Senior Learning Officer for Teacher Training

Senior Learning Officer for Teacher Training
Location: Whipsnade
Contract: 12-month maternity cover
Salary: £33,600 per annum

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

Purpose of the role

To provide a key role in developing and delivering ZSL’s Community and learning strategy for a 12-month fixed term maternity cover contract. This role will ensure the delivery of the programme is in-line with different curricula requirements, is aligned to the Zoo Proposition and ZSL 200 Strategy and meets the BIAZA/EAZA conservation education standards.

The Senior Learning Officer will achieve this through the development and delivery of a range of learning and engagement activities and events, for trainee and qualified teachers as well as their students.

As part of the People line of the triple bottom line evaluation for the Zoo, report on the reach and impact of our learning programme and look to continually improve the offer of the Zoo.

The Senior Learning Officer will be responsible for the relationship development and engagement with the following groups:

• Teacher training and CPD
• Education Access Scheme (EAS) school partnerships
• Onsite school engagement programme

Key responsibilities

• Developing and delivering ZSL’s Teacher training and CPD programmes within the Community & Learning Strategy. They will be responsible for ensuring the programme is in-line with the Zoo Proposition and ZSL 200 Strategy as well as meeting the BIAZA / EAZA conservation education standards.
• Maintaining existing relationships with EAS schools, teachers, and local organisations who work with Teachers and young people. Develop new partnership links with those who are not using Whipsnade Zoo, with a particular focus within the Bedfordshire area.
• Lead the development and delivery of the learning programme for schools in accordance with the National Curriculum, current programmes of study and relevant syllabi;
• Listening to target groups to understand how they use Whipsnade Zoo and the products available. Work with target audiences to understand the potential ways they could use Whipsnade and co-develop programmes with them.
• Identifying ways to improve the visitor journey & experience for young people before, during and after any interactions with the Zoo.
• Ensuring all educational workshops and other engagement products for their lead audiences (above) are up-to-date (inline with key specifications) and resources are well maintained.
• Overseeing evaluation of any engagement opportunities which form part of their projects (above)
• Training colleagues to deliver educational activities and other engagement products for their lead audience(s) and/or learning programmes.
• Work with Learning Programme Manager to identify impact measures and KPIs for their lead engagement products.

In addition to lead audience officer duties, the Senior Learning Officers form part of a team responsible for the delivery and smooth running of the learning and practical aspects of the department.

• Support departments (e.g. Conservation and Policy, Fundraising) with information for the funding application process for ZSL-wide key conservation work which would be delivered through the Learning Programme.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other ZSL departments and other BIAZA/EAZA collections to raise the positive profile of Zoo & Aquarium education role.
• Look to continually improve the education offer of the Zoo by networking with relevant bodies?and ensuring staff are actively engaged with key audience representatives.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time that are in line with the level of the role.

About You

Essential Experience

• Ability to plan and develop new courses, programmes and events that suit initial teacher training / CPD for experienced teachers
• Track record of initiating and managing relationships with external stakeholders
• Experience delivering learning programmes in either a formal or informal environment.
• Experience teaching / working with students of various ages (primary, secondary, post 16) and abilities.
• Educated to degree level

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Awareness of the latest national changes and developments in initial teacher training
• Understanding of a broad range of current and relevant education issues/initiatives
• Proven understanding of creating learning outcomes
• A thorough knowledge of the UK National Curriculum
• This role requires the ability to confidently and professionally use written and verbal communication skills to engage our audiences of all ages. You will use these skills to build long lasting relationships internally and externally to help further ZSL’s vision.
• Advanced skills in using computer programmes to design content and deliver it to your audience.

Closing Date: 12th May 2024.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

An Enhanced DBS is required for this position.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

No agencies please.