery

• Serve as the on-site leader during all educational program days.
• Facilitate field trips, tours, workshops, and hands-on environmental learning experiences.
• Coordinate with Group Sales and Operations for large-scale educational events.
• Ensure all programming meets safety, accessibility, and guest satisfaction standards.

6. Program Evaluation & Impact Reporting

• Track and analyze program participation, educational outcomes, engagement levels, and guest feedback.
• Prepare reports to support the CAO, Fundraising, Board committees, and grant reporting needs.
• Provide data and storytelling for fundraising, stewardship, and donor relations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Museum Studies, Child Development, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 4–7 years of experience in educational program development, museum/park education, environmental education, or youth programming.
• Experience working with K–12 schools, educators, and diverse communities preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of STEAM learning, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and horticultural themes.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, program management, and interpretive storytelling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead programs in outdoor environments and adapt to varying weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the park for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to lift or carry up to 30 pounds (educational materials, signage, equipment).
• Frequent interaction with guests, educators, docents, volunteers, and community partners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is conducted both indoors (planning, development, administration) and outdoors (program delivery, guest engagement).
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by programming schedules.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions throughout the year.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises seasonal educators, program assistants, part-time staff, and volunteer docents.
• Manages staff scheduling, training, leadership, and performance expectations.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & ACCEPTANCE

This job description outlines primary responsibilities but does not encompass all duties that may be assigned. Duties may be modified or expanded based on organizational needs.