Director of Education 

Reports to:
Executive Director

Status:
Part-time, grant-funded, approximately 30 hours per week

Work Location:
Hybrid (mostly remote with some travel within Loudoun County, Va.)

About the Role

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Director of Education to lead and expand our Nature-Based Education programs. Nature-Based Education (NBE) is an instructional method that uses outdoor settings and natural environments to provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities that enhance students’ academic, social, and emotional development while fostering a connection to the natural world. This method may be applied to both formal and informal educational settings. 

Since 2010, our flagship Peterson Young Naturalist Program (our sole formal NBE program) has delivered these benefits to thousands of K-12 students across Loudoun County. With strengthened support from Loudoun County Public Schools and growing interest from teachers, this program is poised to grow in powerful, inspiring ways. The primary responsibility of LWC’s Director of Education will be to nurture and guide that growth while simultaneously developing other NBE initiatives from existing LWC educational programs.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, lead, and manage Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Nature-Based Education (NBE) efforts, focusing on our existing Peterson Young Naturalist Program while working to develop new NBE initiatives from other LWC educational programs (Eagle Cam, Stream Monitoring, Bluebird Monitoring, Amphibian & Reptile Monitoring, Birding, and more).
• Grow student and teacher participation in our Peterson Young Naturalist program and improve program quality through enhanced strategic planning, participant tracking, evaluation methodologies, and instructor support.
• Align our NBE initiatives with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) where applicable.
• Manage the portion of our budget related to NBE programs and initiatives. 
• Track and report on participation and outcomes to demonstrate impact and guide program growth.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with educators and school administrators, with a special focus on Title 1 schools in the area.
• Serve as our NBE spokesperson, regularly updating appropriate stakeholders on noteworthy information and sharing NBE information with the public as needed.
• Work with LWC’s Executive Director and volunteer program leaders to develop and manage content for an online NBE resources web hub designed to support and recruit educators and inform the public on the benefits of NBE. (Note: This responsibility does not require web design ability, only the development of content and use of the hub to periodically interact with users.)
• Support grant writing, grant tracking, donor engagement, and community outreach efforts related to our NBE programs.
• Attend conferences and professional development events as appropriate.
• As assigned by the Executive Director, participate in additional projects and responsibilities that align with this role and LWC’s mission.

What You’ll Bring

• At least 3 years of experience in environmental education, interpretation, or teaching youth in outdoor settings (classroom teaching experience a plus)
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, education, environmental science, or related field preferred (equivalent experience also considered)
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead engaging, inclusive, and accessible educational programs
• Exceptional teamwork, communication, strategic planning, and organizational skills
• Strong and engaging public speaking skills and the ability to prepare and lead training sessions and other presentations as needed
• Strong knowledge of and ability to communicate basic principles of ecology, wildlife, and the environment to diverse age groups
• Comfort with virtual teaching platforms and tech tools (Microsoft Office, Google, Zoom, etc.)
• Willingness to work some weekends and evenings when needed
• Ability to travel locally (within Loudoun County) when needed
• Loudoun County residency preferred

Why It Matters

This position provides an inspiring opportunity to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of young people who are part of what author Jonathan Haidt calls “the anxious generation.” In this role, you’ll be instrumental in delivering the proven results of NBE (improved attention and engagement, enhanced academic performance, and improved mental health) to Loudoun County students. You’ll be collaborating with a passionate team of staff and volunteers who care deeply about conservation and education. Along the way, you’ll also be fostering environmental literacy while shaping the next generation of environmental advocates. If that excites and inspires you, we can’t wait to meet you!

Compensation

This is a part-time, grant-funded position paid at $35/hour for approximately 30 hours per week. No benefits are provided. Continuation beyond the one-year grant period is contingent on future funding.

To Apply

Please apply by July 25, 2025, using our online form. (Also accessible through the “Apply Here” button below.) Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions? Email us at info@loudounwildlife.org. 

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity in all its forms in nature and in people, and we are committed to building an inclusive team. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.