Job description
Manager, Discovery Room (PT with option of becoming FT)
The Museum at Prairiefire (MAP) was established in 2010 based on a pioneering content partnership with the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) and is scheduled to open in May 2014 in Overland Park, KS, a rapidly growing, vibrant community in the Kansas City metro area. Focused on enhancing public understanding of natural history and science, this non-collecting “startup” museum will present continuously changing world-class traveling exhibitions organized by AMNH, a Discovery Room, engaging permanent halls and experiences, education programs, science video and more. The Museum is the cultural anchor of Prairiefire, a $430M, 50-acre mixed-use project that integrates residential, office, retail and entertainment.
One of the Museum’s signature experiences, the Discovery Room will be a hands-on, interactive space where children aged 3-12 and their accompanying caregivers jointly learn about the world around them through inquiry-based exploration and discovery, supported by skilful and flexible facilitation that encourages deep engagement. Divided into eight areas (paleontology, anthropology, invertebrate zoology, field biology, geology, astronomy, central microscope, free play area), the space will include a continuously growing range of real specimens, replicas, models, interactives and activities that offer open opportunities to learn about nature, life and the universe and to playfully explore the scientific method. The Discovery Room will also be the subject for school group visits through custom education materials that will be developed in the summer of 2014.
The Manager, Discovery Room will play a pivotal role in opening the Museum and the Discovery Room to the public and in setting up – and continuously improving – a great visitor experience. Responsibilities will include:
Providing skillful facilitation for visitors including children and adults, explaining activities and materials, explaining scientific concepts, responding to questions
Helping keep the Discovery Room organized and everything in good working order
Working with the team, develop and continuously improve a staff manual and onboarding / training materials that detail the targeted experience and facilitation strategy as well as standard policies and procedures
Support identification, onboarding and training of Discovery Room volunteers
Create and manage Discovery Room team schedules, including full-time and part-time staff, volunteers
Managing the team and oversee Discovery Room operation, ensuring a high quality experience for visitors
Speedily address any visitor issues and concerns and continuously improve the experience
This position will report to the Executive Director at least initially. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape an institution that will educate and inspire generations of visitors. The position will require some work on weekends and holidays. It will likely start as a part-time position but may grow into a full-time position.
We are looking for the following skill sets and characteristics in the Manager, Discovery Room:
Passionate about the mission of the Museum to enhance public understanding of science and natural history
Professional experience in early childhood education, science, biology or a similar field
Methodical and well organized; intellectually curious; strong research and analytical skills
Excellent communication skills
Management experience; comfortable and skillful dealing with a broad range of people including colleagues, external partners, visitors, donors
Excellent problem solving skills, initiative, and ability to think on your feet and get the job done
Upbeat team player, strong work ethic, low ego
Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume, cover letter and salary history to: [log in to unmask] with “Manager, Discovery Room” in the subject line.
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