Public Engagement Facilitator

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

2d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Engagement Team is responsible for delivering participatory, audience-driven experiences to achieve Shedd’s mission of sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic animal world. The Public Engagement Facilitator delivers high quality guest engagements, interacting daily with Shedd guests, youth learners, donors and other stakeholders. Facilitators deliver a wide variety of experiences, ranging from small-scale, unscripted conversations in the galleries to small-group tours behind-the-scenes to large-scale presentations on microphone for 1,000-person audiences in the Oceanarium amphitheater. There is a strong performance element in this role. This position requires learning multiple program outlines, aquatic world content and information related to taking action for animals. The position requires a strong ability to apply improvisational techniques and dynamically engage audiences off-script. Tailoring content to various audiences and rapidly adapting and evolving to guest and aquarium needs are important skills, as is the ability to connect with diverse audiences with cultural competency. Time Commitment: Approximately 40 hours per week The schedule for this position will be Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday - Saturday This position may require work on evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays. This position must be able to work at Shedd Aquarium and in off-site locations.

Requirements

High School diploma, GED, or equivalent required. Some college preferred.
1+ year of experience in a role that requires daily communication with the public is required.
Ability to effectively present information to and collaborate with colleagues and guests alike.
Ability to execute excellent public speaking skills and science teaching aptitude.
Ability to maintain good vocal control with the ability to speak publicly for many hours each day without loss of voice.
Ability to comfortably interact with the public and animal care staff.
Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions given from written and oral sources.
Ability to identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution.
Ability to improvise due to variable animal activities and guest needs.
Knowledge of educational messages and content.

Nice To Haves

Experience in education, public speaking, theater, and or improvisation preferred.
Experience delivering programs to a variety of audiences in a museum, zoo, or aquarium setting is preferred.
Experience in aquatic science and/or biology preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
Proactively interact with guests and animal care team members
Learn and facilitate multiple scripts and outlines featuring a variety of Shedd’s 32,000 animals, tailoring content to a variety of audiences
Learn script and outline revisions, blocking adjustments, and ongoing program content updates
Dynamically engage guests about the aquatic world throughout the aquarium
Communicate ways to take action to protect animals and our planet
Tailor content to various audiences, adapting key messages based on audience
Demonstrate cultural competence through interactions and approach to engagement
Improvise and facilitate content based on audience responses, interest, and knowledge
Include the audience voice and participation elements in experiences
Work near animals, strictly adhering to all established protocols
Serve as a role model to staff and volunteers for guest interactions and knowledge
Attend training workshops as scheduled
Demonstrate continued growth in content knowledge and increased aptitude in program delivery/facilitation
Collaborate closely with leaders to set goals, develop skills, and integrate feedback for professional growth
Assist in orienting and onboarding new hires
Serve on interdepartmental teams
Other duties as needed or assigned