Senior Education Manager

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The Waterfront Alliance is a civic organization that brings together a diverse Alliance of more than 1,100 Partners with ties to the New York–New Jersey waterways. Founded in 2007, our mission is to inspire and effect resilient, revitalized, and accessible coastlines for all communities. Key program areas include climate resilience, waterfront design, public access, the working waterfront, and climate education.

The Senior Education Manager will lead the strategic growth and implementation of Waterfront Alliance’s education portfolio, scaling programs that advance climate literacy, coastal resilience, and workforce development. Responsibilities include oversight of Estuary Explorers, Waterfront Scholars, internships, workforce development initiatives, teacher trainings, and community engagement activities such as coastal cleanups. The Senior Manager will design and execute a multi‑year growth strategy, manage educators and interns, strengthen partnerships, and ensure inclusive, high‑quality learning experiences rooted in environmental justice.

Key duties also include engaging partners at schools and community organizations, leading waterfront field labs, advocating for change, anticipating challenges, and coordinating education programs with other Waterfront Alliance initiatives such as Policy, Climate Informed Communities, and WEDG®.

We require excellent organization and communication skills, and a dedication to advancing equity, environmental justice, and inclusion through experiential climate education. This full‑time, non‑exempt position requires regular travel to schools throughout the NYC public school system and waterfront parks.

Responsibilities include all related scheduling, record keeping, administering evaluations, managing educators, and reporting. The Senior Education Manager will also support organization‑wide events, fundraising efforts, and marketing initiatives on a limited basis.

Classification: Full‑time, exempt

Salary is $70,000–$75,000. Waterfront Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurances; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment; commuter and FSA benefits; paid time off; professional development opportunities; and a telecommuting policy that allows staff to work from home in a hybrid capacity.

Location: New York, NY

Reports To: Director of Programs and Climate Initiatives

Direct Reports: Part‑time Education Coordinator and Seasonal Educator

• Education and Public Programming (45%)
  • Oversee and expand Estuary Explorers waterfront field labs and classroom lessons focused on marine science, water quality, and climate resilience; periodically instruct lessons to model best practices and maintain program quality.
  • Ensure educators are trained and equipped to lead hands‑on field activities including seining, fish identification, water quality testing (e.g., salinity, turbidity, pH), and plankton observation — with safe handling and ethical catch‑and‑release protocols.
  • Lead and facilitate teacher trainings; maintain CTLE sponsor compliance and records.
  • Manage the Waterfront Scholars program and coordinate student engagement at the annual Waterfront Conference, including tailored learning and networking experiences.
  • Direct internships and workforce development aligned with the Green & Blue Career Guide and partner needs in maritime, resilience, and sustainability sectors.
  • Coordinate and customize education programming at community events (coastal cleanups, festivals, family days), based on funding and community need.
• Operations and Administration (30%)
  • Handle scheduling, site permissions, weather contingency plans, and logistics for waterfront access.
  • Oversee data systems (e.g., Salesforce, Airtable) for participant tracking, photos, evaluations, and reporting; ensure accurate grant reporting and City Council contracting and compliance.
  • Manage program…