Colorado Education Program Coordinator

• Location: Denver Metropolitan Area and Surrounding Front Range Communities
• Employment Type: Variable Part-Time, Hourly
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Estimated Hours: Approximately 10–15 hours per week, depending on program needs
• Compensation: $23–$26 per hour, based on qualifications and experience
• Geographic Service: Area: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties
• Start Date: As soon as possible

About Ocean First Institute

Ocean First Institute (OFI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation through research, education, and community engagement. OFI provides hands-on marine science and environmental education programs for students and communities while supporting scientific research that advances the protection of sharks, marine ecosystems, and ocean health.

Through school programs, field experiences, community outreach, and scientific partnerships, OFI works to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards and connect communities to the importance of protecting our ocean.

Position Summary

Ocean First Institute is seeking a motivated, organized, and self-directed Colorado Education Program Coordinator to coordinate and deliver K–12 marine science and conservation education programs across the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding Front Range communities. This individual will take primary responsibility for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of OFI's established Colorado education programs, including those supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Responsibilities include educational instruction, program scheduling, school and community partner communication, outreach logistics, educational materials management, and accurate tracking of program participation and outcomes. Reporting to the Director of Conservation Strategy, the successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage routine programming independently following appropriate training and orientation.

This position is ideal for an educator who enjoys working directly with students and community members while also taking ownership of the organizational details that make educational programs successful. Because programs are scheduled around school calendars and community needs, this position requires weekday availability and a flexible part-time schedule, with occasional evening and weekend activities.

This is a Colorado-based position and does not include responsibilities associated with OFI's South Florida programming.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Program Delivery

• Independently facilitate and deliver engaging K–12 ocean science, marine conservation, and environmental education programs at schools, libraries, after-school programs, community events, and partner locations.
• Deliver established OFI curriculum and educational activities while maintaining high standards of scientific accuracy, student engagement, and educational quality.
• Adapt presentations and activities to accommodate different ages, learning environments, and audience needs.
• Demonstrate effective classroom management, professionalism, and enthusiasm when working with students, educators, families, and community members.
• Represent OFI professionally and communicate its mission, research, conservation priorities, and educational impact.

Program Coordination and Logistics

• Take primary responsibility for coordinating assigned Colorado educational programs from initial scheduling through delivery, follow-up, and documentation.
• Communicate directly with teachers, school administrators, community partners, and participating organizations to schedule and confirm programs.
• Manage routine program logistics, including scheduling, materials preparation, transportation, setup, and breakdown.
• Maintain educational supplies, outreach materials, and equipment to ensure programs are ready for delivery.
• Proactively identify scheduling conflicts, logistical challenges, or program needs and resolve routine issues independently.
• Maintain consistent communication with the Director of Conservation Strategy regarding program progress, priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

SCFD Program Tracking and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of educational programs supported by SCFD and other applicable funding sources.
• Track program dates, locations, attendance, county-specific participation, educational activities, and other required impact metrics.
• Complete OFI's established impact calendars, attendance records, surveys, and program documentation.
• Organize program data and supporting materials to facilitate grant reporting and program evaluation.
• Identify missing information or reporting concerns promptly and communicate them to the Director of Conservation Strategy.
• Support continuous improvement by collecting feedback from teachers, participants, and community partners.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local schools, teachers, libraries, youth-serving organizations, and community partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand OFI's educational reach within its established Colorado service area.
• Proactively communicate with existing and prospective partners to encourage participation in OFI programs.
• Represent OFI at approved outreach events, educational workshops, and community activities.
• Assist with program promotion by sharing appropriate photographs, stories, participant feedback, and educational highlights in accordance with OFI policies.

Volunteer and Educational Resource Support

• Coordinate and provide onsite guidance to volunteers assisting with assigned educational programs, as needed.
• Collaborate with OFI's broader volunteer and ambassador initiatives when appropriate.
• Maintain and organize educational materials, outreach kits, and program supplies.
• Provide feedback on curriculum effectiveness and suggest improvements to existing educational activities.
• Support additional approved educational initiatives, including citizen science, microplastics education, and conservation outreach, as time and program priorities allow.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with K–12 students, youth groups, community audiences, or educational programs.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational ability, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage schedules, coordinate activities, and complete assigned responsibilities with limited day-to-day supervision after appropriate training.
• Confidence in speaking with groups and facilitating interactive educational activities.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, classroom environments, and program needs.
• Strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, complete documentation, and meet established deadlines.
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible, and respectful educational experiences.
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel to program locations throughout the designated service area.
• Access to a device with internet capability and ability to use standard digital communication and documentation tools.
• Valid driver's license and appropriate vehicle insurance for required travel.
• Availability during weekday school hours, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in classroom teaching, environmental education, informal science education, nonprofit programming, or community outreach.
• Background as a K–12 teacher, substitute teacher, environmental educator, museum educator, or educational program coordinator.
• Degree completed or in progress in education, biology, environmental science, marine science, or a related field.
• Experience independently coordinating educational programs or community activities.
• Familiarity with Denver metropolitan area schools, school districts, libraries, nonprofits, and community organizations.
• Experience with grant-funded programs, participation tracking, program evaluation, or educational reporting.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, PowerPoint, Zoom, or comparable tools.
• Experience supporting volunteers or developing community partnerships.
• Background in marine science, conservation, environmental stewardship, or science communication.

We recognize that strong candidates bring a variety of professional and educational experiences. Applicants who meet the core requirements and demonstrate enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Position Expectations

The Colorado Education Program Coordinator is expected to become a reliable and increasingly independent member of OFI's education team.

Following initial training and orientation, the coordinator should be able to manage routine program scheduling, preparation, educational delivery, partner communication, and documentation with minimal day-to-day supervision. The Director of Conservation Strategy will provide program oversight, guidance, and support while retaining responsibility for broader program strategy, grant compliance, budget oversight, and organizational priorities.

Success in this position will be demonstrated through:

• Consistent, high-quality delivery of educational programs.
• Reliable scheduling and professional communication with schools and community partners.
• Accurate and timely completion of participation records and program metrics.
• Effective management of routine program logistics and educational materials.
• Initiative in identifying opportunities and resolving routine challenges.
• Positive feedback from educators, participants, and organizational partners.

Additional Details

• This is a variable part-time hourly position, with approximately 10–15 hours per week depending on program schedules and organizational needs.
• Some administrative responsibilities may be completed remotely; however, educational delivery and community engagement primarily take place in person.
• Mileage will be reimbursed for approved travel in accordance with OFI's mileage reimbursement policy.
• This position is not eligible for benefits.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, conducted in accordance with applicable law.
• The position may require occasional lifting, carrying, setup, and breakdown of educational materials and outreach supplies.

Mileage is reimbursed for approved work related travel.

Fluent in English, Spanish is a nice to have.