Education Program Manager / Early Learning Specialist

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Educational Program Manager / Early Learning Specialist

Job Posting Date:  February 17, 2025

DEPARTMENT: Education

SUPERVISOR: Director of Education

The Educational Program Manager / Early Learning Specialist is a core member of the Montshire's Science Education team, and serves as the programmatic lead for the development, delivery, evaluation and administrative coordination of early learning programs at the Montshire, while also working as part of the larger Science Education team to ensure engaging, enriching, and memorable experiences in STEM for the Montshire's broader audiences on and off-site.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Early Learning Program Lead (50%)

Program Development. Develops and expands curriculum on early STEM topics for young children (ages 0-6) and their parents/caregivers for delivery through various museum programs (such as weekly drop-in programs, playgroups, workshops, summer camp, etc.). Serves as lead for the development and delivery of school visit workshops and outreach programs for select early learning centers and elementary schools. Ensures that school field trip program content appropriately supports state/national standards for elementary education.

Program delivery. Facilitates early learning programming for family and school audiences through facilitation of drop-in programs, playgroups, workshops, outreach, and/or camps as described above.

Program Evaluation. Works independently and collaboratively with Education team to evaluate new and existing programs. Participates in data collection, documentation and reporting for internal use and grants.

General STEM Programming (30%)

Science Educator (“Explainer”) and Program Facilitator. Supports the larger Education team by serving as a rotating floor Explainer and providing additional programming for elementary and middle schools when needed for field trip workshops and outreach.

Camp Support. Serves major role in camp planning, counselor training, and program implementation.

School Program Support. Coordinates scheduling, bookings and contracts with schools and Montshire Education team

Teacher Support (10%)

Teacher Professional Development. Develops, coordinates and implements teacher professional development opportunities for early learning specialists and early elementary teachers as part of the Montshire's initiatives.

Other / General Museum (10%)

General Program Coordination. Tracks and confirms registration, participation, expenses and revenue associated with programs under department management.

Cross-department collaboration. Works collaboratively with Montshire staff on museum-wide initiatives such as volunteer training, strategic/grant planning, and marketing. May participate in grant projects.

Special Events. Attends and provides staffing support to special events (may involve occasional evenings and weekends).

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

While this position does not have primary supervisory responsibility for other staff members, she/he may help coordinate efforts of camp staff and/or select volunteers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Four-year college degree with strong interest and academic background in science and/or early education required; early learning certifications and/or graduate degree in early education or STEM-related field preferred
• Experience in teaching or guided facilitation, preferably in informal educational settings with young children and families
• Demonstrated understanding of informal learning and inquiry-based approaches to learning with the ability to communicate scientific content and concepts effectively to diverse audiences
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment
• Growth mindset with desire to expand abilities, conceptual understanding and knowledge
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently
• Flexible thinking and ability to adjust expectations as needed
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) or fluency in Spanish, desirable
• Clean driving record
• All Montshire employees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• All Montshire employees are subject to a criminal background check

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Congenial and fast-paced non-profit museum environment
• Work includes teaching outside, including in inclement weather
• Must work well in both individual and team settings
• May be asked to drive museum vehicles, including minivans, small trucks, or cars with trailers for off-site programs
• May be called in to cover if teammates are sick
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds; able to climb stairs and ladders, and to navigate outdoor landscape and hiking trails

TIME COMMITMENT

• Full-time hourly position (37.5 hours/week) with some weekend work required
• General work schedule: This position works a shifted-weekend schedule. (Examples: Tuesday – Saturday; Sunday – Thursday; or Tuesday - Friday with alternating weekends)
• Some early mornings and evenings, with occasional travel
• Schedules are likely to shift to accommodate seasonal programming

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary: $46,000 – 49,000 depending on education, skills, experience and certifications.  Full Montshire benefits, including health insurance, 403(b) retirement savings, paid sick leave, paid vacation and personal time, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance.    

             The Montshire Museum of Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.