CSU Spur Education Facilitator

Colorado State University•Denver, CO

6d•$50,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

Education Facilitators support the CSU Spur vision and Education & Visitor Engagement Team by executing the daily programmatic logistics and delivery necessary for successful educational experiences at Spur for PreK-12th grade audiences, families, community partners, and general campus visitors. This position is responsible for creating and delivering educational content through informal program facilitation and exhibit interpretation, using effective classroom management strategies, age-appropriate instructional practices, and visitor engagement techniques to create welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences. Education Facilitators connect visitors to CSU research, programs, and career pathways while collaborating with staff and volunteers to support the programmatic goals of the CSU Spur campus. The Colorado State University (CSU) System, along with its partners, has developed a unique and exciting public facility called CSU Spur at the National Western Center in Denver, Colorado. The CSU Spur campus houses three buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, human and animal health, and sustainability. Within the Spur buildings, CSU conducts research and convenes experts from around the globe; students of all ages engage with science and have opportunities for exploratory learning, transforming their thinking about food, water, and health, and the careers available in these fields; and partners join in programming the space and bringing evolving content to the year-round campus. More information about CSU Spur is available at csuspur.org.

Requirements

High School Diploma (or GED).
2 years of demonstrated experience leading educational programs using effective instructional practices, classroom management, public speaking, and audience engagement techniques. Experience may include formal or informal education, museums, science centers, schools, community organizations, or customer service environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Excel).

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in education, environmental education, family engagement, biological sciences, hydrology, or agriculture.
3 or more years of demonstrated experience leading educational programs, including public speaking, virtual programs, and public demonstrations.
Ability to facilitate programs in both Spanish and English.
Familiar with and passionate about connecting visitors with scientific concepts surrounding food, water, and environmental health.
Knowledgeable in informal educational interpretative techniques and experiential learning.
Demonstrated professional experience collaborating and working with volunteers.
Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with communities in urban and rural settings.
Demonstrated experience developing educational programming independently and in partnership with stakeholders.
Demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills in preparing and presenting information.
Familiarity with CSU System’s colleges and programs.

Responsibilities

Lead educational programs for multigenerational audiences, PreK-12th grade school groups, educators, and public events using effective classroom management, inquiry-based teaching strategies, and audience engagement techniques to support positive learning outcomes.
Engage students and multigenerational visitors through exhibit interpretation in dynamic, high-traffic environments by communicating accurate, accessible information about exhibits, scientific research, demonstrations, and CSU programs while adapting content to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
Serve as ambassador for CSU Spur by connecting visitors with CSU research, extension programs, educational opportunities, career pathways, and campus resources that deepen learning beyond their visit.
Collaborate with on- and off-site faculty, veterinary specialists, researchers, and partners to deliver program interpretation.
Support educational team projects as assigned including content guide creation, materials development, lesson planning, visitor services development, virtual program creation, public program creation, new program offerings, etc.
Participate in ongoing professional development and training, including contributing to team meetings and supporting growth and development of programmatic goals.
Adapt educational content and facilitation strategies in real time to meet the developmental, cultural, accessibility, and learning needs of diverse audiences while maintaining program quality and visitor safety.
Other related duties.