Manager of Early Childhood Experiences

Franklin County Historical Society DBA COSI•Columbus, OH

About The Position

OBJECTIVE: This Team Member is responsible for the development, delivery, and daily operation of experiences serving Early Childhood audiences, including children and their parents, families, caregivers, and educators. They will inspire COSI Guests by delivering exceptional experiences in the COSI building and throughout assigned program areas, with priority in the little kidspace® exhibition area. Experiences include but are not limited to interactive floor activities, onstage shows, the High Wire Unicycle, animal interactions, and other early childhood engagement experiences. This role ensures consistent quality, training, and operational excellence in early childhood experience delivery while supporting COSI’s Guest Service Strategy and institutional priorities. POSITION REQUIREMENTS / EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or related field required. Must possess at least 3–5 years of experience in formal or informal education, early childhood program delivery, or operational leadership. Previous experience in early childhood education environments, science museums, children’s museums, zoos, or similar institutions preferred. Works well in a dynamic, collaborative team environment; is flexible, reliable, and organized; possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or related field required.
Must possess at least 3–5 years of experience in formal or informal education, early childhood program delivery, or operational leadership.
Works well in a dynamic, collaborative team environment
is flexible, reliable, and organized
possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in early childhood education environments, science museums, children’s museums, zoos, or similar institutions preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations of early childhood experiences and assigned program areas, aligning with COSI’s Guest Service Strategy, with priority in the little kidspace® exhibition area.
Implement and maintain early childhood experiences, activities, demonstrations, and engagement content that support COSI’s mission and strategic priorities.
Ensure consistent quality, safety, and operational excellence across all early childhood experiences.
Implement and maintain training procedures, standards, and tracking tools for Team Members and Volunteers delivering early childhood experiences.
Train, mentor, support, and evaluate Team Members, Volunteers, and interns to ensure high-quality guest engagement and experience delivery.
Support onboarding and ongoing professional development of Team Members involved in early childhood programming.
Ensure proper operation of all defined areas of responsibility, including maintenance of supplies, equipment, and budgets.
Provide onsite operational leadership coverage, including weekends, peak attendance periods, and special events.
Maintain a thorough working knowledge of early childhood curriculum and operational procedures, including: 1. Philosophy, policies, and educational methods and techniques 2. Function, performance, and operation of all exhibits, theaters, and program elements 3. Setup, cleanup, maintenance, and emergency procedures
Work collaboratively with onsite managers, Science Content, Education, Volunteer Services, and other divisions to ensure alignment and consistent delivery of high-quality experiences.
Consult on program development and operational strategies to ensure engaging, accessible, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive experiences for early childhood audiences and their caregivers and educators.
Support the COSI 5.0 Strategic Plan, its goals, initiatives, and institutional priorities.
Support general COSI operations through participation in meetings, operational planning, and institutional initiatives, as appropriate.
Serve as an example to other COSI Team Members in matters of appearance, attitude, leadership, and performance in the mode that best serves COSI Team Members and Guests.
Perform other administrative and operational duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Senior Director of Onsite Operations.
Serve as an example to other COSI Team Members and Volunteers in matters of appearance, attitude, and performance in a manner best serving COSI paid and Volunteer Team Members and Guests.