Posting Date: December 16, 2014
Position Title: School & Community Programs Manager
Reports to: Director of Education
Classification
Type: Full-time, Exempt
Schedule: Includes occasional weekends and occasional evenings
Amazeum Synopsis
The Amazeum is a hands-on, interactive museum in Northwest Arkansas that creates a fun environment where risk taking, imagining, problem solving, discovery, collaboration, and exploration bring children and adults together to learn and grow.
The mission of the Amazeum is:
“To engage the imagination of children and their families through interactive exhibits, programs, and resources while creating an excitement for lifelong learning and the enrichment of lives.”
Through experiences with the Amazeum, individuals and the community are engaged in building relationships and developing identities as creative, curious, and innovative shapers for the region. Learning at the Amazeum is an active, playful exploration that inspires curiosity. It is rooted in inquiry-based discovery and involves an element of risk. Constructionism pedagogy is utilized by employing hands-on techniques and integrating moments to reflect upon learning.
The Amazeum facility includes approximately 50,000 square feet of indoor space and 1 acre of outdoor exhibition and activity space. The exhibits and programs are multidisciplinary – based on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts– to further formal educational goals in a high-quality informal learning environment. The museum is located at the intersection of Museum Way and J Street in Bentonville. While the facility is undergoing construction the Amazeum staff is operating from a preview center located in downtown Bentonville. The preview center is the hub for ongoing development of the museum and houses a Tinkering Studio, where exhibits are tested and programs are implemented.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Education, the School & Community Programs Manager is an energetic, creative museum professional with a passion for providing informal learning programs for children and families that inspire curiosity, creativity, and community. This highly collaborative position ensures an overall excellent guest experience through high quality programs for schools and community groups along with ensuring team excellence in delivery of the programs. The School & Community Programs Manager directly develops, implements, and refines all aspects of the programs including program coordination, curriculum development, staff/volunteer scheduling, management, and budget management. The School & Community Programs Manager is responsible for implementing the Amazeum’s mission and intended impact throughout the programs.
Essential Functions
• Leads and oversees the development of education programs for guests of all ages including instructional and operational design, staffing plans, budgets, timelines, written descriptions, and evaluation.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates programs for general public and specific community groups, such as homeschool, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates programs for school based experiences, such as field trips, teacher professional development, and outreach.
• Coordinates with the Early Learner Specialist for Early Childhood Education focused programs.
• Works closely with the Director of Education to develop and strengthen partnerships with schools and community groups.
• Models best practices in informal education by serving as lead educator for education programs, conducting training, and facilitating guest experiences on a regular basis.
• Hires, manages, and conducts performance evaluations of education program team (Educators, contract Educators, and Volunteers) and develops schedules, training, and protocol.
• Leads the education program team through hands-on supervision and actively teaching programs alongside the team.
• Ensures program design and execution is consistent with overall Amazeum mission and educational methodologies.
• Generates yearly program calendar and provides monthly operation staffing and budgetary review in timely manner.
• Communicates with the Marketing Manager for promotion of camps, workshops, and programs.
• Assists with activity development and staffing of community outreach booths and events.
• Works closely with the Guest Experience Manager to train guest experience team and volunteers in programs, as appropriate.
• Assists with birthday party experience development and implementation.
• Collaborates with Amazeum team members to process education program reservations and conduct follow-up communications.
• Plans and facilitates ongoing professional development for education programs team.
• Establishes and implements evaluation measures for programs and incorporates evaluation results into best practices, procedures, and protocols.
• Collaborates with the Guest Services and Guest Experience teams to support and cross train in front line guest operations and guest experience facilitation throughout the exhibit hall.
• Assists with the overall coordination and delivery of excellent field trip experiences.
• Monitors and orders supplies and equipment necessary for education programs.
General Duties
The responsibilities listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The Amazeum reserves the right to revise or change position duties and responsibilities as necessary to accommodate changing organizational needs.
Qualifications
Education Preparation and Work Experience
 BS/BA degree in Education, Communication, Science, or related field
 Experience within education department of informal learning institution (museum, cultural attraction, or similar); 2-5 years with emphasis on program development and teaching preferred
 Management experience in informal learning setting; 2-5 years preferred
 Basic understanding of STEAM disciplines and inquiry-based teaching
Technical Skills
 Proven ability to manage a diverse staff of educators with a team approach
 Proven ability to design and deliver innovative programming within an informal setting
 Proficient in the use of Google Documents and Microsoft Office applications
 Familiarity with Explorer Systems museum management software preferred
 Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively
 Strong verbal communication skills with emphasis on interacting with diverse audiences in an engaging and compelling fashion
 Strong written communication skills including proofreading, grammar, and spelling
 Ability to speak Spanish is desired, but not required
Learning Inclinations
 Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team environment
 Strategic thinker and able to problem solve effectively under pressure
 Independent, self-directed learner
Attitudinal Qualifications
 Demonstrates curiosity and passion for learning, with an excitement for new challenges
 Energetic, dependable, and personable; enjoys working with children and adults
 Ability to balance shifting priorities in a dynamic, fast paced, and ever changing environment
 Leads by example, is approachable by staff, and able to work as part of a team
 Ability to collaborate effectively
 Commitment to the Amazeum’s mission
Physical
 Able to stand, walk, and interact with children and adults for extended periods of time
 Able to lift up to 20 lbs overhead regularly and occasionally 40 lbs
 Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and reliable personal transportation required
Resumes should be submitted to the Director of Education via emailmporter@amazeum.org or mailed to the Amazeum 209 NE 2nd Street, Bentonville, AR 72712.