Museum Learning Specialist

Port Discovery's Learning and Visitor Experience Department's mission is to engage all of our visitors, both adults and children, throughout the museum's exhibits and play spaces (on the floor) in innovative, play-based education experiences and programs. This includes informal interactions, as well as pop-up programs and more structured activities and workshops through exhibit and play spaces.

We are looking for a friendly and outgoing part-time Learning Specialist to deliver museum programs and experiences for young children (birth through age 10) and their families to support the museum's initiatives and mission. The Learning Specialist supports, facilitates, and engages visitors through both Public and Groups Programming implemented in the museum and the community.

This position offers up to 29 hours per week. The scheduled hours will be adjusted according to the need and scheduling of public and groups programming, and at least one weekend day per week will be required (typically Sundays). Participation in special events, evening, weekend, and holidays will be necessary.

Starting pay for this position is $18.50 per hour.

Port Discovery Is Seeking Individuals Who Are

• Energetic, enthusiastic, creative, dependable and flexible.
• Passionate about play and making a difference in the lives of families and the community.
• Engaging with children and adults individually and in large groups.
• Comfortable co-facilitating workshops with children and adults of multiple age groups.
• Calm under pressure and has excellent communication skills.
  
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Supports, facilitates, and engages visitors through either or both Public and Groups programming implemented in the museum and the community.
• In collaboration with Learning and Visitor Experience Department members, the Learning Specialist supports the planning, coordination, and implementation of educational public programming.
• Works closely with all other museum departments to create a cohesive team effort and exemplary museum experience.
• Monitors and ensures guest safety protocols are followed while stationed on the floor and resets exhibit spaces as needed.
• Supports the mentoring and training of other Learning and Visitor Experience Department members.
• Participates in the delivery of Public and Group Programs as needed and appropriate.
• Supports grant-related work as needed, including budget development, narrative development, and all reporting.
• Participates in community partnership activities that enhance the Museum's programmatic offerings and mission.
• Continues to maintain a minimum of 85% of staff time actively engaged with programs and visitor experiences, either on- or off-site.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  
  

Essential Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in education, early childhood, the arts, sciences or a related field a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working or volunteering with children (infants, toddlers, pre-k, and/or elementary age) required.
• Must have interest in working closely with children, parents, educators, and museum staff in delivering an exceptional museum experience
• Museum experience is a plus
• Must have excellent presentation, organizational, business writing and interpersonal skills.
• Independent problem solving and decision-making skills are necessary for success.
• A valid driver's license and reliable non-public transportation are required (for outreach activities).
  
  

Benefits

Port Discovery provides you with the opportunity to make a difference in the community and in the lives of children. Additional benefits include:

• Convenient location next to a subway stop, or we offer free parking.
• Free admission to the Museum for family.
• Earned time off for sick leave.
• Retirement savings with Museum match after 6 months.
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Must be able to meet physical demands of job to include walking, standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling. Will be required to stand for long periods of time while performing educational programming. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds for programming activities. Will occasionally sit for administrative / materials prep work. This position involves occasional travel and the need to traverse uneven terrain with bins and outreach supplies.

This position operates predominantly directly with front-line guests (children and families) and partially in a back-office environment (for materials prep). Work is performed indoors, and the noise level is usually moderate to high. Must be comfortable working amongst small groups of children and caregivers.

To learn more about Port Discovery Children's Museum, visit https://www.portdiscovery.org/. Port Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.