Education Evaluation Manager

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium•Omaha, NE

5d•$55,477

About The Position

The Education Evaluation Manager assesses the effectiveness of education and engagement programs in achieving mission-aligned behavior change, conservation outcomes, and learning goals at both Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This role supports continuous improvement across a wide range of offerings, including backstage experiences, camps, classes, overnight programs, and school partnerships. The Education Evaluation Manager designs and conducts social science research and evaluation using both qualitative and quantitative methods, translating findings into actionable insights for leadership, educators, and partners. This position plays a key role in ensuring the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park are meeting their mission, strategic priorities, and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-aligned standards for education and conservation impact. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, experience with research and evaluation methods, comfort working in active visitor environments, and a high level of attention to detail. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Education.

Requirements

Knowledge of best practices in evaluation for museums, zoos, aquariums, or similar visitor-centered environments
Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, visitors, volunteers, and external partners
Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid drivers license with a good history.
Must be able to travel long distances across the Zoo
Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs
Physical effort may be required
Work is performed indoors and outdoors, under all weather conditions

Nice To Haves

Preferred advanced degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, education, museum studies, or a related area; equivalent experience may be considered
Preferred formal coursework or demonstrated experience in evaluation and/or research methodology
Preferred experience working in an AZA-accredited facility or other informal education institution
Proficiency with data collection tools and statistical or qualitative analysis software preferred

Responsibilities

Design and implement evaluation plans to assess learning, behavior change, and conservation outcomes for education and engagement programs across Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park sites
Utilize a range of appropriate data collection methodologies, including but not limited to: Visitor observation, Tracking and timing studies, Surveys (on-site and digital), Panel and intercept interviews, Focus groups, Embedded evaluation techniques, Evaluation prototyping and rapid-cycle testing
Ensure evaluation approaches are appropriate for diverse audiences in informal education environments
Process, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using accepted social science practices
Develop clear, accessible reports and presentations for institutional leadership, education staff, funders, and external partners
Translate findings into actionable recommendations to improve program design, delivery, and visitor experience
Contribute evaluation findings to grant reports, accreditation materials, and strategic planning efforts
Serve as an internal consultant to Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park education, conservation, and guest experience teams on evaluation design and outcomes measurement
Collaborate with external partners, including schools, universities, conservation organizations, and AZA colleagues
Act as the primary liaison to contracted evaluation or research consultants
Lead, train, and supervise a small team of part-time staff, interns, or volunteers supporting evaluation activities
Support proposal development for new evaluation and research initiatives
Ensure ethical research practices, including informed consent, data privacy, and, when applicable, IRB or human-subjects review processes
Maintain awareness of emerging best practices in museum, zoo, aquarium, and wildlife park informal education evaluation
Represent the Zoo in professional evaluation, education, or conservation forums as appropriate