Position Description

CHIEF SCIENCE EDUCATOR

 

DATE:                     November, 2015

REPORTS TO:       Vice President, Experience Development and Family Learning

 

OVERVIEW:

The Chief Science Educator at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis oversees science development and implementation at the world’s largest children’s museum while forging and nurturing relationships with leading scientists, researchers, explorers, and colleges and universities immersed in science discovery and research.  The Chief Science Educator develops world-class content and implements specific programs across the sciences through a variety of educational and media platforms- all work falls under the Center for Family Learning and STEM, the Museum’s overall organizer for science initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for creating, guiding, and implementing the Museum’s family learning approach to the sciences in the rich context of the contributing arts and humanities.  The Chief Science Educator will develop professional links to Federal and foundation funders to assist TCM with subsequent fundraising activities.

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Serves as the leading science educator and project manager to oversee, develop, create, implement, evaluate and document dynamic and world-class programs for extraordinary science-based family learning experiences. Also produce science training programs for staff, volunteers, mentors, and educators.
  2. Leverages and expands existing and new collaborations with world-class scientific institutions/museums and scientists that can help foster the mission of the museum and expand the museum’s audience.  Places particular focus in working with colleagues within the Experience Development division to bring real iconic objects, distinguished scientists, explorers, researchers, and real scientific adventures to life in multiple mediums including exhibits, programs and media presentations.
  3. Works closely with the School Programs department to develop STEM-based programs that encourage student, teacher, and family engagement and skill in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Builds awareness, appreciation, and understanding for technology, tools, materials, and curriculum that support student achievement, teacher performance, and family engagement via hands-on learning.
  4. Presents science content to the general public, children, families, students, and teachers in a variety of formats from stage presentations to workshops and professional development sessions.
  5. Serves as the science expert on new exhibit development teams to provide content, develop curriculum, and produce programs.
  6. Works with Development staff to seek funding for science-related projects, materials, and equipment. Serves as the lead content expert with the National Science Foundation, NASA, as well as organizations such as the National Institutes for Health, Association of Science and Technology Centers, National Geographic, Smithsonian and major for-profit science and technology firms.
  7. Creates and leads networking opportunities and events with leading science professionals who can bring resources to the museum. Works collaboratively with Development to understand key science grant providers; personally develops, contributes content and writes narrative for grant proposals.
  8. Oversees preparation and monitoring of financial plans to support new science-related projects. Works with School and Family Programs colleagues to develop programs and content information.
  9. Represents the museum before professional museum organizations and maintains liaisons in the field.  Develops new professional networks with organizations which include but are not limited to: leading cutting edge museums, non-profit and for-profit sites.  Actively shares research, scholarship and information via professional presentations, journals and periodicals.
Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
  2. Ten (10) years of experience in an educational scientific setting, including program development, project management, curriculum development and/or teaching.
  3. Five (5) years prior supervisory experience of a professional staff and the skills to mentor direct reporting staff. An individual who is highly effective in team dynamics.
  4. Must possess sound knowledge of museum practices including some depth of understanding regarding the management of programs.  Experience in international travel preferred.
  5. Requires extensive knowledge and experience in area of science education and program creation expertise to promote and share science initiatives widely.
  6. The ability to work with a diverse professional staff and the skills to negotiate effectively with both peers and staff.
  7. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, communications and problem-solving skills.  Demands sound strategic thinking and planning skills.
  8. Demands the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently.

 

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Must be able to perform extensive work in indoor environments, to perceive space, to read documents and diagrams and to view computer monitor.
  2. Must be able to communicate in planning and execution of projects; strong presentations of ideas.  Team and group dialog required for communication of plans and concepts.
  3. Must be able to effectively communicate during group work, for telephone work, for group conversations for planning work.
  4. Must be able to safely use equipment and materials.
  5.  Must be able to lift objects up to 30 pounds of weight.
  6.  Required ability to visit and work at multiple locations. Must possess ability to negotiate local travel via conventional transportation, as well as regional and international travel.
Job Information
  • Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208, United States
  • Job ID: 25837919
  • Posted: December 19, 2015
  • Position Title:Chief Science Educator
  • Company Name:The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
  • Job Function:Education
  • Entry Level:No
  • Job Type:Full-Time
  • Job Duration:Indefinite
  • Min Education:BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • Min Experience:7-10 Years
  • Required Travel:10-25%