Museum Education Coordinator

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
May 07, 2025
Position Overview The University of Kansas Natural History Museum's informal science education programs advance science education by educating, engaging and inspiring visitors about natural history, evolutionary biology, and other science topics. The museum seeks an experienced museum educator for a small department to create and implement a range of engaging science education programs and resources. The museum education coordinator's responsibilities include teaching, program research and development, and program implementation and administration. Job Description 35% - Teach education programs for schools, youth, and other groups Communicate scientific principles in an accurate and engaging way. Lead science learning experiences for K-12 and other groups (youth, families, KU classes). Modify approach as appropriate to individuals and groups (e.g., age, developmental levels, etc.). 35% - Develop and implement education programs and materials Create educational programming and resources including for grant projects. Formulate creative and engaging activities and materials appropriate to target audiences. Research, review and synthesize science content and liaise with relevant scientists if needed. Consult relevant learning research to inform program development. Evaluate (protype and trial-test) activities and strategies for effectiveness. 20% - Supervision, Management and Administration Recruit, supervise and train student staff (e.g., coordinate searches, produce schedule of work, monitor performance and provide feedback, approve hours). Education program organization and administration including school programs (e.g., planning, scheduling, setup, purchasing, processing payments). Assist associate director of informal science education in operation of office, budget tracking, promotion and evaluation of programs, reports, and managing physical facility. 10% - Other related duties Collaborate with colleagues, particularly outreach, on programming activities and initiatives, including participation in drop-in events and programs. Provide support for exhibits (e.g., conduct evaluation). Other related duties as assigned. Position Requirements Occasional travel to programming sites is necessary. Reach, grasp, hold and lift up to 50lbs with or without accommodation. Must have a valid drivers' license by the time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment. May work occasionally in outdoor weather conditions. May operate mechanical equipment such as hand tools and lift gates on vehicles. Required Qualifications Master's degree in science or a related field such as biological sciences, earth sciences, physical sciences, science education OR Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 3 years related experience. Minimum of 1 year professional teaching experience in a science education setting. Experience in education program development as evidenced by application materials. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of informal science education (e.g., familiar with principles, literature, and organizations; aware of trends and topics in the discipline) as evidenced by application materials. Demonstrated excellent communications skills as evidenced by application materials. Work history that required excellent organizational and administrative skills, problem-solving skills, and working independently Experience using information technology for both research and teaching purposes (e.g., demonstrated experience with online research tools; familiar with Microsoft Office suite) as evidenced by application materials. Previous work experience that required supervising and training staff (student or other staff). Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or higher in science or a related field such as biological sciences, earth science, physical sciences, science education. 3+ years professional teaching experience in a science education setting. Previous work history at a natural history museum, science museum, or similar setting as evidenced by application materials. Background in more than one area of science (e.g., knowledge, courses, experience) as evidenced by application materials. Work history that required working with groups of visitors in an educational setting. Additional Candidate Instructions In addition to the online application, please submit the following documents to be considered for the position: Cover letter summarizing your interest in this position and how you meet the qualifications. CV/resume with details of your experience. Contact information for three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. Application review begins Monday June 9th, 2025. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday June 8th, 2025. Contact Information to Applicants Dr. Teresa MacDonald, tmacd@ku.edu Advertised Salary Range 51,000 - 57,000 Commensurate with experience Application Review Begins Monday June 9, 2025 Anticipated Start Date Friday August 1, 2025