Experience Specialist

STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN•Norwalk, CT

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Experience Specialist is a passionate, highly qualified content specialist with deep subject-matter expertise in a specialized field (STEAM, art, history, music, performance, puppetry, science, and health education). This individual is an expert in their field, capable of designing and delivering engaging, discovery-based experiences that challenge and inspire visitors of all ages. They use their specialized knowledge to create meaningful learning moments, integrate real-world applications, and serve as a resource for both visitors and staff. This role combines content mastery with exceptional facilitation skills, leadership presence, and collaborative experience development. An Experience Specialist translates complex concepts into accessible, playful experiences while maintaining the intellectual rigor and authenticity that come from subject-matter expertise. This role is fundamentally people-facing and requires an outgoing, energetic professional who thrives on constant visitor interaction. Comfort with spontaneous public engagement and the ability to confidently approach and connect with strangers, including large groups, are essential. The Experience Specialist spends at least 75% of their time on the museum floor engaging with visitors and facilitating workshops, and 25% on intentional planning and administrative duties. This is a part-time position of twenty to twenty-nine (20–29) hours per week and requires schedule flexibility, including a minimum of one (1) weekend day, occasional evenings, and holidays to support museum operations, programs, and events as needed.

Requirements

Excellent interpersonal skills, professional maturity, adaptability, and self-reliance
Self-aware and self-regulating; reads social and emotional cues; demonstrates empathy and active listening with visitors and colleagues
Strong relationship builder: Communicates effectively across all organizational levels, manages disagreements constructively, and welcomes feedback to foster trust
Consistently demonstrates good judgment and maintains composure in challenging situations
Intrinsically motivated with a positive attitude; embraces change, setbacks, and last-minute adjustments with enthusiasm and curiosity
Sensitive to diversity, including individuals with physical challenges or special needs
Bachelor's degree in specialized content area (STEAM, art, history, music, performance, puppetry, science, health education, or relevant field) OR equivalent professional experience demonstrating subject-matter mastery
CPR/First Aid certification (provided by the museum if not current)
Minimum 3 years professional experience in a specialized content area with a proven track record in teaching, facilitation, or public engagement
Experience in informal educational settings using child-centered, experiential, inquiry-based approaches with diverse populations
Deep subject-matter knowledge with the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences; current with field developments and best practices
Passionate about experiential, play-based learning and spontaneous visitor engagement; committed to diversity and inclusive practices
Naturally outgoing, comfortable being "on" and engaging with hundreds of visitors daily
Thrives in high-visibility roles requiring constant public interaction and performance
Confident approaching strangers of all ages and backgrounds to initiate conversations and facilitate experiences
Comfortable being the center of attention while leading groups, facilitating activities, and commanding floor presence
Energized by sustained social interaction across 4-6 hour shifts
Outstanding communication, improvisational, and creative problem-solving abilities rooted in content expertise
Strong organizational skills with leadership presence and ability to mentor others
Ability to engage at children's eye level for prolonged periods; comfortable in active, high-energy environments
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Bilingual capabilities (Spanish highly valued) and performance background (theater, puppetry, storytelling, music) preferred

Responsibilities

Proactively initiate spontaneous engagement, answering questions and extending learning through specialized knowledge—approaching families, greeting visitors, and creating connections without hesitation
Serve as the museum's subject-matter expert in a designated content area, designing and facilitating discovery-based experiences that translate complex concepts into accessible, playful learning moments
Create and deliver specialized performances, demonstrations, and experiences that integrate real-world examples, advanced concepts, and developmentally appropriate
Develop comprehensive visitor engagement activities, specialized workshops, and innovative experiences aligned with the museum's Learning Framework and current research
Pilot, assess, and refine experiences using observation and feedback for data-informed improvements
Act as subject-matter expert for the department, providing guidance, mentorship, and specialized knowledge to staff, volunteers, and interns
Contribute expertise to cross-departmental initiatives, strategic planning, and collaborative learning framework sessions
Lead and facilitate complex school workshops, multi-session experiences, and multiple daily sessions, adapting content for different grade levels, learning styles, and special needs
Build relationships with educators and community partners; communicate effectively regarding experience content and learning outcomes
Support family experiences, group visits, afterschool experiences, summer camps, and special events
Provide spontaneous, responsive engagement and facilitate hands-on discovery experiences across museum areas throughout operating hours
Create welcoming, inclusive environments while maintaining high energy during extended floor shifts
Monitor, maintain, and prepare experience materials, supplies, and equipment; participate in team meetings