Education Manager

Bok Tower Gardens, Inc.•Lake Wales, FL

About The Position

Position Summary The Education Coordinator develops and delivers engaging, mission-aligned educational experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and connection for guests of all ages—every day. This role designs programs, interpretive activities, tours, and informal learning opportunities that deepen visitor understanding of the natural world, horticulture, conservation, cultural heritage, and the history of Bok Tower Gardens. Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and cross-departmental partners, the Education Coordinator ensures that educational content is inclusive, accessible, and woven throughout the daily guest experience. This position also supports strategic planning for events, provides training for education volunteers, and contributes to the organization’s mission through thoughtful program development and evaluation.

Requirements

Strong knowledge and passion for nature, conservation, and informal science education.
Demonstrated ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for diverse audiences.
Ability to research, interpret, and communicate historical information clearly and accurately.
Experience developing inclusive, mission-aligned programming for public gardens, museums, or similar environments.
Strong administrative and supervisory skills, with experience working with volunteers.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with staff across departments and build positive working relationships.
Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems.
Ability to work outdoors and engage groups safely around live plants and native wildlife.
Bachelor’s degree in interpretation, museum studies, education, environmental studies, science communication, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in environmental education, public gardens, museum programming, or classroom teaching preferred.
Experience in volunteer management, administrative support, and program supervision preferred.

Nice To Haves

Grant writing experience preferred.
Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement daily programming, tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and seasonal offerings that align with the Garden’s mission and values.
Incorporate themes of conservation, natural history, horticulture, cultural heritage, and Bok Tower history into all educational content.
Conduct historical research on Bok Tower Gardens and transform findings into accurate, engaging interpretive materials.
Develop programs that appeal to a wide range of ages, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds.
Evaluate educational and interpretive programs to measure visitor engagement and learning outcomes, using insights to refine offerings.
Support school field trips, youth programs, adult learning opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
Integrate conservation concepts, ecological understanding, and biodiversity awareness into programming.
Highlight the Garden’s cultural and historical significance through storytelling, multimedia interpretation, and engaging activities.
Ensure interpretive strategies honor diverse cultures, abilities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
Recruit, train, supervise, and support education volunteers, working closely with the Volunteer Manager.
Develop and deliver training modules covering interpretive techniques, guest engagement strategies, safety, accessibility, and historical knowledge of Bok Tower Gardens.
Provide ongoing coaching, evaluation, and professional development opportunities for volunteers.
Ensure volunteers feel confident, informed, and empowered to deliver meaningful visitor experiences.
Work closely with the Director of Visitor Engagement and the Director of Business Development to plan, curate, and maintain a mission-aligned annual calendar of educational programs and special events.
Monitor trends in environmental education, gardening, cultural programming, and public interest topics to ensure programming remains relevant and appealing to diverse audiences.
Partner with Visitor Engagement and Events teams to integrate educational opportunities into festivals, celebrations, and daily guest experiences.
Assist with on-site event operations as needed.
Track program metrics, attendance, and budgetary goals; maintain records, spreadsheets, and evaluation reports.
Prepare educational content and supporting information for grant proposals.
Represent Bok Tower Gardens at public events, programs, and community partner engagements.
Serve as a tour guide as needed.
Assist with booking and preparing school programs, group visits, and workshops.
Provide reports for the Director of Visitor Engagement upon request.
Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required; light travel may be needed.