OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education.
WHAT MOTIVATES OUR WORK
The ocean is in trouble. From the depletion of fish stocks to increasing ocean temperatures, human activity threatens marine ecosystems that are vital to the health of our ocean and all life on earth. As a critical first responder to these threats, The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean health threats. Together, we are taking action today to support a network of scientists and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations.
To advance our mission, we focus our work in three key program areas:
Animal Care: With a volunteer force numbering more than 1,200 and the support of a concerned public, the Center is able to respond to marine mammals in distress. Sick and injured animals are treated and rehabilitated at our state-of-the-art veterinary facilities where we care for our patients until they can be released back to their ocean home. Covering a rescue range that spans 600 miles of California coastline and the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the Center responds to more stranded marine mammals than any other organization in the world. Our sought-after experts are deployed locally and internationally to provide technical veterinary expertise and training on best practices ranging from anesthesia to disentanglement.
Scientific Research: The Center is a major contributor to the global body of research and knowledge about marine mammal medicine and health. Our veterinary experts develop new clinical techniques to improve marine mammal rehabilitation and care, and investigate the reasons why marine mammals strand and how these factors are connected to ecosystem and human health. Our scientists also investigate how marine mammals use and interact with their ocean environment to better understand and protect them from many threats. Learning from every animal we respond to and studying animals in the wild, our researchers identify novel diseases and pathogens, support endangered and threatened species conservation, identify and help mitigate human-caused threats and partner with scientists around the world on collaborative research that utilizes samples and data collected by the Center. Marine mammal health, ocean health and human health are inextricably linked, and our work advances knowledge of all three to benefit us all.
Education: As a teaching hospital, the Center serves as a vital training ground for veterinary professionals from across the globe, expanding the collective understanding and application of marine veterinary science and conservation. Our innovative school and public education programs build a sense of responsibility through a connection to marine mammals and the marine environment, inspiring future ocean stewards and promoting action to protect the ocean. Each year, these education programs and hands-on trainings reach more than 100,000 children and adults, supporting the next generation of informed scientists and engaged citizens who will care for and ensure the health of our ocean and environment.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Marine Mammal Center was founded in 1975 by three local citizens: Lloyd Smalley, Pat Arrigoni and Paul Maxwell. Since then, and thanks to their vision, the Center is now a global leader in marine mammal health, science and conservation and is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world. The Center operates physical locations in Sausalito, Morro Bay and Moss Landing, CA, as well as in Kona, Hawai‘i, and has an annual operating budget of $11.5M. A team of 80 staff and 1,200 actively engaged volunteers make the Center’s impact possible and keep the Center operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Manager, Teaching and Learning is a member of the Learning and Community team and reports to the Vice President, Learning and Community. The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring the best practices in curriculum and instruction are being implemented across our programs. This role works closely with a team of managers to provide leadership in program development, curriculum design, teacher coaching, instruction practices and evaluation to maximize program impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Designs curriculum and creates resources for programs in collaboration with managers
- Develops protocol and oversees use of resources, materials and educational methodologies used in program delivery
- Establishes workshops, trainings and opportunities for teachers and learners
- Manages relationships with external partners in the field of formal Education
- Identifies, conceptualizes and starts new initiatives and program improvements that respond to current environmental/wildlife issues, audience demands and the Center’s needs
- Adapts and evolves curriculum and resources in response to dynamic needs of teacher and communities
- Builds and advances virtual learning programs, incorporating innovative practices and optimizing access and participation
- Coordinates, develops and facilitates trainings throughout the communities we serve
- Leads and supports ongoing evaluation of Learning and Community programs
- Partners with development department to support fundraising efforts through a variety of activities such as special events, report preparation, and meeting with funders
- Researches and writes copy for educational materials and publications
- Leads and attends educational workshops, classes and conferences as directed
- Enhances the community’s understanding and perception of the Center as a visible, visionary and influential leader in the professional community
- Collaborates across departments to deepen our impact around serving and supporting communities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree strongly preferred, ideally in environmental science, education, or related field
Five years of experience in education and/or interpretation, preferably in high school learning sector
Experience teaching individuals of varied ages and strong pedagogical foundations in experiential and inquiry-based learning, multiple intelligence theory, multicultural education, and thematic teaching
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings as required
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
FURTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION: Sausalito, California
HOURS: Full-time, exempt (salary)
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Learning and Community
