Please reply directly to [log in to unmask] Position Description Education Specialist The DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins County Ithaca, NY Target starting date: March 2002 20 hours per week with occasional evening and weekend work Overview With the 2001 completion of an updated strategic plan, new vision statement, and renewed mission, the DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins County is now revisioning its relationships to its audiences and community in an effort to make local history a vital part of everyday life. As part of this multi-year process, the board and staff have been restructured to meet the exciting and ambitious challenges identified in the plan, among them the creation of broad access to our community's history. The newly created position of Education Specialist will provide essential leadership for interdisciplinary program development and its evaluation that meet the DHS's goals of informational, inspirational, and educational public engagement. The Education Specialist will be committed to teamwork and innovation. This is an unprecedented opportunity to reconfigure the educational role and impact of the DeWitt Historical Society in a highly diverse and active community. Basic Responsibilities Works closely with the staff and Program Committee of the DeWitt Historical Society and outside consultants and advisory groups to conceive, shape, implement, and evaluate (1) new on-site programs and (2) new outreach programs for children, families, and K-12 students. Specific Responsibilities a.. Perform assessment of existing DHS educational programs and survey educational programs throughout the region. b.. Articulate a guiding philosophy for the development of all DHS programming that a) meets the DHS's new vision and mission, and b) embodies current standards in museum education. c.. Create and manage interactive learning materials and program opportunities based on the permanent collection and museum exhibitions. d.. Forge, sustain, and oversee new education-based partnerships with schools, corporations, and area cultural institutions. e.. Develop and provide program/materials training to volunteers and others/staff. f.. Serve as the staff liaison for education to the board and its advisors; attend meetings as required and maintain excellent working relationships with board members and advisors. g.. Work closely with the Executive and Assistant Directors to provide content for grant applications to gain funding for new program initiatives. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong organizational and networking skills. Innovative, imaginative, and flexible. Sense of humor. Able to see the big picture and translate into reality. Able to organize, motivate and channel the energies and talents of a diverse group and to nurture cooperation. Excellent role model for children. Able to prioritize and problem solve effectively. Excellent written and oral communication, and presentation skills. Periodic travel, primarily within 75-mile radius. Occasional overnight travel for professional meetings or visits to other museums. Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Professional experience in public education and informal learning, with demonstrated background in interpretive programming or working in non-traditional learning environments. Prior successful experience in managing or coordinating complex projects with staff and community partners. Demonstrated ability to lead group programs with both children and adults. Experience developing hands-on materials for elementary-aged children preferred. Proficient use of standard office technology required (desktop publishing skills helpful). Driver's license with good safety record. Time commitment, pay rate and benefits Target starting date: March 2002 20 hours per week with occasional evening and weekend work Non-exempt (hourly). 2002 pay rate: $13 per hour NYS mandated benefits Reports to DeWitt Historical Society Executive Director The DeWitt Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. ____________________________________________ The DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins County Tompkins County Museum vEight Square Schoolhouse 401 East State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 607-273-8284 FAX: 607-273-6107 www.lakenet.org/dewitt ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).