Programs Educator

The starting pay for this position is $47,318 to $55,668 depending on qualifications; full salary range is $47,318 to $75,253.

The mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Our mission is accomplished by providing hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs that actively engage the visitor in experiences that stimulate imagination, curiosity, and wonder. The Children’s Discovery Museum is part of the broader Cultural Arts Department of the Town of Normal. The Museum team seeks applicants with enthusiasm and passion for public service to join the organization. 

The Programs Educator is a dynamic position responsible for developing, implementing, delivering and coordinating various museum educational classes and programs to the public, community groups and area educational institutions. This position is responsible for supervising programming staff and volunteer education assistants. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Education Manager.

• Maintains the educational mission of the museum by overseeing the development of fun, innovative, informal, and hands-on classes, programs and exhibits at the museum
• Develops the content of curriculum for museum programs, impact of hands-on exhibits and assists in the strategic planning of a successful educational programming mix
• Develops, prepares, conducts and evaluates public programs including early childhood, day camps and summer camps
• Assists with early childhood school learning labs and outreach programs
• Assists with planning and implementation of programs for family events
• Assists with afterschool and outreach programs as needed
• Oversees University Interns 
• Maintains records of their educational activities and prepares reports and presentations
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Must possess excellent skill in oral communication and presentations, including one-on-one, small and large group settings.
• Must possess skill in developing presentations and educational programs to various community groups to elementary school children, and to design presentations to the target groups.
• Must possess excellent written communication skills.
• Must be strongly self-motivated and disciplined to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to manage, coordinate and motivate a multi-staff, multi-functional operation.
• Must possess considerable knowledge of the how children and youth learn and the ability to develop educational programming for them. 
• Must possess excellent skill in establishing and maintaining positive and effective working relations with Town officials and employees, school officials and community leaders, parents and children and youth especially.
• Must possess a teamwork orientation and a positive attitude for accomplishing the educational mission of the museum.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and retain a valid Illinois driver's license.

Graduation from college or university with a degree or classroom hours in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Parks and Recreation or a related major supplemented by relevant work experience is preferred; or any other training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.