Family Programs Instructor

OVERVIEW: 

The full-time Family Programs Instructor at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis assists with the development, planning, and facilitation of programs run by the Public Events and Family Programs department that reach the museum’s diverse family audiences. They work collaboratively with museum staff to implement and oversee a variety of family programs, activities, and projects for children and families. The incumbent participates as a team member within the Programs department to achieve specific annual and strategic goals which support the museum’s mission.

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. 

REPORTS TO:  Family Programs Coordinator

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists in the selection, development, and implementation of family programs at the museum, including selecting topics and dates, writing copy for marketing, developing goals and objectives, and planning for outside resources, which include field trips and subject matter experts.
2. Serves as a team member to develop, implement, summarize and document the execution of family, homeschool, and Scout programs and activities. Facilitates programs and/or provides training for other department staff to facilitate programs.
3. Serves as a team member to develop and implement off-site Family Nights (serving families with children grades of K-5). Maintains and updates Family Night content and materials.
4. Develops and implements age-appropriate curriculum for StarPoint Summer Camp (youth ages 6-12). Assists with training associated staff and volunteers and mentors interns.
5. Researches new and innovative approaches to family programming, childhood education, and family learning and shred input and new ideas for additions and adjustments.
6. Acts as a team member to coordinate with members of the department and others across the museum and accomplish all logistics for effective programming and contributes to the development of quality documentation and assessment tools and procedures.
7. Participates in researching, purchasing, inventory, and maintaining supplies for programs.
8. Works collaboratively with colleagues to share resources, program content, and staff for programs. Assists with other projects, events, and programs as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in education, family studies, museum studies, early childhood, or related educational field work experience.
2. Two (2) years’ experience teaching/facilitating and developing developmentally appropriate curriculum.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of child development, family learning, and knowledge of what is developmentally appropriate for children. Demonstrates an understanding of the pedagogy of family learning.
4. Must possess communication skills for working with staff, partner organizations, and diverse children and their families.
5. Must be dependable and responsible. Organizational skills and ability to meet multiple deadlines. Ability to remain calm, solve problems, resolve conflicts, and remain flexible.
6. Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
7. Must be able to work at a fast pace and have the ability to think and react quickly.
8. Must be available for frequent evening and weekend programs and events; must work a flexible schedule.

*Special consideration given to those applicants who are multi-lingual.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to observe and supervise children and activities, view computer monitor, and make individual or public presentations.
2. Must be able to communicate extensively and effectively with children, visitors and staff, via face-to-face conversations, virtually, telephone/TDD and public presentations.
3. Requires usage of computer keyboards and other administrative equipment. Must be able to process volumes of paperwork, and model program-related movements for children and youth audiences.
4. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and reach for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs., move at children’s pace and tolerate some dust and dirt in environment.
5. Must be able to negotiate local travel.