Museum Educator

Job Summary

Provides museum experiences through content delivery to Naper Settlement’s audience (visitors, students, and members). Engages both on-site and virtual audiences by conducting educational programs, including interpreting historic themes and stories, leading tours, and conducting programs and living history demonstrations.  Serves as the Museum’s front line ambassadors, insuring a positive audience experience. Represents the Museum to the public in a safe and orderly manner.

Job Scope

Study and master interpretive material for all buildings in order to deliver quality tours and programs to guests of all ages. Learn program content for all school programs and associated operations procedures- including in person and virtual offerings. Utilize content and customer service training to provide unique and engaging learning experiences for school groups, public program participants, and general visitors that results in a high-quality experience. Understand and execute appropriate safety procedures as a staff member and as it relates to guests. 

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

1.      PLANS, DEVELOPS, and IMPLEMENTS a variety of interpretive experiences including demonstrations, participatory activities, and educational programs, including special events and organized group visits as assigned.

2.      CONDUCTS programs through a variety of delivery methods, including, on-site, off-site and virtually for schools, organized groups and other audiences.  Implements training and knowledge of IT for virtual synchronous programs.

3.      CONDUCTS tours of museum buildings and grounds for all visitors.

4.      PERFORMS and INTERPRETS 19th century skills, crafts, occupations, pastimes and other demonstrations as assigned.

5.      PROVIDES appropriate personal historical clothing for programs, demonstrations, tours and other museum functions.

6.      TRAINS and SUPERVISES volunteers as assigned.

7.      ASSISTS with training of Learning Experiences team as assigned.

8.      PERFORMS other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Ability to develop, organize and deliver creative educational experiences to both in-person and virtual audiences.  Skills in public speaking with an ability to communicate effectively both in person and on camera.  Acting skills a plus. Strong organizational skills.  Knowledge of or interest in American, Illinois and Naperville History.  Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evening hours.  Physical agility, visual and auditory capability.  Ability to provide excellent customer service. 

Essential Functions

1.          Ability to operate office, audio/visual, and computer equipment in order to send and receive information with necessary optical, auditory, and manual dexterity.

2.          Ability to analyze, compute and audit information.

3.          Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an hour or more at a time.

4.          Ability to closely examine a computer screen or written reports.

5.          Ability to distinguish colors.

6.          Ability to use a keyboard to enter, retrieve or transfer words or data.

7.          Ability to closely examine computer screen or written reports.

8.          Ability to read, comprehend and speak English and be able to demonstrate twelfth grade reading skills.

9.          Ability to proofread and check documents for errors.

10.      Ability to operate or observe office equipment for an hour or more at a time.

11.     Ability to work in an area that may be uncomfortable due to temperature variation, noise, odors or other conditions.

12.      Ability to lift 25 or more pounds.

13.      Ability to walk up and down stairs regularly, as well as walk and/or stand for an hour or more at a time.

14.      REQUIRED to work Naperville Heritage Society events that fall on Friday and Saturday evenings; Naper Nights (6 days), Oktoberfest (2 days), All Hallows Eve (2 days) and Howlin at the Moon (2 days).

 

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, in field of education, history or museum studies preferred. Minimum of two years of work experience required.

 

Experience History at Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Located in downtown Naperville, Naper Settlement is just steps away from dining, shopping, and the Riverwalk. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present, from pioneer times to today. Highlights include special events and programs and activities year-round, both on- and off-site.
Our Mission: Naper Settlement creates community by connecting visitors to Naperville’s history through engaging, unique experiences.
Our Vision: As a reflection of Naperville’s history, the vision of Naper Settlement is to be a vibrant site that fosters visitor, community, and business conversations and enriching, engaging educational opportunities.
Our Values: Naper Settlement values education, preservation, quality visitor experiences, and community and public trust.

More information about Naper Settlement can be found at www.napersettlement.org.
REQUIREMENT: PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER AND RESUME AND FILL OUT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION at https://napersettlement.org/empapp