Experience Specialist, Early Learning

DISCOVERY PLACE INC•Huntersville, NC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Experience Specialist, Early Learning advances Discovery Place's mission by designing and leading extraordinary early learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and belonging at Discovery Place Kids Huntersville. This role develops and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate programs that connect children and families to science, art, literacy, mathematics, and the world around them through purposeful play and joyful discovery. Discovery Place Kids' educational framework intentionally integrates Purposeful Play, STEM & Design, Early Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Social-Emotional Learning, and Character Development as essential foundations for lifelong learning. Working collaboratively with Learning Experiences leadership and fellow educators, the Specialist applies this framework across programming and guest experiences to ensure every child and caregiver feels welcomed, valued, capable, and inspired to explore together. Through collaboration with colleagues, schools, childcare providers, libraries, and community organizations, the Specialist supports Discovery Place's commitment to inclusive, family-centered learning rooted in curiosity, creativity, and character. The Specialist also serves as a key operational team member by supporting daily museum operations, staff coaching, and quality standards that help ensure exceptional guest experiences throughout Discovery Place Kids.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; Master’s preferred.
One to two years of experience in early childhood, museum education, or informal learning environments.
Knowledge of child development, purposeful play, Early Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, STEM & Design integration, Social-Emotional Learning, Character Development, or family engagement.
Strong communication and facilitation skills with both children and adults.
Employees of Discovery Place should uphold the mission, vision and values of the organization.
We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, the pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork and inclusion.
We value the diversity of opinions and intellectual thought and encourage an environment where employees can share ideas openly.

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred.
Experience supervising teams and leading educational operations.
North Carolina Teaching Certificate or equivalent preferred.
Bilingual ability preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Direct the planning, development, and implementation of educational programming, public events, and special experiences at Discovery Place Kids Huntersville.
Design and deliver educational experiences that intentionally integrate Purposeful Play, STEM & Design, Early Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Social-Emotional Learning, and Character Development while remaining engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
Plan monthly themes and activities that promote curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
Coordinate with the Marketing team to provide accurate and inspiring content for programs, camps, and events.
Collaborate with community partners, schools, and childcare centers to advance Discovery Place’s early learning mission and reach diverse audiences.
Facilitate classes, workshops, school programs, camps, and family learning experiences using interactive, inquiry-driven approaches while modeling strategies that encourage caregivers to extend learning beyond the museum experience, recognizing families as children's first teachers.
Adapt content and delivery to meet the developmental needs and interests of all learners.
Encourage problem-solving, storytelling, and imaginative exploration to promote both cognitive and emotional growth.
Model effective facilitation for staff and volunteers, promoting a consistent, guest-centered approach grounded in purposeful play and discovery.
Serve as Manager on Duty as needed or as part of a regular rotation, providing on-site operational leadership by supporting staff, monitoring guest experience, responding to safety or facility concerns, coordinating daily coverage, addressing guest needs, and escalating issues according to Discovery Place policies and procedures.
Train, coach, and support Creative Play Professionals and volunteers in effective facilitation, guest engagement, purposeful play-based learning, and Discovery Place Character Values.
Support professional development opportunities aligned with Discovery Place’s mission and educational philosophy.
Perform cash-handling supervisory duties and admissions reporting according to company procedures.
Conduct exhibit and safety checks, ensuring functionality, cleanliness, and welcoming environments for guests.
Partner with schools, community groups, and families to promote Discovery Place Kids as a leader in early childhood education.
Build collaborations that connect Purposeful Play, STEM & Design, Early Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, Social-Emotional Learning, and Character Development through community initiatives, partnerships, and shared learning experiences.
Provide an exceptional guest experience by fostering an atmosphere of belonging, respect, and inclusion.
Support museum-wide events and Discovery Place initiatives that celebrate creativity, learning, and discovery.
Develop and analyze evaluation methods to measure engagement, learning outcomes, and guest satisfaction.
Use visitor feedback and observation to refine programs for greater accessibility, relevance, and impact.
Create, prototype, deliver, evaluate, and refine educational experiences, programs, and activities that test new ideas, gather feedback, and strengthen consistency, accessibility, innovation, and guest impact.