Formal Education Manager (12-month term)

Location: Anywhere in Canada, or Ottawa, ON.
Reports to: Director of Education
Duration: Fixed-term for 12-months to cover a leave of absence
Salary: Can range from $85,299 to $95,960 per year

Who We Are

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada’s wildlife is conserved for generations to come. Learn more about our mission by clicking here.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities, including but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles.

Position Overview

CWF is seeking coverage for a 12-month leave for the position of Formal Education Manager. The Formal Education Manager plays a central role in advancing the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s conservation strategy by leading the design and delivery of nature-based learning across Canada. This position ensures that formal education becomes a pathway to ecological literacy, stewardship, and lifelong learning. The Manager oversees key national programs and distance-learning initiatives that bring nature into classrooms and align with Canadian curriculum standards.

In this role, you will design curriculum and evaluation frameworks in collaboration with program partners, contractors, and subject-matter experts, ensuring resources are evidence-based, inclusive, and accessible. You will apply expertise in pedagogy, instructional design, and experiential learning to equip educators with the tools they need to engage students in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and reconciliation.

The Manager will supervise seasonal staff, build and maintain strong relationships with teachers, schools, and community partners, and contribute to national advocacy efforts that embed nature into education systems. By aligning programs with CWF’s strategic goals, you will help ensure that over 25% of Canadians have access to meaningful conservation education experiences by 2028. Ultimately, this role connects youth, educators, and communities to nature, inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders while demonstrating the power of formal education as a driver of collective action

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management & Development

• Leads the development, planning, and execution of the WILD Education, WILD Spaces, and Distance and Formal Education programs to enhance the visibility, reputation, outreach, and impact.
• Develops and implements effective program management strategies to ensure the successful delivery of all programs in alignment with organizational policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Ensures program deliverables and learning outcomes are met within the defined scope, timeline, and objectives.
• Oversees program risk management, ensuring all activities are executed safely and comply with risk management policies and procedures.
• Develop learning objectives, educational curriculum, and evaluation criteria.
• Sources subject matter experts to deliver education programs across Canada.
• Negotiates agreements and cultivates relationships with community organizations, universities, teachers associations, school boards, principals, and front-line educators across Canada.
• Manages program budgets, allocates resources, and ensures financial compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements.
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and impact to make informed recommendations on program improvements.
• Periodically travels to program locations for partnership development, to represent CWF at events and conferences, to conduct site visits and provide on-site event leadership/support.
• Supervises, coaches, and supports 2-4 seasonal staff members.

Educational Strategies

• Works closely with the Education Director to contribute to the development of educational strategies, learning goals, and national impact for the Education department.
• Provides recommendations on how to effectively use and adapt educational materials across various programs to maximize resources and impact.
• Researches, identifies, and helps secure funding partnership opportunities.
• Prepares grant applications and reports to funders.
• Responsible for conducting operational due diligence on new program and content acquisitions pertaining to early childhood education, formal education and distance education.
• Develops and maintains relationships with a large national network of program partners, subject matter experts, school boards, and communities across Canada.
• Regularly communicates with program staff, senior management, and other departments to provide leadership and guidance on experiential education strategies and program improvements.
• Collaborates with other departments to enhance program visibility, outreach, and impact.
• Provides support on other CWF programs, training, and events as required.

Education, Experience, and Abilities

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Education or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of related experience in experiential or formal education programming.
• Experience developing and implementing experiential or inquiry-based learning programs for K–12 audiences.
• Strong understanding of instructional design, educational pedagogy, and learning outcome evaluation.
• Proven ability to manage projects involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables.
• Experience supervising staff or contractors and supporting professional development for educators.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and partnership-building skills across diverse audiences (educators, school boards, NGOs, etc.).
• Familiarity with online learning platforms, distance education tools, and citizen science programs is a strong asset.
• Passion for conservation, biodiversity, and youth engagement in environmental issues.
• Ability to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in conservation efforts, with sensitivity to Indigenous knowledge, values, and traditions.
• Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills for internal and external communications. English is required, bilingual French is an asset.
• Experience securing funding and managing program budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and troubleshoot issues effectively.
• Solid understanding of educational ethics and commitment to ethical practices in program delivery.

Work Conditions

• Full-time position, fixed-term for 12-months to cover a leave.
• Typically working Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week.
• Location: Anywhere in Canada. Candidates located in Ottawa, ON will work out of CWF's Head Office with hybrid flexibility to work from home twice per week.
• Salary can range from $85,299 to $95,960 per year. Offered salary is determined based on education, experience, and internal parity.
• Ability to travel throughout Canada as required for meetings, presentations, or outdoor programming (occasional).
• Participating in light outdoor activities and service projects such as walking, hiking, trash pickups, gardening, etc. (occasional)
• Relatively constant sitting at a computer and use of peripherals.
• May experience mental stress due to managing conflicting demands and deadlines from multiple work activities and projects.

Why Work With Us?

• Join a team of passionate individuals dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation.
• Friendly and casual work environment.
• Office located in the quiet suburbs of Kanata which includes a kitchen lounge, living plant wall, and outdoor demonstration gardens.
• Expand your professional network within science and education sectors.
• We are committed to building a diverse workforce.
• We offer compensation in lieu of enrollment to the benefits plan for this fixed-term position.
• Complimentary subscription to Canadian Wildlife magazine.

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025 or until filled.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!