AIP Facilitator Program:

Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) /

Project Dragonfly Position Type:

Part-time/Contract Reports To:

Evaluation and Impact Supervisor Location:

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens Collaborating Institution:

Miami University, Project Dragonfly Position Summary The AIP Facilitator serves as the primary site-based mentor, facilitator, and student-support resource for participants in Miami University's Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP). Working in partnership with Miami University Academic Advisors and Instructors, the AIP Facilitator helps students successfully navigate their graduate experience while connecting their academic learning to real-world conservation, education, community engagement, and organizational practice. The AIP Facilitator provides an essential bridge between Miami University's academic program and the student's professional experience at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens (JZBG). The Facilitator supports students throughout their AIP journey by helping them understand program expectations, develop meaningful Master Plans and Leadership Challenges, identify opportunities for professional and personal growth, build community and professional connections, and engage with the Zoo as a living laboratory for conservation and community impact. The successful candidate will be a strong mentor and relationship-builder with experience in conservation, environmental education, informal learning, community engagement, organizational leadership, or a related field. They will be passionate about supporting adult learners and emerging conservation professionals and committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and intellectually engaging graduate experience. Essential Functions 1. Student Advising, Mentoring, and Support Serve as the primary site-based point of contact and mentor for AIP students at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Build trusting, supportive relationships with students and provide individualized guidance throughout their AIP experience. Help students understand AIP program expectations, requirements, and opportunities within the context of the Zoo site. Provide guidance related to the scope and sequence of AIP Web+ courses in collaboration with Miami University Academic Advisors and Instructors. Help students connect their academic coursework to their professional interests, workplace experiences, and conservation goals. Mentor students completing internships, independent studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Support students who are experiencing academic, professional, or personal challenges and connect them with appropriate Miami University resources when needed. Encourage student persistence, engagement, and successful completion of the AIP program. 2. Master Plan and Leadership Challenge Support Help students develop and refine their individual Master Plans throughout the AIP experience. Assist students in identifying opportunities that align their academic interests, professional goals, and the mission and priorities of Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Provide guidance and mentorship as students develop Leadership Challenges and other applied projects. Help students identify opportunities to apply graduate learning to real-world conservation, education, community, or organizational challenges. Connect students with Zoo staff, departments, programs, community partners, and other professionals who can contribute to their learning and project development. Encourage students to think critically about their professional growth, leadership development, and long-term impact. 3. Professional Development and Career Advancement Help students identify career pathways and opportunities within conservation, zoos and aquariums, environmental education, community engagement, research, sustainability, and related fields. Provide guidance on professional development and career advancement. Identify opportunities for students to develop professional skills through projects, internships, volunteer experiences, research, networking, and other applied experiences. Facilitate introductions and networking opportunities with Zoo professionals, conservation practitioners, academic partners, and community organizations. Support students in expanding their professional networks and understanding the diverse career opportunities available within the conservation field. Provide letters of recommendation, when appropriate and based on the Facilitator's direct knowledge of the student's work and professional development. 4. Community and Organizational Connections Help students develop meaningful connections within Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the broader Jacksonville conservation and community landscape. Connect students with community organizations, conservation partners, researchers, educators, and other stakeholders relevant to their academic and professional interests. Help students identify opportunities to engage with local conservation and community-based initiatives. Encourage students to view the Jacksonville community as a learning environment and living laboratory for applied conservation and community impact. Foster relationships that create mutually beneficial opportunities for students, JZBG, Miami University, and community partners. 5. Web+ Course Support and Facilitation Collaborate with Miami University Instructors and Academic Advisors in the planning, delivery, and support of AIP Web+ courses. Provide site-specific context, examples, resources, and expertise that enhance students' learning. Help students connect Web+ course content to real-world experiences at JZBG and within the broader conservation field. Support student participation and engagement in Web+ learning activities. Identify opportunities for students to apply course concepts through Zoo-based projects, experiences, and professional interactions. Communicate student needs, opportunities, and relevant site-based information to the Miami AIP team. 6. Experiential and Applied Learning Help students identify and pursue meaningful experiential learning opportunities at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Facilitate access to relevant staff, programs, habitats, conservation initiatives, research, education programs, and community partnerships. Support students in developing projects that connect academic inquiry with practical conservation and organizational challenges. Encourage students to engage in interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across Zoo departments. Help students understand how conservation science, education, behavior change, community engagement, and organizational leadership intersect in practice. 7. Student Communication and Program Coordination Maintain regular communication with AIP students regarding program opportunities, expectations, deadlines, and site-based activities. Communicate proactively with Miami University Academic Advisors and Instructors regarding student progress, needs, and opportunities. Participate in meetings with the Miami AIP team and other AIP Facilitators as appropriate. Maintain appropriate documentation related to student advising, mentoring, projects, and program participation. Protect student confidentiality and follow applicable Jacksonville Zoo and Miami University policies and procedures. Refer students to Miami University's administrative and academic resources for matters outside the Facilitator's scope of responsibility, including transcripts, grades, registration, financial aid, Student Disability Services, withdrawals, and other university administrative processes. Collaboration with Miami University The AIP Facilitator works as part of a broader Web+ Course Instructional and Support Team, which may include the AIP Facilitator, Miami University Instructor, Miami Academic Advisor, and Project Dragonfly administrative staff. The Facilitator's role is complementary to, rather than duplicative of, the Miami Academic Advisor.

The AIP Facilitator primarily provides:

Site-based mentoring and student support Organizational and conservation context Guidance on Master Plans and Leadership Challenges Professional development and career guidance Community and networking connections Experiential and applied learning opportunities Connections to Zoo staff, programs, and resources Support for internships and independent studies Miami University Academic Advisors primarily provide: Guidance on university academic policies and requirements Core course scope and sequence Academic course planning Access to transcripts and grades University processes and resources

IRB/IACUC

guidance and application processes University connections and academic support Support related to Miami University policies, financial aid, SDS, withdrawals, and other administrative matters The AIP Facilitator should maintain regular communication with the Miami University course instructor and JZBG team to ensure students receive coordinated and consistent support. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in conservation, environmental science, education, biology, sustainability, community engagement, or a related field. Professional experience in conservation, environmental education, informal learning, community engagement, or a related field. Demonstrated experience mentoring, advising, teaching, facilitating, or supporting adult learners or emerging professionals. Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to work collaboratively across organizational and institutional boundaries. Demonstrated commitment to conservation and connecting people with wildlife and wild places. Ability to manage multiple students, projects, relationships, and deadlines effectively. Preferred Master's degree in a relevant field. Experience working within a zoo, aquarium, museum, university, nonprofit, conservation organization, or similar institution. Experience with graduate education, professional development, or adult learning. Experience developing or facilitating experiential or project-based learning. Knowledge of conservation education, behavior change, community-based conservation, environmental justice, or related fields. Experience mentoring students through internships, independent studies, research projects, or applied leadership projects. Familiarity with Miami University Project Dragonfly and/or the Advanced Inquiry Program. Experience working collaboratively with higher education institutions.