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Program Development Coordinator

Great Lakes Science Center

Program Development Coordinator

Cleveland, OH
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    The Program Development Coordinator conceptualizes, develops, and presents dynamic and diverse science, technology, engineering, and math educational experiences for family and youth audiences. This position will work independently and as part of a team dedicated to enriching guests’ interests through high-quality, exciting, and fun educational programs. In addition to researching new content and mechanisms for delivery, the Program Development Coordinator will be innovative and integrate cutting-edge technology into programs when appropriate. In addition to researching, testing, training and implementing new programs, this position is responsible for evaluating, refining, and training existing programs and curriculum. Program Development Coordinators also serve in a guest-facing capacity during shows, demonstrations, and workshops both on and off-site. The Program Development Coordinator will participate in and lead training, evaluation, and motivation of other staff members and volunteers, and will play a key role in evaluation and training of large-scale science demonstrations, exhibit programming, value-added programming, and off-site programs as assigned by the Program Development Manager.  Finally, the ideal candidate will be a demonstrated risk-taker and have the charisma and ambition to excel. 

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Actively deliver entertaining and engaging public programs while modeling the highest standards in professionalism, inquiry-based techniques, interpersonal communication, and guest service philosophy to create a superior educational experience.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    •  Flexibly fulfill required weekend, holiday, and evening hours to meet the Science Center’s commitment to being open for guests during key family gathering times. This involves increasingly being open for evening events and activities to support the growing downtown resident population. Scheduled hours will vary seasonally. A well-balanced schedule is strongly supported by Human Resources and Science Center leadership who understand that this is not a typical Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 organization.
    • Efficiently fulfill administrative responsibilities in an organized and accurate way, including data tracking, record-keeping, and data analysis.
    • Contribute to preparing information for marketing colleagues, including but not limited to social media posts, catalog descriptions, and other marketing materials.
    • Effectively balance computer use and frequent movement throughout the museum, including outdoors, potentially for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions. Includes climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstration props.
    • Inventory, store, and order program supplies in an efficient and thoughtful manner.
    • Track attendance in programs.
    • Distribute and track surveys and other evaluation tools used for program feedback.
    • Coach staff and volunteer performance in conjunction with the Programming Manager as needed.
    • Attend regular meetings
    • Confidently use Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook daily. Will also be trained to use ticketing software.
    • Perform daily operational duties.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Informal Learning and STEM Content Knowledge and Skills

    • Seek new information and creative new approaches to frequently develop, learn, and present a variety of content from technology, engineering design processes, physical science, biomedical, nanotechnology, maker, and more. Note that Great Lakes Science Center focuses on the “TEM of STEM” as its unique role. We do not seek to be redundant with the region’s already rich resources in natural and environmental sciences.
    • Research and implement a wide range of informal STEM learning practices.
    • Creatively use IoT programming software and digital fabrication equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters. Training can be provided.
    • Safely work with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, methane, corrosive and flammable materials. Training will be provided.

    Program Development

    • Collaborate with the Program Development Team with to research, prototype, and experiment to create new learning experiences for guests. Be willing to test many ideas that will not work, and be resilient under pressure to continue to refine concepts.
    • Evaluate programs in relation to key objectives and goals. May include refining or developing some evaluation tools.
    • Cooperate and communicating positively and constructively with others to effectively manage shared space and resources.
    • Assist in evaluating and coaching team members to provide learning experiences for guests in a fun and memorable way.
    • Work with Programming Manager to plan and provide staff and volunteer training.

    Program Delivery

    • Deliver programs such as informal guest engagement, science demonstrations, family and member workshops, and exhibit-related programming. This includes one on one educational experiences, large-scale demonstrations for hundreds of audience members, and live television and streaming.
    • Reflect on and actively work to improve learning for all guests, from early childhood to adult.
    • Enthusiastically represent the Science Center at off-site programs, including but not limited to outreach programs, science fairs, earned media, and community events. Communicate knowledgeably about all Science Center programs, policies, and procedures. Serve as a positive and enthusiastic spokesperson for Science Center programs, exhibits, and mission.

    Training, Coaching, and Evaluation

    • Develop an encouraging, supportive work environment that inspires dedication, enthusiasm, quality, and consistency among the staffing pool.
    • Assist in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of engaging programs and activities.
    • Work alongside the staffing pool to actively deliver visitor programs while modeling the highest standards in professionalism, inquiry based techniques, interpersonal communication, and guest service philosophy to create a superior visitor experience.
    • Support the managers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of staffing needs, issues, opportunities, and timing of staff placement. 
    • Provide formal and informal training frequently, and regularly seek new information and resources for improving training. Maintain training materials and documents for ongoing use.
    • Implement system for ongoing feedback and performance evaluation that strengthens ongoing recognition and staff retention.
    • Support managers in recruiting qualified applicants for open positions through a variety of mechanisms, including postings on the science center website, other recruitment websites, and participating in recruitment fairs.
    • Works collaboratively with Operations team to ensure training schedules are current and staff are provided appropriate resources to learn new skills and programs.
    • Speaks constructively and positively while working with colleagues and while providing feedback on performance.

    Technical Skills

    • Builds and repairs props and educational materials using various tools including power and hand tools, soldering irons, and other tools as necessary for the job.
    • Coding and technology for props and educational programs using various software and hardware.

     SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

     

    • Bachelor’s degree required in museum studies, science, education, theater or related field of study. M.A. preferred.
    • Two years leadership experience within a fast paced, customer-focused work environment.

    ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS (K/S/A):

    • Expertise in informal STEM education and/or STEM content.

    ·        Ability to demonstrate enthusiastic and entertaining program delivery skills.

    ·        Demonstrated ability or willingness to contribute to development and execution of new program ideas, and a history of providing constructive feedback on existing programs and workshops.

    ·        Attention to detail and proficiency in performing routine operational and administrative duties such as scheduling.

    ·        Must have an excellent track record for coaching and motivating staff and volunteers in all areas of the building.

    ·        Must be self-confident and motivated; able to work with minimal supervision.

    ·        Must be detail-oriented and work well within a changing environment.

    ·        Must be open-minded and flexible.

    ·        Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

    ·        Must have experience researching and writing for STEM projects, preferably in an educational setting.

    Additional Information

    Salary Range: $30,000 to $33,600

    Great Lakes Science Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.