Director, Youth Learning

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Youth Learning provides strategic leadership for the development of all children’s educational programs and learning experiences. This position directly supervises the learning team program managers, strengthening alignment, communication, and collaboration. The Director of Youth Learning translates departmental priorities into operational plans by guiding curriculum and program development, supporting the professional growth of managers and staff, managing shared resources and project timelines, and streamlining staffing, materials, procedures, and program delivery. This role ensures that children’s programs are educationally sound, operationally efficient, financially responsible, inclusive, and aligned with the Arboretum’s mission and vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Strategic Oversight

• Lead the vision, strategy, and operational execution of all youth educational programs, including Children's Adventure Garden programs, academic offerings, and youth enrichment initiatives, driving quality, impact, and organizational growth.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to align people, priorities, and resources, ensuring departmental initiatives are executed effectively and support strategic goals and mission.
• Guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality curricula and learning experiences that are standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate, engaging, inclusive and accessible.
• Collaborate across departments to support the coordinated planning and successful delivery of programs and educational events.
• Ensure that all educational programs reflect the Arboretum’s mission and vision.

Team Leadership

• Hire, supervise and develop learning team managers by establishing goals, clarifying expectations, providing coaching and supporting professional growth.
• Guide managers in building, supervising and evaluating effective teams.
• Develop and manage project timelines, including responsibilities, milestones, deliverables, and deadlines for programs, events and departmental priorities.
• Evaluate departmental processes and implement continuous improvements that strengthen organizational effectiveness and program delivery.
• Lead other initiatives and programs as assigned by the Vice President, Learning.

Budget and Performance Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing and resources, ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Oversee data collection, impact assessment, and reporting for institutional priorities, grants and program evaluation.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with school districts, community organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to expand educational opportunities and program impact.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field required
• Master's degree in related field preferred
• Minimum of seven (7) years of applicable experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience in education, program development, curriculum design or informal science learning environments (public garden, museum, cultural institution, nature centers or similar experiential environment) required.
• Strong knowledge of STEM education, curriculum standards (TEKS), and experiential learning methods and best practices
• Proven ability to supervise teams, develop staff, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation
• Experience in budget management and long-term planning
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background check and drug screening.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Motivated leader with strong communication, team-development, and project-management skills.
• Strong knowledge of formal and informal education practices, curriculum development, and program implementation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Results-oriented, with the ability to use data, feedback, and program outcomes to support continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration across teams and departments.

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment.

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.