Student Experience Coordinator- Full Time Job position.

Title: Student Experience Coordinator
Reports to: Educational Leadership Team
Status: Full Time
Start Date: ASAP

Organization Description: The Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum serves as an urban gateway to nature and science. Located in an eco-friendly building amidst abundant wildlife and nature in Lincoln Park, hands-on exhibitions allow visitors of all ages to connect with regional wildlife and public programs that inspire green living and sustainability. With a history that spans more than 150 years, the Academy’s conservation efforts study, explore and protect urban wildlife and the unique natural history of the Great Lakes Region. Today, collaborative conservation programs include citizen science initiatives, native habitat restoration and one of the region’s largest environmental education programs.

Position Summary: The Student Experience Coordinator guides the development and implementation of on-site programs for school groups and home school groups, coordinates the development of resources and/or lesson materials, trains and mentors educators, volunteers, and interns, and oversees the use of the Museum’s Science Labs. Working with other departments in the Museum, this coordinator will lead the development of a new holistic approach to student workshops and self guided tours, to field trip experiences at the Nature Museum.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Curriculum Coordinator to develop student program curricula
  
• Lead the evaluation of current programs & make revisions.
  
• Facilitate school workshops, outdoor classes, e.g. “Home School Programs on Demand”
  
• Mentor and train Museum educators, interns, and volunteers in instruction and interpretation.
  
• Lead the development of student engagement experiences-workshops and/or self-guided Museum tours.
  
• Develop and maintain budgets for all assigned programs.
  
• Develop field trip confirmation packet materials for school fieldtrips
  
• Establish a new school visitor base and build relationships with returning schools.
  
• Facilitate the maintenance and organization of materials for Science Labs.
  
• Coordinate with the Visitor Services Department and with the Registrar to process student groups and manage program offerings.
  

Brief List of Qualifications:

• Strong interest in non-formal education and learning environment design.
  
• Ability to interpret exhibits and natural resources for a diverse population of learners.
• Knowledge of strategies to accommodate English language learners and other diverse audiences.
  
• Leadership ability in the areas of writing skills, communication and teamwork.
• Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to travel to off-site programs. Valid driver’s license is required. Access to own vehicle is preferred.
  
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, Outlook, Windows XP.

Minimum Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or science. Master’s degree preferred. Formal or workplace-based training in science or environmental teaching.

Minimum Experience Required:

• Minimum of three years experience teaching in a formal (classroom) or non-formal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting.
  
• Experience in developing and presenting science and nature curriculum.
  
• Training and/or workplace experience in interpretation of exhibits and natural resources preferred.

To apply:
Fax, email, or mail resume and cover letter to:
Rafael Rosa
Vice President of Education
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon Drive

Chicago, IL 60614
Fax: 773-755-5199
Email: rrosa@naturemuseum.org

No phone calls. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.