MUSEUM EDUCATOR AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Assistant Curator of Education/Museum Educator and Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for helping to plan, develop, and provide tours, programs, and materials in support of the Museum’s education and public outreach efforts. This position also assists with arranging and coordinating group visits, and with recruiting, scheduling, and training volunteers for Museum activities and school programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

This position works under the general direction of the Curator of Education to plan, coordinate, and implement the day-to-day operations and activities of the Museum’s education department. Typical duties include, but are not limited, to:

• ·         Provide creative and organizational support to develop and present high quality tours, children’s programs, family-based special events, and home school and continuing education opportunities that promote the Museum as an appealing and reliable educational resource for teachers, students, and the general public.
• ·         Work collaboratively with the Curator of Education and Museum staff to successfully implement existing programs and investigate topics and story lines to conceptualize new educational programs.
• ·         Assist with preparing, compiling, updating, and distributing educational materials, lesson plans, activity sheets, teaching aids, and other Museum information to schools and tour groups.
• ·         Assist with carrying out background research and writing assignments for educational materials, tour guides, website content, and other projects.
• ·         Assist with sourcing and arranging speakers for adult and community outreach programs, such as the Learning Lunch series.
• ·         Oversee the cataloging, organization, security, and responsible use of the teaching collection and education kits.
• ·         Assist with identifying and incorporating guidelines, standards, and school curricula into all of the Museum’s educational components.
• ·         Schedule and assist coordinating outreach efforts to public and private schools, including class visits, field trips, regular or special tours, family-based activities, and educational events.
• ·         Assist teachers and Museum staff with planning, arranging, and coordinating tour itineraries and logistical concerns for school and group visits.
• ·         Assist with responding to enquiries and requests for information in a timely and professional manner.
• ·         Assist with maintaining contact and communication with area educators, home school networks, volunteer groups, and related organizations to promote the Museum as an education resource.
• ·         Assist the Curator of Education with setting dates and developing themes for special events and activities.
• ·         Assist with planning and arranging teacher’s workshops and open houses.
• ·         Provide on-site supervision, mentoring, and guidance for the Museum’s corps of volunteers, including recruitment, managing personnel files, training, scheduling, volunteer hour tracking, and discipline.
• ·         Ensure that volunteers are properly acknowledged and credited, and that the Museum optimizes the good news of their work.
• ·         Assist with budget preparation and planning.

REPORTS TO:

Curator of Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in education, history, museum studies, or a closely related discipline, and a minimum of at least two (2) years of practical work experience in a teaching or museum environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ø  Sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary museum education principles and teaching methods.
• Ø  Knowledge of State and Federal curriculum standards, particularly as they apply to Museum programming and development for elementary and school-aged programs.
• Ø  Knowledge of general Museum operations, policies, and procedures.
• Ø  Thorough knowledge of local and regional history.
• Ø  Knowledge of web-based technologies and social networking.
• Ø  Knowledge of methods and procedures for safely handling museum artifacts.
• Ø  Excellent communication, customer service, and public speaking skills.
• Ø  Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and negotiation skills.
• Ø  Proficiency with a computer, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and related software and applications.
• Ø  Database management skills.
• Ø  Ability to effectively plan, organize, and prioritize daily and long-range work assignments and activities.
• Ø  Ability to develop and conduct educational tours and programs, and present the histories behind exhibited artifacts in a clear and interesting manner to various age groups and audiences.
• Ø  Ability to research information to increase personal knowledge of local history, and incorporate this knowledge into Museum tours and programs to enhance visitor interaction.
• Ø  Ability to be highly attentive to visitors needs and provide the necessary guidance and information to ensure a positive experience.
• Ø  Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate volunteers.
• Ø  Ability to explain and interpret Museum rules, regulations, and practices.
• Ø  Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment in resolving minor problems or complaints.
• Ø  Ability to work independently and creatively to prepare and present exciting and engaging learning sessions.
• Ø  Ability to monitor and accurately evaluate feedback from teachers, visitors, and volunteers to identify areas for improvement.
• Ø  Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Museum staff members, educators, volunteers, civic groups, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Ø  Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. 
• Ø  A personal commitment to making the Museum’s education resources accessible to a wide range of age groups and interests.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Normal office and museum gallery environment. This position involves sitting, bending, and walking and standing for extended periods of time. Occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds is also required. Computer usage involving repetitive hand and wrist motion is also necessary.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Full-time, 40-hour, hourly position. Pay negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. This position is also eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance.

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, references, and transcripts to museumrelations@historymuseumofmobile.com