Director of Lifelong Learning

Department: Learning and Engagement. Rate of Pay: $147,165 – $171,689 per year. Duration: Full-time (Permanent). Hours of Work: 35 hours per week. Number of Positions Open: 1. Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

Position Purpose:

The Toronto Zoo is seeking its first Director of Lifelong Learning to lead a bold, system‑building shift in how we reach, serve, and inspire learners—from kindergarten to grey—across Toronto, Durham, and York.

Why This Role Matters:

This newly established role will play a key part in shaping the future of our education programs. The Director of Lifelong Learning will coordinate the building of a model where people, wildlife, and wild spaces are thriving, and where learning is not simply about awareness, but about catalyzing conservation action. This role leads an inclusive, evidence‑informed education ecosystem that sparks curiosity and drives action toward the Zoo’s mission to reach diverse learners and underserved communities. It will leverage the Community Conservation Centre, the Wildlife Conservancy and our partnership with the University of Toronto to grow multiple learning streams. The role will build strong partnerships with schools, post‑secondary institutions, and community organizations to advance conservation education and public engagement.

Core Role Responsibilities

• Lead a Zoo‑wide education strategy aligned with the Strategic Plan and our mission with clear measures of impact and effectiveness.
• Integrate climate change literacy and biodiversity protection into education programming at all levels.
• Design and scale barrier‑removing education models with governments, school boards, and community organizations to reach learners who have historically been missed.
• Working with the Chief Science Officer, build a cohesive science education and communication approach that connects conservation research to public understanding and action.
• Working with the Director of Indigenous Relations support respectful, ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners and Knowledge Keepers. Ensure learning reflects “with the land” approaches and elevates Traditional Knowledge alongside western science.
• Lead our high‑performing Learning and Engagement team, including more than 300 Zoo volunteers with a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Embed inclusive, engaging education across all Zoo experiences (i.e. animals, conservation science, horticulture, guest experience, and community programs) while supporting Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and The Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums (AZA) standards.
• Activate the Community Conservation Centre and UTSC partnership as a flagship hub for public, post‑secondary, and adult learning, including micro credentials, internships, and community based research.

Required Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in education, learning design, community engagement, conservation, cultural institutions, or a related field where public learning and engagement are central.
• University degree in Education, Adult Learning, Communication or a related field. A graduate degree (M.Ed., MA or equivalent) is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to design and implement innovative programs for a variety of audiences and demographics.
• Proven ability to build and scale programs that advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
• Experience working across complex partner ecosystems (government, school boards, post‑secondary, community organizations, Indigenous partners).
• Strong understanding of climate change and biodiversity education, including current literacy frameworks and public engagement best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver outcomes through collaboration.
• Strong communication skills: public‑facing, stakeholder‑facing, and internal leadership.

Highly Valued

• Ph.D. in Adult Education or related field.
• Experience designing or evaluating programs using social science methods (impact evaluation, behavior change, learning outcomes, theory of change).
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and integrating Traditional Knowledge into learning environments.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.

Your Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

Your Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well‑being a priority in everything we do, respecting wildlife, caring for our team, guest and community. We are a welcoming place to visit, volunteer, and work, united by a shared commitment to conservation, connection, and reconciliation. We blend science and traditional knowledge to protect species and their habitats, and we invite others to join us as Guardians of Wild, acting together to ensure wildlife and wild spaces thrive.

Your Toronto Zoo uses artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.

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