Sr. Education Programs Associate

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin MSI exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Sr. Education Programs Associate is responsible for delivering engaging programming for educational and community partners, focusing on revenue-positive and community partner engagements both off-site and within the Museum by delivering programming to youth and families, as well as supporting general education operations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and Model best practices for engaging and dynamic STEAM programming to youth and families, K-12 students, educators, and other program participants with a focus educational programming.
• Deliver quality programming via offsite Learning Labs.
• Safely operate and demonstrate use of high-tech lab and fabrication (Maker Space) equipment and materials associated with programming.
• Design software applications and machinery, and STEAM-related content that is responsive to client expectations or needs. (Inkscape, TinkerCad, Prusa, Retinaengrave, and Fusion Edge)
• Research and develop high-quality K-12 STEAM programming. Test, evaluate, and improve upon existing programming.
• Create, assess, and improve programs for offsite experiences, camps, innovation studios, and other departments as needed.
• Support Museum initiatives for unique events initiated by departments such as Special Events, Exhibits, etc.
• Represent the Museum as a community liaison, attend conferences and events, and demonstrate programs for media outlets as required.
• Mentor and support Education Programs Associates as needed.
• Manage inventory and order supplies
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Two (2) to four (4) years of classroom or program facilitation experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• Experience with program development in informal learning environment preferred.
• Knowledge of pedagogy and education strategies preferred.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to respond to unexpected circumstances. Ability to improvise solutions on short notice.
• Capacity to quickly learn new programming and master a catalog of programs and facilitation methodologies which may include design software applications and machinery, and STEAM-related content that is responsive to client expectations or needs.
• Must be able to travel for programming within Chicagoland (regularly) and long-distances (occasionally).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Language:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical:
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as addition, subtraction, percentages, etc.
• Reasoning:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Physical:
  • Ability to perform various functions such as standing, sitting, walking/moving across uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, lifting, pushing, carrying, seeing in varying light conditions, fine finger dexterity, and participating in some physical activities.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity Mission

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.