Primary Purpose of this Position:The North Carolina Zoo Society is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and team-oriented individual to serve as the Project Manager for the development of a new North Carolina Zoo educational app. Working closely with Zoo education staff, this position will coordinate the development of all aspects of the app with multiple project partners, manage the $1M grant budget, complete reports for the donor, help Zoo education staff develop content for the app, assist with marketing the app to intended audiences, and assist with quality assurance testing and project evaluation. This is a three-year contract position serving from early 2022 through December 2024.The app, which will be built to meet the specifications described in the grant proposal (available on request), will focus on self-directed learning experiences designed specifically for school groups and underserved audiences not reached by existing educational programs and materials. These experiences will be provided through a single digital platform (a free mobile app) allowing guests to access one or more of the following during a Zoo visit:• STEM Career Quests – Role-playing activities that allows people of all ages to virtually step into five different STEM careers here at the Zoo.• Virtual tour guides will bring the Zoo’s educational signage to life.• Accessible Audio Tours – These tours will use audio description techniques designed for blind and low vision individuals, and interpretive programming techniques to create audio tours that will enhance guests’ visit.• K-12 STEM EdZOOcation Activities – A unique STEM focused activity designed for each grade level.The individual must be extremely comfortable with computers and mobile devicesSalary Range: $45,000 – $50,000 depending on experience with benefitsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES:• Demonstrated experience managing large scale education or technology focused projects.• Demonstrated experience ensuring that projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget.• Demonstrated experience managing internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of multiple project pieces.• Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques.• Demonstrated experience developing and tracking budgets including meeting budgetary objectives and adjusting project constraints based on financial analysis.• Experience developing detailed project plans to monitor and track progress using project management software (e.g., Trello, Slack).• Experience working with diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives.• Experience working both self-subsistently and as part of a team to accomplish project goals.• Proficiency with mobile devices (both iOS and Android) and experience testing software from the customer side.• Experience with video conferencing equipment (e.g., digital still and video cameras, iPhones, iPads, microphones, and video editing software).• Demonstrated experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation.• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills.• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.• Proven ability to solve problems creatively.• Familiarity with interpretive and informal education programming in zoos, aquariums, and/or museums, video editing, augmented reality, and gamification of learning is an advantage.• Ability to complete tasks with or without reasonable accommodations.Management Preferences:• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Business, Education, or a related field. Three years of focused project management (education or technology focused projects preferred) or related experience.• Experience designing educational activities that meet the NC Standard Course of Study Objectives or similar education standards.• Experience with mobile app development is an asset.• Bilingual in Spanish.Schedule and Working Conditions• Position will be based in the offices of the NC Zoo/Zoo Society and typically works Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Occasional weekend work will be required. Some amount of remote/telework may be considered.MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business, Education, or a related field and two years of experience in project management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The North Carolina Zoological Society:The North Carolina Zoological Society generates support for the North Carolina Zoo and its missions in education, conservation, research, and recreation. Our goal is to secure a safe and enduring future for the Zoo and its programs. The Zoo Society is a private, 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Its members, donors and other supporters provide financial support for Zoo and Society programs that protect wildlife and the environment and that provide venues where people can strengthen their bonds with the natural world.The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina’s citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world’s wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.
How to Apply:Please submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references.
