Education Specialist - Museum jobs in Evanston, IL

Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Reports to: Head of Learning Innovation

Position Summary:

The Director of Education will have primary responsibility for oversight of the Education Department’s procedures and logistical operations, and oversee the day-to-day management of the Education programs and staff. They monitor the program and staff capacities of the department, taking into account both staff time, budget, and revenue goals. They work closely with the Head of Learning Innovation to support the organization and Education department goals and objectives. They will maintain connections to education networks and stay current on the learning landscape, to ensure the work of the Education department is relevant and in-demand.

Responsibilities:

• Education Department Staff Management
  • Support specialists in their growth in Implementation and curriculum development
  • Conduct Performance Reviews for Education Department staff
  • Regular 1-on-1 meetings with members of the Education team
  • Approve PTO, assign work, address staff requests and issues, schedule shifts and other supervisory responsibilities.
  • Support Education staff goals
  • Onboard new Education staff
• Education Department Program Capacity Management
  • Monitor the team and program schedules to ensure programs are staffed
  • Keep a pulse on staff capacity, making space for projects, how specialists should prioritize their time
• Leadership & Partnerships
  • Collaborate with Head of Learning to support Education initiatives and innovation vision
  • Co-lead department meetings, connect with Head of Learning on emergent topics and needs
  • Identify, remain current in, and apply best practices in museum, environmental, and classroom-based science education for primary, intermediate, and secondary students
  • Assist with other division programs and collaborations as assigned
  • Communicate with schools and funders to keep big picture view on Education program suite
  • Maintain a pulse on the learning landscape
• Education Department Budget Support
  • Support program managers/camp directors in tracking their program budgets
  • Approve expense reports and reimbursements, update Head of Learning Innovation on expense reports as needed
  • Provide evaluation data and support for grant reports to funders
  • Work alongside Head of Learning Innovation to ensure that programs are on budget
  • Work alongside Head of Learning Innovation to ensure department meets revenue targets for programs, and connecting with team as needed
  • Collaborate with the Marketing team to recruit program participants and raise awareness of Student Learning programs, resources, and initiatives
• Program Implementation
  • Staying connected with Education programs with occasional facilitation of on-site programs
  • Staffing one-time programs such as Overnights, professional development sessions, etc. as needed

Qualifications:

• Five plus years working in a K-12 science education environment, with at least 2 years of management experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in science, education or related discipline required.
• Experience with both developing and delivering science education, as well as supporting others in doing so.
• Experience with students and teachers across multiple grade levels.
• Experience with educational programming in a variety of settings including schools, science centers and/or other museums is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with adapting programs or activities to maximize inclusion and accessibility.
• An ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent project management, planning and organizational skills.
• Detail oriented; excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking required.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Office Suite (Docs, Slides, Drive, Gmail) required.
• Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other Museum staff and volunteers.
• Ability to handle live animals after training.
• Ability to travel to off-site programs. Valid driver’s license is required. Access to their own vehicle.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: https://peggy-notebaert-nature-museum.breezy.hr/p/318ae318a59c-director-of-education

For any questions regarding this position please e-mail: HR-EduPrograms@naturemuseum.org

No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.