careers
senior museum educator
what we value
Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.
the role
The National Children’s Museum is a world-class museum that aims to spark the imagination and encourage children to dream. National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As a Senior Museum Educator, you will play an integral role in supporting this vision by designing programming and playfully engaging with a wide range of audiences, focusing on the area of early childhood education.
The Senior Museum Educator ensures interactions with Museum visitors are engaging, playful, and filled with high-quality learning. You will develop and facilitate dynamic STEAM programs for a variety of audiences, including students, teachers, families, and birthday party guests. Time is divided between designing and developing program activities, supporting peer training, and facilitating educational programming in a high-energy environment. The Senior Museum Educator reports to the Guest Experience Manager.
what you’ll do
- Design STEAM-based education programs including: parent workshops, professional learning for school and museum educators, field trips, pop-up experiences, birthday party activities and workshops for ages 0-12.
- Facilitate STEAM-based learning experiences for a wide range of audiences and stakeholders, including teachers, students, and families-locally and nationally;
- Design and lead team training and facilitation related to Museum programming ;
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Museum’s Tinkering Corner, including: space and materials management, activity prototyping and development;
- Coordinate with the Guest Experience team to ensure that field trip groups are greeted and supported during their visit;
- Organize, inventory, and maintain the Museum's educational supplies and resources;
- Be knowledgeable regarding Museum exhibits, programs, and services;
- Serve as an ambassador of the Museum and provide exceptional customer service to guests;
- Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and trainings;
- Adhere to Museum policies and procedures;
- Be a positive member of National Children’s Museum Team, working to sustain the collaborative, creative culture that will permeate into the guest experience; and
- Welcome other tasks and responsibilities as needed to ensure the Museum’s success.
important experiences + traits for this role
- At least 5+ years of experience in STEAM education in early childhood/ elementary classrooms or museums.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree and/or teaching certification preferred;
- Experience developing and teaching programs in science, engineering or math subjects to early childhood and/or elementary students and/or families;
- Ability to facilitate effectively and interact playfully with children, adults, and large groups in a fast-paced environment;
- Experience leading collaboration with district leaders and superintendents;
- Experience with hands-on experiential learning, including tinkering, making, building, and creation;
- Exceptional customer service, writing, and communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to balance multiple long-term and short-term projects, prioritize work, and meet deadlines;
- Experience and demonstrated facility with spreadsheet software, and/or project management software
- Collaborative, creative, and organized with enthusiasm for new projects;
- Insatiable curiosity with an eagerness to learn, willing to ask questions, and apply feedback;
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship;
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred;
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
details
hours + location
Full-time position located at the National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. The position requires regular weekend hours. Scheduled work hours will be adjusted according to Museum needs. The position requires weekends (at least one weekend day per week), occasional special events, evenings, seasonal extended hours, and holiday work.
compensation
$60,000-70,000 per year, commensurate with experience and skill set.
to apply
To indicate interest, please send resume and cover letter to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: Senior Museum Educator.
The National Children’s Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, marital status or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment at NCM, including, but not limited to recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and development, access to facilities, discipline, separation of employment and other terms and conditions of employment.