Director, Youth Learning

Overview

The Director of Youth Learning leads the strategic planning and operational management of all youth educational programs at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This role involves supervising program managers, ensuring curriculum quality, facilitating collaboration, managing resources, and aligning initiatives with the organization's mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall vision and strategic direction for children's educational programs, including those at the Children's Adventure Garden and other youth enrichment activities.
• Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to align priorities, resources, and initiatives to support the organization’s goals.
• Oversee curriculum development ensuring content is standards-aligned, developmentally suitable, engaging, inclusive, and accessible.
• Collaborate with other departments to plan and deliver educational programs and events successfully.
• Hire, mentor, and manage learning team managers; establish clear goals and promote professional growth.
• Support managers in building and assessing effective teams to enhance program delivery.
• Manage project timelines including defining responsibilities, setting milestones, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Continuously evaluate and improve departmental processes for greater operational efficiency and program quality.
• Develop and maintain departmental budgets, oversee staffing and resources while practicing fiscal responsibility.
• Lead data collection efforts and assess program impact for reporting on institutional priorities and grant compliance.
• Foster and sustain partnerships with schools, community groups, and educational institutions to broaden program reach and effectiveness.
• Take on additional projects as assigned by the Vice President of Learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum seven years of relevant experience, with at least some supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Experience in education, curriculum design, program development, or informal science learning environments such as public gardens, museums, or cultural institutions.
• Strong background in STEM education, relevant curriculum standards (such as TEKS), and experiential learning methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop staff, and encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Experience managing budgets and long-term planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Willingness and ability to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings including background check and drug test.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership capabilities paired with excellent communication, team development, and project management skills.
• Deep understanding of formal and informal education practices along with program implementation expertise.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and projects, with close attention to quality and detail.
• Data-driven and results-oriented approach fostering continuous improvement based on program outcomes and feedback.
• Proven aptitude for facilitating cross-team collaboration.

Compensation and Benefits

The organization provides comprehensive healthcare, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off (PTO) to support employee well-being and engagement.

Organization Mission

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden aims to be an inclusive garden enriching lives through beauty, education, and community connection, serving as a sanctuary where people and plants thrive.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Dallas Arboretum is committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetics, or disability unrelated to job performance.