Melanie Harding Email & Phone Number

Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul, MN

• Consulted with organizations and individuals to vision and execute ideas for programs, interpretive resources, visitor experience, curricula, exhibits, green spaces and team/organizational structure.
• Provided instructional services on garden and greening topics, creative thinking strategies and internal communications.

Minneapolis, MN

• Built and sustained a cohesive, productive team of 10 full-time professional assistants (executive, program and administrative).
• Partnered with other leaders and teams to ensure continuity of administrative support services and equitable work practices across the organization.
• Managed supplies, off-site archives, vendors, shipping and receiving, break rooms, vending area, meeting rooms, and travel.
• Chaired organizational Safety Committee with additional responsibilities in safety education and awareness.
• Led environmental sustainability initiatives throughout the organization.

White Bear Township, MN

• Oversaw day-to-day operations of the Nature Center, with an emphasis on business functions, communications and visitor services.
• Served as primary liaison with Parks and Recreation regarding finances, human resources, communications and facility management.
• Managed scheduling and registration for year-round program offerings; collaborated with Parks team to implement a new scheduling and registration for Parks and Recreation.
• Managed winter recreation equipment inventory, maintenance, program use and rentals.
• Supervised 1 full-time Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, 7 part-time Naturalist Aides and 5 volunteers.

White Bear Township, MN

• Recruited, trained and supervised 80+ volunteers to support all aspects of Nature Center programming and operations; doubled the number of active volunteers and tripled the total volunteer hours over a five-year period.
• Managed the Nature Center's live animal collection for education and exhibits, including the care and management of 2 raptors.
• Developed and implemented free weekend programming for diverse audiences, engagement opportunities for large summer groups, a volunteer beekeeping program and citizen science opportunities for the public.
• Supervised 5 part-time Naturalist Aides and Park Aides.

Chicago, IL

• Managed day-to-day interpretive program development, delivery and tracking for the public, schools and community groups.
• Served as lead instructor for a robust teacher professional development program and a variety of public programs.
• Developed written and graphic materials for visitor guides, exhibit labels, signage, website content, member magazine and grants.
• Oversaw the coordination of large special events serving 3000-5000 members of the public.
• Supervised 2 full-time and 3 part-time education staff, plus interns and volunteers.

Chicago, IL

• Served as a key stakeholder in the exhibit development team to launch Sugar from the Sun, a unique living plant exhibit about photosynthesis; played key role in research, prototyping, design, development, evaluation.
• Developed all educational messaging related to Sugar from the Sun.
• Developed and implemented programs and curricula for the Conservatory's education and volunteer programs.
• Served as a front-line interpreter for educational programs, trainings and events.

St. Paul, MN

• Built the Family Science StoryPacks Program, a collection of 100+ backpacks filled with books and activities for kids and adults to explore.
• Developed and implemented family science programs for the public; facilitated teacher trainings to support family involvement in schools.
• Oversaw the direction of the Science Squad, a team of youth volunteers who developed and implemented science activities for visitors.
• Supervised a part-time Youth Volunteer Coordinator, contractors and volunteers.

Kalamazoo, MI

Richmond, VA

Yellow Springs, OH

M.A., Nonprofit Management

B.A., Biology