Education Coordinator, Student Experiences

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin MSI exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. 

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you! 

The Job: The Education Coordinator, Student Experiences is responsible for developing, delivering, and refining facilitated, hands-on education programs for onsite and offsite groups of students through virtual and in-person Learning Labs, exhibit exploration guides, and other programs and resources. This individual serves as a key member of the Student Learning team which provides youth-focused STEM programming.

This is a fulltime position at the Museum and is a union-represented position (AFSCME Council 31).

Responsibilities:

• Research, design, implement, and deliver science education programs diverse learning in classes, based on best practices in formal, informal, and virtual science education.
• Differentiate instruction for a highly variable student audience (grade or ability level, developmental stage, cultural background, etc.) on an immediate, as-needed basis.
• Maintain working knowledge of trends in science education, as well as local, state, and national science education standards (e.g., the NGSS). Develop and modify programs regularly and accordingly, along with changes in standards and advances in pedagogy.
• Maintain relationships with school partners to effectively recruit a diverse pool of program participants; maintain productive partnerships with formal education community.
• Maintain program quality through modifications and continual improvements based on recommendations made by Manager through observation and evaluation practices of programs.
• Collaborate with other teams to organize and implement programming at special events such as student events, Educator Open Houses, donor events, etc.
• Support interns, team members, and volunteers that are assigned to work in educational programs.
• Keep all program equipment and supplies stocked, maintained, and in working order. Inventory and order materials and supplies regularly.
• Represent the Museum at various community partner meetings and community outreach programs.
• Provide reporting of programs to various internal departments, such as attendance, hours, and youth feedback.
• Collaborate with internal and external evaluators/researchers to track and report program participation and demographics, make continual revisions to programs, and measure program outcomes and impact.
• Other position-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field with three (3) to five (5) years related experience in education.
• A strong understanding of learning strategies employed in a variety of learning environments, such as schools, science centers, museums, community-based organizations, etc.
• Curriculum development and implementation experience required; two (2) years' experience preferred.
• Experience working with diverse audiences and appreciation of Chicago’s diverse communities required.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
• Spanish fluency a plus.
• A passion for fueling the limitless curiosity of youth.
• Strong affinity for science.
• Must be creative and dynamic, exhibit enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility, and openness to new ideas.
• Must demonstrate comfort in a team environment, with strong collaboration skills.
• 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, Outlook) required.
• Language:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, etc.
• Reasoning:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Physical:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 Company Holidays 
• 401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
• Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
• Free onsite garage parking

Our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity Mission

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.