Student Programs Manager

Student Programs Manager

Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Reports to: Education Leadership Team
Status:  Full Time

The Student Programs Manager has primary oversight of the development and implementation of Nature Museum programming designed for students. This includes our largest student programs, Field Trip Workshops, afterschool programming, and Nature on the Go. It also includes leading the department in expertise on the focused educational uses of the Nature Museum’s exhibits and grounds.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Degree in science and/or education related fields or equivalent leadership experience. 
• Teaching Certification or other education field certification a plus.
• Three years experience in a formal (classroom) or informal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting strongly preferred.

Principle Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement innovative programs at the Museum and offsite for students, working closely with schools and educational partners to address the needs of students, educators, and administrators.
• Evaluate existing and new student programs to revise, improve, and maintain program quality, aligned with the Museum’s mission.
• Collaborate with the Education Team to integrate best practices in science education across programs. 
• Coordinate, train, and collaborate with all Education staff to ensure high quality student programming. 
• Maintain strong connections to the Museum’s scientific initiatives across all student programs.
• Guide the focused educational uses of Museum exhibits and grounds across Education programming.
• Maintain all records and budgets related to student programs including program metrics and evaluation data.
• Foster opportunities and partnerships that promote the Museum’s mission and reach new audiences.
• Support all regular functions and programming of the Education Department.
• Collaborate with Guest Experience and Engagement to ensure high-quality field trip experiences for visiting groups.
• Monitor and maintain the condition of the Science Labs as the Museum’s primary year-round education space.
• Some weekends and evenings are required.
• Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate. 
• Complete animal handling training and handle live animals and non-living specimens. 

Brief List of Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and science/nature content.
• Excitement and ability to teach science and nature content to a diverse population of learners.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks at once.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, school and community partners, other Education and Museum staff.
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
• Willingness and ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Regular travel to schools and community sites throughout Chicago and Chicagoland region is required.

Compensation: $49,200/ year

How To Apply: 

Email resume and cover letter to:  HR-EduPrograms@naturemuseum.org.
Please include “Student Programs Manager” in the subject line.

No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.