WZ Learning Manager (Full-Time / 12 Months Maternity Cover Contract)

The Whipsnade Zoo Learning Manager (maternity cover) has a key role of managing all day to day operational aspects of the Whipsnade based Discovery and Learning Officers (DLOs) and the Practical Learning Officer (PLO) and seasonal staff.  This role will support the Whipsnade-based DLO’s and the PLO in their training and development; report on individual progress through the PDR process; identify new projects and allocate work and manage the collaborative practice of large delivery and support team. With support from the Senior Learning Manager (SLM), this role will lead on the recruitment and induction of permanent and seasonal staff that are their direct reports for the Whipsnade D&L team.

The Learning Manager will work closely with the existing Learning Manager (LML) at London Zoo to ensure parity in excellence in learning across both zoo sites.  They will report to the Senior Learning Manager, and support them with the strategic components of the schools and practical programme aspect of the department. Lastly they will work with the Head of Discovery and Learning (HDL) and the wider Zoological Directorate to further achieve the Discovery and Learning Strategy.

• Manage all aspects of the Discovery and Learning team who are responsible for school visits, ZSL practical programmes and other learning activities onsite. 
• Support the Whipsnade-based Discovery & Learning Officers, and Practical Learning Officer in their training and development; report on individual progress through the PDR process; identify new projects and allocate work.
• Support delivery of D&L learning activity to school where required.
• Lead and facilitate the development of an innovative and high-quality programme of learning experiences Liaise with the Marketing and Press department to the production and distribution of marketing materials for the Discovery and Learning formal learning programme and practical learning programme.
• Work with internal departments such as Interpretation and Engagement, Retail ,Catering, Supporter Services, Marketing and Admissions to improve the visit experience for schools and other educational groups.
• Liaise with the General Manager, Zoo Manager, Marketing and Commercial on the development of exhibits.
• Liaise with the Development team, the General Manager, the Zoo Manager, Senior Learning Manager and Head of Department on funding opportunities. 
• Budget planning and monitoring of income and expenditure as required.
• Reporting – contribute to monthly reporting of D&L activity to Directors reports, Supporter Services feedback and yearly reports to senior management.
• Designated Safeguarding Officer at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo duties including training staff on ZSL policy and procedures, leading on incidents where necessary and supporting the Head of HR in rolling out the ZSL Safeguarding Policy 2016.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following criteria:

Essential:

• BSc in education / social or biological sciences or equivalent qualification or equivalent level of work experience in a relevant position.
• PGCE or equivalent Masters or equivalent experience teaching in formal or informal setting experience.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams.
• Prior experience managing and developing budgets.
• Experience working in a public facing science/conservation learning body. In this time, they will have performed coherently and effectively as a member of a team and in addition demonstrated the ability to lead disparate groups. 
• Extensive experience in monitoring, training and reporting safeguarding within an organisation.

Desirable: 

• Acknowledged excellence in communicating conservation and environmental messages to a wide range of audiences.
• Knowledgeable of the work of ZSL, BIAZA, EAZA and the wider zoo community.
• Recognised experience in learning new skills and information within a strict time limit e.g. performance skills, handling different animals, working with different work departments.
• Documented ability in producing creative, innovative and dynamic ideas and outputs for a range of different scenarios and projects.
• Will have published in peer and non-peer reviewed publications in the field of education, social/biological sciences and will have demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding in their work.
• Track record of obtaining external funding and managing relationships with funders.
• Proven understanding of learning outcomes and measuring impact and learning strategies.
• A thorough knowledge of the UK National Curriculum.

Please note: This a full-time, 12 months fixed-term (Maternity Cover) contract based at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. However, there may be the need to occasionally travel to ZSL London Zoo to attend meetings and other conferences to meet business needs.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills). Click the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources atwzhr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Sunday 2nd April 2017

Anticipated date for interviews: Monday 10th April 2017 at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo