Education Specialist - Discovery Center Museum
Department: Discovery Center Museum
Reports To: Director of Education
Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Position Overview: Discovery Center Museum is seeking an engaging Education Specialist to develop and deliver high-quality educational museum programs. Ideal candidates demonstrate excellent teaching and communication skills and a strong understanding of informal, museum-based learning. Schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. The position will require the ability to work weekend events about once a month and occasional evenings.
Discovery Center: Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Illinois is dedicated to hands-on learning in the arts and sciences through more than 300 exciting exhibits spread over two floors and an award winning outdoor Discovery Park. We serve children, parents, and educators from the Rockford region and beyond through both Museum visits and outreach programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Work with the education department to plan, develop, and implement events, classes, outreach programs, camp-ins, in museum programming, etc.
- Plan and execute assigned museum events
- Assist with outreach and in-museum programming as needed
- Facilitate camp-in activities
- Lead summer camps
- Run STEM labs, planetarium shows, and science demonstrations
- Facilitate mobile maker activities
- Set up and cleanup program spaces and classrooms, ensuring materials are well-organized and in good condition
- Maintain program supplies and report any inventory needs
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other departments to ensure cohesive and comprehensive visitor experiences
- Other duties as assigned by the Education Director
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field
- Experience working with children in an educational setting, camps, community programs, or cultural institutions
- Enthusiastic, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on, public-facing environment
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and to fostering a workplace of belonging
- Strong written/oral communication, organizational, and time management skills
- Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting
This position requires the ability to:
- This position requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, occasionally lift from floor to waist, and occasionally reach above shoulder height to access supplies.
- Must be able to push, pull and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Must also be able to maintain friendly and courteous interactions with museum staff and visitors in a moderately noisy environment.
Discovery Center considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunity without unlawful regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, genetic information status, pregnancy, childbirth (or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), work authorization status, or other protected group as provided by law.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested in the course of employment. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to perform this job successfully; the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship. The Company reserves the right to change the requirements of the position to meet the changing needs of the Company. Changes may include, but are not limited to, the essential duties and the qualifications required for the position.
Please direct questions, applications, and resumes to Amanda Gray-Orlando, Associate Director of Staff Development and DEI at: [email protected]
The Education specialist is responsible for delivering fun, innovative, and informal learning experiences to children and families at Discovery Center. They will work with the education department to develop and lead engaging science demonstrations, classes, and activities for a diverse audience.
