Join a mission-driven team working to conserve ocean life through education, citizen science, and community engagement.

Job Title: Director of Learning and Engagement
Location: Key Largo, Florida (REEF Campus)
Reports to: Martha Klitzkie, Co-Executive Director: Strategy & Operations
Application Due Date: Applications will be reviewed starting June 23, open until filled
Desired Start Date: Before August 31, 2025
How to Apply: Visit www.REEF.org/director-application

Position Summary

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) seeks an experienced Director of Learning and Engagement to lead REEF’s ocean education and volunteer engagement efforts, fostering deeper connections to the marine environment and cultivating ocean stewardship. The staff person will support a team that is advancing the organization’s mission through high-impact educational programming, visitor engagement, and public outreach. Following the opening of the REEF Ocean Exploration Center (the Center) in Key Largo, Florida, in June 2025, the Director will oversee the design, implementation, evaluation and continual improvement of REEF’s educational and interpretive offerings. They will provide strategic leadership and creative direction for student, family, and adult program development, volunteer programs, community partnerships, and on-the-floor engagement activities that are led by staff and volunteers. The Director will help supervise a team of 10+ staff and work in close collaboration with fellow Directors to support organizational strategy and growth. A highly qualified candidate will excel at collaboration and team building, as well as be able to communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

Education Program Oversight, Development, and Evaluation

  • Oversee the development, delivery, and evaluation of education programming at the REEF Campus, including:
    • Ocean Explorers student group programs
    • Marine Conservation Internship and Fellowship Programs
    • Volunteer/docent engagement
    • Public programming and community events
  • Standardize curricula and activities to ensure high-quality, inclusive educational experiences.
  • Expand student group participation and increase overall program engagement and reach.
  • Lead efforts to evaluate the reach, effectiveness, and impact of REEF’s educational offerings.
  • Use data and feedback to inform program improvements and growth.
  • Work with Catalyst Consulting to implement systems (e.g., AirTable) for scheduling, evaluation, and program tracking.

Visitor Engagement and Communications

  • Enhance the visibility and accessibility of the Center and REEF Campus through coordinated outreach, storytelling, and digital engagement.
  • Lead the creation and management of educational content on the REEF website and other communication platforms.
  • Ensure that visitor experiences at the Center are consistent, welcoming, and aligned with REEF’s mission.

Staff Leadership, Team Management, and Operations

  • Supervise and support the Education and Engagement Team (currently 4 coordinators and managers), and coordinate the team’s oversight of interns (up to 4), fellows (up to 3), and volunteers (>20).
  • Provide coaching, professional development, and oversight to ensure a cohesive, collaborative team culture.
  • Coordinate with the Campus Director to ensure smooth day-to-day operations across education programs, visitor services, and public events.
  • Participate in campus-wide planning and operations related to scheduling, facilities, safety, and visitor experiences.
  • Oversee the integration of technology to support education delivery, registration systems, remote learning, and internal workflows and calendars.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and support professional growth plans for staff.

Partnership Development and Revenue Generation

  • Cultivate partnerships with schools, universities, NGOs, research institutions, and community groups to enhance programming and reach.
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, program fees, space rentals, and sponsorships.
  • Develop strategies and tools to support financial sustainability and advance REEF’s mission.

Strategic Leadership and Planning

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for REEF’s education and engagement programs in alignment with organizational goals.
  • Lead strategic planning for visitor experiences, interpretive content, and formal and informal education at the Ocean Exploration Center.
  • Collaborate with REEF leadership to support campus-wide strategic initiatives and long-term planning.
  • Contribute to data-informed decision-making through impact assessments and program metrics.
  • Develop financial strategies for the organization’s education and engagement programs, including creation, implementation, and oversight of budgets.
     

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Marine Science, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 3-5+ years of experience in education, public engagement, or conservation program development.
  • Demonstrated experience in team leadership and project management.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills.
  • Familiarity with educational evaluation tools, digital engagement platforms, and CRM or database systems.
  • Experience developing partnerships with community organizations, schools, and/or scientific institutions.
  • Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
  • Experience working in informal education settings such as museums, science centers, aquariums, or nature centers is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in program design and implementation.
  • Passion for marine conservation, citizen science, education, and public engagement.
  • Eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

Compensation and Terms

  • Position Type: Full-time, exempt, permanent
  • Salary Range: $52,000–$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience
  • Benefits Include:
    • Health insurance reimbursement benefits
    • 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% employer match
    • 20 days of accrued PTO annually
    • 9 paid holidays per year
    • Flex-time work options
  • Weekly schedule may vary depending on programming and event coordination with other team members. This may include evenings, weekends or holidays.
  • U.S. and occasional international travel may be expected.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should use this application portal – www.REEF.org/director-application. In addition to questions on the form, applicants will upload a combined PDF document with their resume, cover letter, and names of references, to the attention of Martha Klitzkie, Co-Executive Director: Strategy & Operations. Applications will be reviewed starting June 23. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is by the end of August, with flexibility for the right candidate. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

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About REEF

REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to conserving marine environments worldwide. REEF engages the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community to inspire curiosity, connection, and action in marine conservation.

Founded over 30 years ago, REEF’s mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life. With a commitment to hands-on science, public engagement, and collaboration, REEF operates a range of innovative programs that connect people with the ocean and inspire stewardship.

REEF’s place-based facility, known as the REEF Campus, is in Key Largo, Florida—a historic and dynamic space that includes REEF’s Administrative offices, a classroom building, Native Plants and Heritage Trail, and the new Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation, which opened in June 2025. This state-of-the-art visitor and education center features a seminar space, flexible exhibits, and immersive learning environments designed to bring REEF’s mission to life for visitors of all ages. It is open 6 days a week and is free for all to enjoy.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity is at the heart of REEF’s mission. As the ocean thrives through its diversity of life, so too must REEF reflect diversity in our people, programs, and partnerships. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds within our team and across the communities we serve.

REEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.