Inspire Gallery Coordinator

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

2d•$45,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Inspire Gallery Coordinator serves as the primary coordinator for the Science Up Close! program, organizing participating scientist cohorts and ensuring consistent program experiences during gallery operating hours. The coordinator works with scientists to develop engaging public demonstrations, hands-on activities, and informal discussions; provides orientation, training, and ongoing support; and helps connect active research, Museum collections, and scientific discovery with visitors. The role also cultivates partnerships with University of Florida academic departments, research centers, and interdisciplinary initiatives to identify scientists and strengthen connections between university research and public engagement. The coordinator supports daily educational operations in the Inspire Gallery, including program readiness, activity setup, staffing support, materials and equipment management, gallery scheduling, and on-site assistance during assigned shifts. The role identifies and reports operational or maintenance issues, supports Museum summer camps (particularly Inspire Gallery programming), and provides coverage during peak visitation or special events. The position maintains program schedules, attendance and participation records, and related documentation; assists with visitor and scientist feedback collection and evaluation; and responds to program inquiries by email and telephone. The coordinator liaises with Education Programs, Exhibits, researchers, Visitor Services, PR/Marketing, and Graphics staff, and represents the program in meetings and cross-departmental projects. Other duties may be assigned in support of the Inspire Gallery, Exhibits and Public Programs Department, and the Florida Museum mission, as requested by the Director of Education. Occasional lifting of less than 50 pounds and regular program delivery outdoors are required.

Requirements

Master's degree in an appropriate area, or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
Valid driver's license; the Special Instructions also specify a valid Florida Driver License.
Occasional lifting of less than 50 pounds is necessary.
Regular program delivery in outdoor settings.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children, families, schools, or public audiences.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of informal science education best practices.
At least five years of natural history museum program development experience.
Experience developing and implementing innovative outreach education.
Experience delivering community science-based programs.
Administrative and supervisory skills.
Experience working effectively with complex teams and managing projects.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
Experience creating and editing video content.
Full bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Experience with and passion for innovation, a strong teamwork orientation, extensive knowledge of and passion for natural history, knowledge of current trends and opportunities in informal science education, and the ability to envision, fund, and implement strategic goals.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary coordinator for the Science Up Close! program in the Inspire Gallery.
Manage planning and logistics for rotating cohorts of participating scientists.
Coordinate schedules to ensure consistent Science Up Close! experiences during gallery operating hours.
Work with scientists to develop engaging demonstrations, hands-on activities, and informal discussions for public audiences.
Provide participating scientists with orientation, training, and ongoing support in gallery facilitation, visitor interaction, and Museum expectations.
Support experiences that present active research, Museum collections, and scientific discovery in accessible and engaging ways.
Cultivate partnerships with University of Florida academic departments, research centers, and interdisciplinary initiatives to identify scientists and support research cohorts.
Monitor program quality and visitor experience during live interactions and provide feedback and support.
Coordinate daily Inspire Gallery educational operations, including program readiness, activity setup, and staffing support.
Develop and maintain systems for organizing and stocking program materials, equipment, and hands-on components.
Assist with scheduling gallery use for programs, scientist rotations, trainings, and special events.
Serve as an on-site contact during assigned shifts for gallery questions, operational issues, and visitor needs.
Identify gallery operational or maintenance issues and communicate concerns to appropriate Museum staff.
Support planning, development, and delivery of Museum summer camps, including curriculum support, facilitation, and staff coverage as needed.
Provide on-floor coverage and program support during peak visitation and special events as needed.
Maintain tracking systems for programs, including attendance counts, schedules, and participation data.
Assist with evaluation by collecting visitor feedback, observational data, and input from participating scientists.
Maintain documentation, internal records, and reports related to gallery programming and scientist participation.
Respond professionally and promptly to informational requests by email and telephone.
Liaise with Education Programs, Exhibits, researchers, and Visitor Services staff to support program delivery.
Coordinate with PR/Marketing and Graphics staff to support communication and promotion of program rotations and gallery programming.
Represent the Inspire Gallery and Science Up Close! program in internal meetings and cross-departmental projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Inspire Gallery, Exhibits and Public Programs Department, and the Florida Museum mission.