Director, Youth Learning

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Director of Youth Learning provides strategic leadership for the development of all children’s educational programs and learning experiences. This position directly supervises the learning team program managers, strengthening alignment, communication, and collaboration. The Director of Youth Learning translates departmental priorities into operational plans by guiding curriculum and program development, supporting the professional growth of managers and staff, managing shared resources and project timelines, and streamlining staffing, materials, procedures, and program delivery. This role ensures that children’s programs are educationally sound, operationally efficient, financially responsible, inclusive, and aligned with the Arboretum’s mission and vision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field required
Minimum of seven (7) years of applicable experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience.
Experience in education, program development, curriculum design or informal science learning environments (public garden, museum, cultural institution, nature centers or similar experiential environment) required.
Strong knowledge of STEM education, curriculum standards (TEKS), and experiential learning methods and best practices
Proven ability to supervise teams, develop staff, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation
Experience in budget management and long-term planning
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background check and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in related field preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the vision, strategy, and operational execution of all youth educational programs, including Children's Adventure Garden programs, academic offerings, and youth enrichment initiatives, driving quality, impact, and organizational growth.
Lead cross-functional collaboration to align people, priorities, and resources, ensuring departmental initiatives are executed effectively and support strategic goals and mission.
Guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality curricula and learning experiences that are standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate, engaging, inclusive and accessible.
Collaborate across departments to support the coordinated planning and successful delivery of programs and educational events.
Ensure that all educational programs reflect the Arboretum’s mission and vision.
Hire, supervise and develop learning team managers by establishing goals, clarifying expectations, providing coaching and supporting professional growth.
Guide managers in building, supervising and evaluating effective teams.
Develop and manage project timelines, including responsibilities, milestones, deliverables, and deadlines for programs, events and departmental priorities.
Evaluate departmental processes and implement continuous improvements that strengthen organizational effectiveness and program delivery.
Lead other initiatives and programs as assigned by the Vice President, Learning.
Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing and resources, ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Oversee data collection, impact assessment, and reporting for institutional priorities, grants and program evaluation.
Cultivate and maintain partnerships with school districts, community organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to expand educational opportunities and program impact.