Student Programs Manager

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 is 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.
• Coordinate and manage the staffing of student programs and workshops along with the Education LeadershipTeam.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of Google Suite, MS Office, and Windows Operating Systems.
• Comfort handling live animals and non-living specimens.
• Regular travel to schools and community sites throughout Chicago and Chicagoland region is required
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a vehicle is required.