The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Director of the Professional Learning Team to be based at its Philip Merrill Environmental Center headquarters located in Annapolis, MD.
Context of the Position
The Director of the Professional Learning Team (PLT) will work to promote and foster environmental literacy across the watershed through the development & implementation of Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). One of the main avenues to accomplish this goal is through the coordination and management of all operations of the Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Learning program. This program provides immersive 5-day summer field investigation courses for teachers. The Chesapeake Classrooms program engages over 350-400 teachers in MD, PA, and VA annually through these summer courses. The Professional Learning Team also consists of the Education Outreach Educators, who focus on creating and sustaining opportunities for schools, teachers, and students to participate in all CBF education programs. The Outreach Educators focus primarily on the DC Metro Area, Baltimore City, and select counties in Pennsylvania. The Director of the Professional Learning Team will supervise these six staff, that are geographically distributed across the Bay watershed, to ensure that all programmatic and departmental goals are achieved. The Director of PLT coordinates and manages the Principal Environmental Leadership Program that provides 3-day summer institutes for principals, administrators, and other school leaders and develops and manages systemic environmental literacy partnerships with key school systems.
The Director of TPL reports to the Vice President of Education and serves as a member of the Education Directors Team and the Education Senior Management Team to develop goals and objectives for the department. Additionally, Director of PLT also oversees the Teacher Environmental Literacy Leaders (TELL) program that focuses on training and mentor teachers to assist with CBF’s 5 day summer courses and follow up with course participants throughout the school year to support teachers in the development and implementation of their MWEE projects.
Essential Functions
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Professional Learning Team (PLT), which currently consists of six staff, that are geographically distributed across the Bay watershed
- Assess the needs and provide the necessary support for the PLT and the education department, as a whole
- Collaborate, plan and communicate with key internal & external partners
- Develop new partnerships across the watershed region as program needs and opportunities evolve
- Work with the Director of Field Programs and the Director Education Operations to ensure consistent communication about education department and programs needs and coordinate long-term planning, goal-setting, and evaluation of the programs
- Consult with environmental and educational experts within and outside of CBF to maintain relevancy of the program
- Assist in developing training for CBF education staff regarding professional learning best practices and educational trends. Collaborate with relevant staff to provide this training during annual meetings, team meetings or staff conferences
- Identify funders and opportunities to support systemic efforts in conjunction with CBF’s Development department, Education Directors, and the VP of Education
- Contribute to grant proposal development and grant reporting
- Participate in education field programs throughout the year
Programmatic Essential Functions:
- Ensure full recruitment of all planned courses (CC summer courses, Principal summer institutes, and workshops)
- Assist with coordinating and training field education staff responsible for implementing all professional learning programs
- Manage the Teacher Environmental Literacy Leader (TELL) program
- Collaborate with existing key project partners including school system personnel, higher education organizations, and evaluators to grow and strengthen systemic environmental literacy partnership projects
- Strategically plan programs and coordinate efforts with other CBF Education programs and resources
- Plan and lead courses during the summer months and follow-up throughout the school year, as needed
- Work with the Education Outreach & Communications Coordinator to ensure external communication of the all program highlights and accomplishments through presentations and earned media (web, e-newsletters, and press releases)
- Maintain oversight over the Professional Learning Team budget, in conjunction with the Education Operations Team
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Successful Candidate should possess the following:
- Master’s degree in Education, or equivalent experience
- Proven track record in developing and managing direct reports to improve their productivity and capabilities within a highly collaborative team
- At least five years of classroom teaching experience or equivalent experience
- Familiarity with state and national education standards and experience with curriculum development
- Strong understanding of environmental education, field-based investigation, and project-based learning
- Knowledge of environmental issues facing the Bay
- Collaborative work style that excels in a team setting working with dedicated and professional staff
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent writing skills, experience with grant proposals and management is preferred
- Proven ability to meet frequent deadlines
- Proficient in computer systems and use of multiple platforms to manage the Professional Learning Team
- Basic budget management skills, preferred
Other Requirements:
- Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
- Ability to work away from home for multiple-day periods throughout the year
- Ability to travel to attend trainings & meetings
- Ability to have reliable transportation to travel to other CBF field programs & locations as needed
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, submit a driving record, and have an acceptable driving record
Additional Information
This position is open until filled by a suitable candidate. No phone calls please.
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume.
