POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT posted May 1, 2007
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
The Children's Museum of Phoenix/ Museo de los Niρos de Phoenix , Phoenix,
Arizona
Learn more about the museum at www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
MISSION of the Children's Museum of Phoenix
Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children's Museum of Phoenix
provides hands-on exhibits and educational programs to engage the minds,
muscles and imaginations of children and the grownups who care about them -
while promoting cooperative interaction, fostering cultural understanding and
enhancing parenting skills.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Children's Museum of Phoenix is scheduled to open in mid 2008 in the
historic Monroe School building. We are creating a wonder-filled hands-on
environment for young children ages 0-10 and their families and caregivers,
with a strong emphasis on creative and constructive play. Exhibits are non-
didactic, with very little signage, and with tremendous multi-sensory and
hands-on opportunities. Staff/Volunteers to facilitate will be plentiful and
diverse. From working on a real Alfa Romeo car to playing Extreme Dress-up,
children will be inspired to follow their imagination wherever it takes them.
Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the nation, and one of the last in the country
with no childrens museum of its own. The museum is highly anticipated and
supported by our community members, government and cultural leaders, and
educators. Arizona is 48th in the nation in educational quality, yet there is
tremendous energy supporting efforts that serve young children this museum
will greatly advance the early education of children in Arizona for generations.
This museum is an opportunity for your skills, experience and vision to impact
the lifelong learning of hundreds of thousands of children in the region, as well
as support and inspire parents, caregivers, and educators.
The Exhibits/Education Committee is a dynamic group of community
representatives including educators, artists, and consultants from various
fields, parents, and children. The Design Team includes Early Childhood
educators, exhibit design professionals and museum consultants from local and
national firms. The core theme areas are defined and exhibit plans are in
development.
Museum snapshot:
Exhibits: 20,000 sf Indoor, 5,000 sf Outdoor, Art Studio and classrooms:
4,000 sf
Projected Annual Visitation: 400,000
Operating Budget: $3million
Staff: currently 8 FT, eventually 30 FT + 60 PT + Volunteers
Capital Campaign: $12.3M (65% complete)
Partnerships: bi-lingual preschool age 0-5 onsite run by AZ State University
POSITION SUMMARY
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced museum professional to lead
the process as we create the educational experience and establish a
successful department and museum. This is a new FT position, working
closely with an experienced CEO, and the Exhibits and Artistic Directors. The
work of the Education Director will enrich the exhibit areas, create a child-
centered culture of learning, and provide the foundation for the museum
experiences and programming.
The Education Director reports directly to the President/CEO and holds a
primary leadership position in the organization. This permanent position is
responsible for the overall management of the Education department, including
leading the development and implementation of the strategic, logistic and
resource planning necessary to open a wonder-filled museum environment that
is inspirational, well-functioning, and effective at engaging visitors of all ages
together in creative learning and constructive play.
Core responsibilities in the next two years include:
Lead the final development of the educational content in
programming and exhibits;
Lead and manage education budget and timeline through and beyond
opening day;
Work closely with exhibits team to ensure a rich and child-centered
environment;
Define, develop, and expand the volunteer capacity of the Education
Committee;
Lead transition from a planning team to production of programs and
establish a strategic, creative, and effective department within the full
museum organization;
Develop and nurture relationships with the early education
community to position the Museum as a leading regional resource in informal
education; and
Work closely with Resident Artist to coordinate and implement
community- and artist-built exhibits.
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Requires a Minimum of five years experience in a hands-on museum
environment
Masters degree in education or related field, with knowledge of
various formal and informal play and learning theories and a passion for building
on the best of these without taking any single one too seriously, a willingness
to learn from children.
Demonstrated ability to work and lead in a culture of shared
creativity, inspiration and risk-taking, and high skills and expectations;
Strong communication skills and a commitment to a collaborative
environment where ideas from diverse sources are explored and developed.
An aura of benevolent authority that both children and grown-ups
recognize and respect.
A strong bent toward developing cross-topic curriculum and multi-
media learning experiences for multi-age groups: Setting up situations where
school groups work and learn together, and drop-in visitors get involved with
other visitors in everyday projects, programs, experiments, festivals,
celebrations.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position
eligible for standard benefits.
We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to a diverse
workforce.
Submit your application and resume
by mail or email to:
Deborah Gilpin, President & CEO
Children's Museum of Phoenix
P.O. Box 2439
Phoenix, AZ 85002-2439
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