Jennifer Maltese
Norwood,MA
Summary
Executive Director with 18 years of experience in the field of environmental education and 11 years of experience with staff and volunteer management. Areas of expertise include curriculum development, community engagement, and strategic planning and implementation. Recognized for successfully collaborating with management to develop work plans, financials and strategies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director Norton Outdoor Center
Attleboro Norton YMCA
Norton , MA
04.2022 - Current
- Built relationships with local organizations to gain support for the Norton Outdoor Center and increase visibility in town.
- Developed new, engaging programming for a diverse audience across different content areas.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Assisted in the planning and implementation of a nature-based preschool.
- Oversaw Camp Finberg, a 13 week day camp serving over 1000 children each year.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Engaged board members and key stakeholders in the community to create an Advisory Board to assist with the growth of the site.
Director Of Education
Zoo New England
Boston, MA
01.2016 - 05.2019
- Oversaw daily operation of the Education, Youth Programs, Volunteer, and Animal Ambassador Departments at both Franklin Park and Stone Zoos.
- Developed and maintain departmental budgets ranging from $67,000 to $575,000.
- Worked with development department to identify and apply for grant funding for new and existing programs.
- Assisted with growth of the volunteer program through program restructuring.
- Responsible for staff hiring, evaluation, and corrective action within the departments.
- Maintained partnerships with organizations throughout Massachusetts including Mass STEM Hub, Boston Beyond, Grassroots Wildlife Conservation, and Perkins School for the Blind.
- Implemented zoo-wide sensory inclusion training and certification program through Kulture City.
- Fostered relationships with donors to ensure continued engagement.
Education Program Manager
Zoo New England
Boston, Massachusetts
09.2011 - 01.2016
- Oversaw the core Education programming team at Franklin Park Zoo.
- Managed full-time Education staff at Franklin Park Zoo.
- Trained staff, interns, and volunteers on interpretation, animal handling, and program delivery.
- Built and maintained relationships with school districts, scouts, Zoo members, and other cultural area institutions.
- Coordinated summer staff and summer programming.
- Designed and implemented educational programs and events.
Education Specialist
Zoo New England
Boston, Massachusetts
05.2008 - 09.2011
- Taught education programs to school groups both on and off-site throughout Massachusetts.
- Worked with volunteers and other zoo staff to deliver community outreach programs throughout the neighborhoods surrounding the zoo.
- Developed curriculum for home school classes, as well as vacation and summer camp programming.
- Supervised Zoo Camp, taught curriculum to camp counselors, ran daily animal encounters, and scheduled behind-the-scenes tours.
Marine Biologist
Reef Teach
Cairns, Australia
03.2007 - 12.2007
- Delivered presentations to large groups of tourists in preparation for trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Instructed visitors on types of marine life, invertebrate habitat and venomous animals of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Assisted in marketing and promotion of the program.
Educator
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Norwalk, CT
01.2005 - 07.2006
- Ran summer and vacation week camp programming at the aquarium and at local beaches.
- Worked with groups in house, in the field, and at schools to deliver educational programming.
- Worked as crew and educator aboard the aquarium's boat.
- Participated in research programs on wildlife populations in Long Island Sound.
- Educated school groups and the public about marine life in a hands-on, interactive setting.
- Led informational tours of the aquarium for school groups.
Camp Counselor and Public Educator
Schooner Sound Learning
New Haven, CT
05.2003 - 08.2004
- Organized and ran daily activities for camp.
- Taught school groups about Long Island Sound and Salt Marsh Environments.
- Worked as educator on public sails and taught guests about Long Island Sound.
- Captured, identified and taught about marine organisms.
- Worked as crew on public sails.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Environmental Studies
Antioch University
Keene, NH2025
Masters of Applied Science - Tropical Ecology
James Cook University
Cairns, Queensland2008
Bachelor of Arts - Zoology, Religious Studies
Connecticut College
New London, CT05.2004
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Grant writing and report writing
- Staff and volunteer management
- Community Engagement
- Environmental Education
- Leadership Experience
- Program Development
- Relationship-Building Skills
Certification
- First Aid, CPR, and AED certified, expires May 2024
- Mandated reporter
- SCUBA
- TiPS certification, expires February 2026
- Certified Pool Operator, expires April 2028
- Certified Archery Instructor, expires February 2026
Timeline
Executive Director Norton Outdoor Center
Attleboro Norton YMCA
04.2022 - Current
Director Of Education
Zoo New England
01.2016 - 05.2019
Education Program Manager
Zoo New England
09.2011 - 01.2016
Education Specialist
Zoo New England
05.2008 - 09.2011
Marine Biologist
Reef Teach
03.2007 - 12.2007
Educator
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
01.2005 - 07.2006
Camp Counselor and Public Educator
Schooner Sound Learning
05.2003 - 08.2004
Doctor of Philosophy - Environmental Studies
Antioch University
Masters of Applied Science - Tropical Ecology
James Cook University
Bachelor of Arts - Zoology, Religious Studies
Connecticut College
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