Museum Education and Programs Assistant (Part-Time)

The City of Elmhurst•Elmhurst, NY

2d•$24 - $34

About The Position

The Elmhurst History Museum is a Department of the City of Elmhurst and is widely known for its high-quality exhibitions and programs. The museum campus includes the Glos Mansion, home to two exhibit galleries, and an adjacent Education Center for programs and events. The museum team also operates the historic Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, in nearby Bensenville. More than 16,000 residents and visitors participate in museum programs and events each year, and it is a popular destination in downtown Elmhurst. This position presents museum programs designed specifically for the K-12 school audience for the Elmhurst History Museum (EHM) and the Churchville Schoolhouse to meet professional standards and local audience needs, as well as assists with the facilitation of public programs. The position works with the Curator of Education and Public Programs to present museum school program lesson plans and appropriate education and interpretation strategies for the museum and the schoolhouse, and maintains resources and supplies for museum education programs. The candidate is expected to keep abreast of developments in education and interpretation in museums. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Elmhurst History Museum’s Curator of Education and Public Programs.

Requirements

Preferred experience in delivery of educational programs in informal environments, museum and classroom settings.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn Elmhurst history, Illinois history and American history.
Ability to present museum programs in an effective manner to various audiences, particularly to young audiences, both orally and in writing, and virtually via online meeting platforms.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with museum peers, museum volunteers and teachers/educators in mutually preparing for quality learning experiences for K-12 students.
Self-starter with ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Possess basic computer skills, particularly use of Microsoft Word.
Two years of college level course work; and three years of administrative experience providing support to management staff; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Illinois driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Additional preferred experience in Power Point, Excel and Outlook.

Responsibilities

Leads or assists presentation and preparation of children and family programs at the museum. These activities may include field trips, drop-in programs, craft activities, scout projects, performances and special events.
Presents interpretive programming at the Churchville Schoolhouse.
Leads existing virtual programming options online when requested.
Implements existing museum educational programs and contributes to plans for new programs or changes to existing programs based upon needs and applied experience. This includes onsite programs at the museum, offsite programs throughout the community and virtual programs online.
Assists the Supervisor of Education Services and the Museum Director in effective utilization of volunteers, interns and other support staff as it relates to museum-sponsored school programs and projects.
Directly supports the role of the Supervisor of Education Services in promoting educational services of the Elmhurst History Museum.
Gathers program feedback and input regarding customer needs.
Provides suggestions in program and curriculum improvement based upon applied experience, teacher and student reaction and receptivity.
Acts as a counselor during full day Museum Explorers Camp for one week during the summer, including concentrated preparation time in the weeks prior.
Other duties as necessary.