Director of Education

Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

ABOUT US

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community that inspires connection with nature every day—we'd love to hear from you.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Education provides strategic direction and leadership for the Education Department. The incumbent works in partnership with the Copper Corridor Community to develop STEM education programs that are based in the Arboretum’s mission to increase engagement with children that increase awareness about the ecosystem that they reside in.  In addition, the Director of Education oversees onsite educational programming and volunteer engagement activities that provide visitors with opportunities to engage with the Arboretum’s mission and goals. Responsibilities include development of programs for children, families, school groups, homeschool groups, adult learners, and general visitor engagement, including interpretation. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about desert ecology, informal education, curriculum development, and enjoy working with community partners.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage with community partners to develop curriculum and programs that benefit Copper Corridor schools. 
• Guide and manage strategic growth for the Education Department, including the development of education and outreach programs and uses of learning spaces on-site.  
• Lead Education staff in developing programs that support the Arboretum’s mission and goals.  This includes designing and implementing inquiry-based, student-centered curricula and programs for elementary, middle, and high school students aligned with the Arizona Science Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, as well as community outreach and on-site visitor experiences. 
• Develop and oversee the Education Department budget, including reporting of grant and donor-restricted funds. 
• Participate in fund-raising and grant-writing activities that benefit education programs. 
• Directly supervise education staff and provide direction for onsite educational programming, school programs and outreach, field trip programs and volunteer programs.  
• Work collaboratively with education staff to develop and coordinate various adult education classes, on-site and virtually.  
• Work with contract instructors to align program content with BTA mission and goals. 
• Deliver presentations, tours, training, and programs to internal and external audiences. 
• Provide accurate and timely information for marketing and communication purposes. 
• Supervise and mentor staff within the Education Department. 
• Track and measure the effectiveness of all major initiatives and programs undertaken by the Education Department, ensuring consistency with the Arboretum’s strategic vision, and make recommendations for continued improvement. 
• Assess the completeness and scientific accuracy of all material and programs. 
• Work collaboratively with other departments to achieve strategic goals of the organization. 
• Provide leadership and engagement in the larger public garden community and work collaboratively on shared goals and projects. 
• Serve as Manager on Duty as needed during Arboretum operating hours and occasional weekends. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in education, environmental studies, or related field 
• 8-10 years of experience managing, designing, and implementing educational programs, preferably in a public garden or informal science education setting for diverse audiences of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers. 
• Knowledge of arid-lands ecology. 
• Fluent in Spanish language, preferred.   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills 
• Excellent computer skills: MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, Altru  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment 
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic 
• Ability to work as part of a team  
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines 
• Must be able to work weekends and some evenings 
• Must pass a background check 
• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods  
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License 

PHYSICAL REQUREMENT

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Majority of the work associated with this position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.  Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.  Office work would require the ability to work in a sedentary position for up to 8 hours at a time.   
• During educational and outreach events, this position is primarily performing work that requires work outside in all weather, walk longer distances, perform active work in a standing position, walk longer distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, driving carts, lifting, carrying, standing, and stooping for longer periods of time.  Working at events would require the ability to work in a standing position for up to 8 hours at a time.   
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position (prescription lenses are acceptable).   
• Occasionally able to lift 30 points independently.   
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one-to-one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.