Education Specialist - Museum jobs in Minnesota

ABOUT THE DULUTH CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The Duluth Children’s Museum is a place where children begin their lifelong exploration of an ever-expanding world. The museum’s mission is to engage children in hands-on learning through creative play and interactive exhibits.

The Duluth Children’s Museum (DCM) was established in 1930 as a resource for children and teachers and is the fifth oldest children’s museum in the nation. DCM is the only cultural resource in the Northland that is exclusively designed to meet developmental needs of young children through playful learning. Exhibits and programs are aligned with national and state academic standards that support skill development in reading, math, science, social studies, music, and art, as well as best practices established by the Association of Children’s Museums.

DCM also houses a historic collection of over 10,000 artifacts from around the world as well as objects representing local history and culture.

DCM is committed to equity, inclusion, and providing access to all. The Discovery for All scholarship serves disadvantaged children and families from the region by providing annual household memberships to families demonstrating financial need. The museum is also a member of the national Museums for All program, which provides discounted admission to any family receiving public financial assistance.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Exhibits & Education Director will design and fabricate new exhibits while providing high quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) learning experiences for museum members and visitors. Create and play alongside some of the most fun, talented, and inspiring people around! To be considered for this role, applicants must have design and construction experience as this position builds new exhibits from start to finish creating designs for our small children's museum. Additionally, this position is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of educational programming, on-site field trips, and outreach activities in the community. This position consolidates efforts to enhance the educational experiences of current & future museum exhibits, broadening accessibility, and promoting inclusivity for all.

This is a full-time, salaried position that is scheduled to work 40 hours per week from Monday-Friday, in addition to working occasional evenings and weekends. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and is a part of the museum’s leadership team. This position contributes to the overall direction of the museum, ensuring strategic alignment of our experiences and programs to the museum’s mission goals, and values.

This position is grant-funded, with an end date of 6/30/25. There is potential for extension based on the availability of further grants.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE…

• Has staff supervision experience.
• Possesses strong organizational skills and enjoys multi-tasking.
• Can work independently with attention to detail.
• Is a creative thinker and problem solver.
• Has a friendly personality and positive attitude.
• Enjoys working with children & people of all ages.
• Communicates well with co-workers, members, visitors and the general public.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and construct exhibits under tight deadlines in collaboration with museum team.
• Create and lead exhibits and education ad hoc committees.
• Develop and implement fun & exciting STEAM programs both onsite and offsite, including daily museum programming, field trips, camps/workshops, and community outreach events.
• Develop and manage the annual Exhibits and Education budget and provide regular reports to the Executive Director.
• Ensure the museum’s programs complement the MN Pre-K-12 Academic Standards.
• Manage Museum Educators and museum volunteers.
• Assist with reservation management in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Develop & implement special events, camps & workshops for museum members & community members.
• Assist with museum fundraising events.
• Develop and facilitate staff & volunteer training and development opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison for visiting artists and community program presenters.- Assist with coordinating and scheduling vendors for special program days.
• Build relationships with area early learning educators and organizations to enhance our early learning and K-12 programming.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Exhibits & Education Director works typically within the museum and offsite, as needed. At times, the museum floor is a fast-paced and moderately loud environment. This position requires interactions with both adults & children throughout the day. The Exhibits & Education Director must regularly move and/or lift up to 40 pounds, in addition to standing and walking for long periods of time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience.
• Creative, energetic, innovative designer with excellent verbal/written communication and presentation skills.
• Thorough understanding of construction and fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of ADA requirements and OSHA regulations.
• Experience in vendor management/performance and negotiation of contracts, including analyzing of RFPs and vendor bids to determine best course of action.
• Experience using tools and performing general repairs and maintenance.
• Experience implementing informal STEAM programs for youth.
• Desire to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.
• A love and desire to work with children and their families.
• Experience managing employees, volunteers & multiple projects.
• Strong organizational skills and poise under pressure; flexible, able to focus, prioritize and implement, as well as address and solve problems/issues as they arise.
• Strong commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

COMPENSATION

Annual salary is $50,000 - $55,000 based on experience. Additional benefits include:

• Health (80% employer paid) and Life Insurance (employer paid)
• Retirement savings account matched at up to 3% of your contribution
• Paid Time Off of up to 20 days per year, accrued at 1.66 days per month
• Explore Level membership to the Duluth Children’s Museum

Duluth Children’s Museum employment consideration is given without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.