Education Specialist I

Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide experiences and memories to build a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through our museum space in Glenview, IL, we offer engaging learning environments featuring interactive exhibits and programs that encourage young children to become effective learners through play. As part of our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the best learning experiences possible, we extend our footprint throughout the Chicagoland area through outreach programs, traveling exhibits, and partnering with educators to inspire meaningful change in the education of young children.

The Education Specialist I is responsible for ensuring a quality visitor experience in the museum program and exhibit areas. With a focus on public programming, the Education Specialist I may also teach museum workshops to school groups and childcare groups, and develop and train staff on age-appropriate program activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and prepare early childhood educational programming, following KCM established lesson plan templates, Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards, Common Core Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards
• Develop written materials including lesson plans, program activities, workshop materials and training manuals and work with Education Team in the development of educational materials
• Facilitate on-line (virtual) and in-person group activities, focused field trip workshops and support other Museum education programming and activities as needed
• Schedule, plan, and coordinate Museum’s signature grant-based programs, including Early Childhood Connections, Early Science, and Early Math
• Develop and create education content for Museum’s public program activities, including Tech Play Lab, Science Sleuths, Tinkering Tuesdays, Art Studio, and Kitchen Creations
• Conduct and facilitate grant-funded and fee-based professional development workshops
• Engage visitors through developmentally appropriate practices to enhance exhibit experiences

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain storage and prep areas
• Develop evaluation tools for programs to assess effectiveness and track program evaluations
• Oversee volunteer support staff, as needed
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects, as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or related field
• Type 04, 03 or 10 Certification preferred
• A minimum of 1 year demonstrated experience in an early childhood education setting (PreK – grade 3) or children’s museum setting
• Experience working with and/or developing STEAM programs
• Bilingual in Spanish or Polish, a plus
• Proficiency in office technology and software (Microsoft Office suite)
• Exceptional oral, written and presentation communication skills
• Friendly demeanor and ability to work with individuals of all levels of an organization
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage deadlines and prioritize workload to meet business needs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid driver’s license, own vehicle, and good driving record
• Must have flexibility with work schedule, as necessary, to support weekend scheduling and/or evening activities

WORKING CONDITIONS

Customary office-related activities: standing, walking, sitting, bending

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Moderate lifting (up to 25 pounds)

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Museum Membership

SALARY EXPECTATION

Salaries are set after extensive review and are not negotiable outside of the communicated range n an effort to ensure equitable pay for all employees.

Kohl Children’s Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.