Curator of Learning & Community Engagement

The Living Desert • Palm Desert, CA

3d • $72,413 - $72,413 • Onsite

About The Position

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to serve as our Curator of Learning & Community Engagement. This role leads a talented team dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences that connect people of all ages to wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. If you are passionate about conservation education, enjoy leading teams, and believe in the power of learning to inspire action, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience leading education, interpretation, outreach, community engagement, or public programming initiatives in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nonprofit, outdoor education, or similar setting.
• Experience supervising and developing teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Strong background in informal learning, conservation education, program evaluation, and audience engagement.
• Experience developing and delivering NGSS-aligned, STEM-based, or conservation-focused educational programming.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with community partners.
• Strong organizational, project management, and budget management skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in educational programming.
• Passion for conservation and an ability to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and positive action.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with program evaluation, grant-funded initiatives, and continuous improvement processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of The Living Desert's Learning & Community Engagement team, including educators, outreach staff, seasonal employees, and other learning professionals.
• Provide strategic vision and leadership for educational programs, outreach initiatives, camps, community engagement efforts, and interpretive experiences.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve engaging learning opportunities that connect diverse audiences with conservation, wildlife, and desert ecosystems.
• Supervise, mentor, coach, and support a high-performing team through hiring, training, professional development, and performance management.
• Utilize evaluation tools and audience research to measure learning outcomes, visitor engagement, and program effectiveness.
• Manage departmental budgets, grant-funded initiatives, staffing plans, program schedules, supplies, and operational resources.
• Build strong relationships with schools, community organizations, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond.
• Represent The Living Desert through public presentations, professional conferences, community partnerships, media opportunities, and special events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior