Public Programs Manager - Aquarium

Position Description 

Under the supervision of the Aquarium’s Associate Director of Programs, the Public Programs Manager will fill the primary role of providing high-quality customer service while creating public educational content and programming, as well as leading public program operations, special events, birthday parties, and retail operations. Leads a team of public programs associates, volunteers, and interns and prioritizes the organization's strategic initiatives through collaborative communication internally and externally.

Essential Job Functions Include:

• Manage public programs team including staff, interns, and volunteers by motivating, coaching, training and developing them towards optimum performance
• Develop skills and oversee special projects of staff, volunteers, and interns related to strategic planning, revenue goals, and program growth
• Oversee the daily operations of public programs during all business hours including admissions, retail, and visitor experience
• Minimize the number and complexity of revenue generating activities. Devote maximum resources to highest ROI drivers
• Listen, understand, and address the needs of our visitors, employees, and volunteers while creating a welcoming environment that supports Heal the Bay’s mission of fostering inclusivity, dignity, and respect
• Create content and exhibit enhancements as needed, as well as managing and leading themed weekends, special events, birthday parties, and general public programs
• Support retail operations through inventory management, ordering, pricing merchandising, marketing, and advertising
• Work closely with the communications team to ensure marketing and communication efforts are integrated and optimized on event, program, and department levels
• Help to increase awareness of Heal the Bay’s mission and visibility for the Aquarium, and be an advocate for our strategic initiatives
• Assist in office management, including supply ordering and maintaining Green Business Certification and Associate of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) best practices
• Oversee the development and use of effective standard operating procedures, implementation, and monitoring programs to ensure that all policies and procedures are appropriately and effectively followed
• Contribute positively to the leadership team and foster a culture of great communication and collaboration organization-wide
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people and creatures

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Management experience and proven success working as part of a diverse team
• Experience with, or interest in learning about, working with animals and educating about animals, including familiarity with Santa Monica Bay marine organisms and ecosystems
• Excellent communication, customer service, and public speaking skills
• Conversational-level knowledge of at least two languages is strongly preferred, with a preference for Spanish
• Knowledge of major social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite
• Collaborative and communicate well with a team
• Work independently with minimal supervision and take the initiative
• Experience working with children and fostering positive learning experiences

$23.18 - $26.27 an hour
Benefits: This position is non-exempt and full-time and includes a full benefits package with dental, vision, health, and vacation as part of employment.  Heal the Bay covers 90% of the benefit package.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Must be available for weekends, evenings, and holidays.