General Description

The Center for Whale Research is seeking an Education & Community Relations Lead. This full-time role will oversee the Center for Whale Research’s education strategy, support community relationship building, and manage and maintain our Education Center as a vibrant hub for learning, outreach, and community connection.

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This role will design and deliver high-quality educational programs, strengthen relationships with local communities and partners, and help ensure that our science, conservation work, and mission are shared in engaging, accessible ways with diverse audiences.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, have a background in environmental education, be professional and highly organized. 

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Key Responsibilities

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1. Education Strategy & Program Development

• Develop and implement an education strategy centered on ensuring that CWR science, conservation work, and mission are shared in engaging, accessible ways with diverse audiences.

• Create engaging educational content, workshops, tours, exhibits, and learning materials rooted in CWR’s research and conservation mission.

• Design and deliver educational experiences for schools, families, community groups, and local visitors.

• Ensure learning programs are accessible, inclusive, and adapted to a broad range of ages and backgrounds.

2. Education Center Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Education Center as a welcoming, informative space for visitors and custom groups.

• Manage front-of-house staff, interns, and volunteers.

• Maintain and update interpretive displays and visitor resources.

• Coordinate scheduling, bookings, and logistics for school visits and community group programs.

• Manage education budgets, procurement, and reporting.

3. Community Relations & Local Partnership Stewardship

• Serve as the primary point of contact for local community relationships, ensuring the Center is a trusted and active member of the community.

• Build and sustain positive collaborations and partnerships with the local community including but not limited to: local schools, educators, community education organizations and local environmental groups.

• Identify opportunities for collaborative community projects (e.g., stewardship events, citizen engagement activities, local conservation initiatives).

• Organize or support local community events and activities that strengthen CWR’s presence and relationships within the local community.

• Act as CWR’s representative at community meetings, local committees, and neighborhood gatherings.

4. Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with the Communications Team to ensure they have the information needed to promote education and community programs.

• Collaborate with research and field teams to translate scientific knowledge into accurate, engaging educational content.

• Support fundraising efforts when community or education elements are included in proposals or reports.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Collect and analyze feedback from schools, visitors, and community partners.

• Track participation, satisfaction, and educational impact.

• Provide regular reports to leadership on education and community engagement progress.

 

Anticipated Start Date

June 1, 2026

Contract Type 

Full time (40 hours)

Location

CWR’s ORCA SURVEY Outreach & Education Center, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Hourly Rate of Pay

$28 to $32 subject to experience​

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Application Process

HOW TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume and the names of three references who can be contacted regarding your application to email applications@whaleresearch.com

INTERVIEWS: We will contact you to let you know whether you have been shortlisted for an interview. We expect to conduct interviews online in late March.

INFORMAL ENQUIRES: If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact Darren Croft  at: applications@whaleresearch.com