Program Coordinator

Job Opening: Program Coordinator

Reports to: Assistant Director

Location: Springfield, Il

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Start date: Immediately

Compensation & Benefits: $40,000 + benefits

About Kidzeum: Kidzeum is a wonderful new family destination in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, IL., whose mission is to serve as a place of learning and discovery through play for children of ALL abilities. Kidzeum is committed to nurturing health and wellness, promoting science education, and to developing environmental and global awareness through innovative programs and exhibits. Learn more at www.kidzeum.org.

Position Description: Kidzeum of Health and Science seeks a versatile, results-oriented and exuberant professional to join our team. The Program Coordinator is responsible for aiding Kidzeum in delivering on its mission through its innovative, unique educational programs and initiatives. This position develops and implements plans for all aspects of the front-of-house visitor education programs at both Kidzeum and as necessary, off-site. These programs include but are not limited to pop-up activities within the galleries, workshops, live demonstrations, exhibit activities and drop-in activity spaces. With the Assistant Director, the Program Coordinator will help oversee larger Kidzeum events, such as their annual birthday party celebration in July. The Program Coordinator must be able to work independently as well as successfully collaborate with a team.

Collaborating with the Visitor Engagement Coordinator, the Program Coordinator is a key part of training front-of-house staff and volunteers to enthusiastically and confidently engage daily museum visitors. The Program Coordinator will also support our STEAM Residency Program staff as needed. The ideal candidate for this position will be passionate about education, thinks creatively, has excellent communication skills and enjoy interacting with children of all ages.

The schedule for this position requires flexibility and is dependent on the museum’s operating hours. Availability on Saturdays and Sundays is a must, and the position occasionally requires working evenings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Spearheads concepts, plans, development, implementation and quality assessment of Kidzeum’s daily programs by:

• Planning an annual program calendar prior to the new year, noting holidays, unique dates (e.g. National Superhero Day) and museum hour changes
• Effectively communicating all program and event information to the Director of Marketing in a timely manner
• Working with the Assistant Director and accountant to compile program budgets, estimating projected expenses and revenue, and collecting and organizing receipts
• Actively seeking opportunities to maximize accessibility to educational programming as a resource to the local community and under-served audiences
• Collects evaluation results and feedback to critically improve programs and expand offerings; internally assessing previous programs to identify successes and areas for improvement
• Connecting with local organizations and community members to collaborate on programs (e.g. asking a vet to speak with visitors inside the museum’s vet clinic exhibit)

Work closely with the Education Team and/or the Assistant Director to:

• Bolster visitor engagement through the developing and implementing of weekend programs, events and live demonstrations
• Assist in the development, planning and implementing of other educational programs and special events including but not limited to the STEAM Residency Program, summer camps and Kidzeum’s annual birthday celebration
• Train staff to implement live demonstrations and special activities for museum visitors during operation hours
  

Communicate with the Director of Facilities when aware of an exhibit or other part of the facility is in need of maintenance or repair as well as:

• Learn and carry out basic exhibit troubleshooting and repairs
• Assist in the basic maintenance of the facilities

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, anthropology or related STEM field
• 1+ year(s) experience working with children
• 1+ year(s) experience developing activities or related programs
• Excellent communicator who is comfortable engaging with individual visitors and large crowds
• Excellent time management skills with ability to manage a variety of responsibilities under pressure
• Excellent organizational and supervisory skills with attention to detail
• Goal-oriented with the ability to analyze data and provide action-oriented plans
• Creative thinker who possesses the skills to take a plan from inception to completion
• Ability to work well with different teams as well as independently
• Possess a friendly and approachable manner with the ability to motivate and incentivize staff to achieve their best performance
• Ability to learn a new point-of-sales system
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to speak in front of large groups
• Theatre background a plus
• Nonprofit experience a plus

Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Physical requirements may include stooping, kneeling, bending, standing. Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such equipment, boxes, etc. may be included.

Application Process: Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to Kaitlyn Miller, Assistant Director, at kaitlyn.miller@kidzeum.org. Successful applicants will be asked to submit to a criminal background check.

Kidzeum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additionally, we strive to make the Kidzeum community – staff, visitor base, programs, and exhibitions – representative of the diversity of the city of Springfield and Central Illinois, and to carry forth the spirit of access, inclusion, and equity in all we do. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: info@kidzeum.org.