Youth Education Program Manager

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden ( NCBG) has been a leader in native plant conservation, horticulture, and education in the southeastern United States for more than 50 years. As part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we further the University's tripartite teaching, research, and public service mission through our own mission to cultivate connections between plants, people, and place through science, engagement, and conservation. As a garden focused on conserving the biodiversity of southeastern native plants, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives makes our organization and community stronger. NCBG is committed to creating an environment in our gardens and natural areas where everyone's voice is heard, and everyone feels safe and welcome.

The Youth Education Program Manager leads the development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of nature-based environmental education programs for children and families at the North Carolina Botanical Garden ( NCBG), serving thousands of participants annually. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Learning & Community Engagement, this role oversees a comprehensive suite of learning experiences, including school field trips, early childhood programs, seasonal and summer camps, family classes and workshops, free drop-in and self-guided activities, and community partnership programs.

Programs use hands-on, inquiry-based approaches to foster meaningful connections to the natural world and align with NCBG's mission and community needs. Content spans botany, ecology, gardening, animal behavior and adaptations, sustainability, and biodiversity, and programs reflect best practices in nature-based environmental education.

The Youth Education Program Manager regularly assesses existing offerings and thinks strategically about how to maximize resources, expand reach, strengthen program quality, and respond to evolving community interests. The Manager also oversees key informal learning spaces, including the Discovery Room and the Children's Wonder Garden, with responsibility for planning and maintaining engaging interpretive content, educational displays, and hands-on activities.

This role supervises and mentors two full-time educators, as well as seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative team culture and ensuring programs are developmentally appropriate, scientifically accurate, inclusive, and consistently delivered at a high standard.

The Youth Education Program Manager is a highly skilled educator and inspiring leader who brings energy, creativity, and vision alongside strong organizational, administrative, and operational abilities. As a core member of the Learning & Community Engagement team, the Manager collaborates across departments to enhance visitor experience, support institutional goals, and advance NCBG's mission of connecting plants, people, and place.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities relevant to the teaching assignment, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. In addition, the position minimums should satisfy any accreditation requirements in the specified area of instruction.

Educational Expertise & Program Development
Experience teaching natural science topics in classroom and field settings in non-formal education environments (e.g., botanical gardens, nature centers, museums)
Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating nature-based environmental education programs for children and families across multiple formats (e.g. school programs, camps, family programs, drop-in activities), including designing original curriculum and educational materials
Ability to translate educational goals into engaging, accessible learning experiences
Experience creating or overseeing interpretive materials, educational displays, or other informal learning resources
Experience managing program operations, including scheduling, registration, staffing, and logistics

Leadership & Supervision
Experience leading teams in educational program settings, including recruiting, training, mentoring, and supervising educators, seasonal staff, interns, and/or volunteers
Strong team-building skills with the ability to foster engagement, collaboration, and accountability
Self-directed, creative, and capable of independently identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing solutions

Organizational, Communication, & Administrative Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of quality
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in changing conditions, with a positive, solution-oriented attitude
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments in a mission-driven organization
Experience managing budgets, tracking program outcomes and impact, and preparing reports
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams)

Additional Requirements
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends
Valid North Carolina driver's license or ability to obtain one
CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within one month of hire

Bachelor's degree in environmental/science education, environmental studies, natural sciences, or a closely related field
Five or more years' experience designing, teaching, and evaluating nature-based environmental education programs in a non-formal setting (e.g., botanical gardens, nature centers, museums), including both classroom and field-based instruction
Two or more years' of experience overseeing educational program operations, including scheduling, registration, budgeting, documentation, and logistics
Two or more years' of experience leading educational program teams, with responsibility for recruiting, training, mentoring, and supervising staff
Experience developing programs aligned with North Carolina curriculum standards
Experience working with individuals and organizations across a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and organizational contexts
Experience in fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and/or securing in-kind support
North Carolina Environmental Education Certification

Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and cold
Ability to lift and maneuver up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and move efficiently across buildings and grounds
*Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods, including navigating uneven terrain on trails, and focus on computer-based work for periods of time

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.