Student Programs Learning Specialist

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry•Chicago, IL

4d•$55,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin MSI exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you! The Job: The Student Programs Learning Specialist serves as the primary lead for offsite STE(A)M learning initiatives, delivering engaging, hands-on experiences for youth and families. This role supports the museum's reach through educational outreach and partnership initiatives that broaden access and strengthen residency-based programming, a series of learning experiences delivered to a single school or site over one or several days. This position collaborates on the development and delivery of new, hybrid and blended learning programs that integrate VR, MR, and other immersive technologies to expand the museum's portfolio of innovative education experiences. This is a fulltime, hybrid position that requires weekend, evening, and offsite programming availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education, STEM, or a related field, or 4+ years' experience in a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
4+ years' experience facilitating informal education or community-based programs for youth and/or families.
Background in informal learning environments such as museums, afterschool programs, camps, or other cultural institutions.
Demonstrated ability to implement and adapt curriculum for hybrid, blended, or sequential learning experiences from planning through completion.
Experience working collaboratively with schools, libraries, or community partners and centers to deliver learning experiences, preferred.
Strong facilitation skills using inquiry-based, project-based, or play-based approaches, with familiarity in inclusive frameworks such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Experience adapting instruction and group facilitation for diverse learning needs, backgrounds, and engagement styles.
Excellent organizational and project coordination skills; ability to manage multiple programs, materials, and communication streams concurrently.
Proficiency with digital tools for scheduling, reporting, and communication.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with youth, colleagues, and externals partners.
Creative, curious, and adaptable professional who models empathy and innovation.
Valid driver's license and good driving record required.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, etc.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating outreach or assembly programs, preferred.
Experience mentoring or supporting seasonal or volunteer staff during program delivery preferred.
Familiarity with immersive learning technologies (VR/MR) a plus.
Youth Mental Health First Aid certification a plus.
Bilingual or Spanish fluency a plus.
Ability to travel locally and domestically including evenings, weekends, and overnights.

Responsibilities

Deliver Griffin MSI's suite of offsite, extended access, and residency-based STE(A)M programs for youth and families.
Implement and refine established STE(A)M curricula and materials for extended, hybrid, or blended learning formats, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and learning frameworks.
Collaborate with Education leadership to co-develop new hybrid and immersive (VR/MR) experiences that engage learners in participatory, career-connected exploration.
Support the adaptation of instructional practices to align with department-wide facilitation models, professional learning systems, and inclusive education approaches.
Coordinate logistics, materials, and communication for extended access, residency and outreach programs, serving as the primary field contact for partner sites.
Support all phases of residency implementation, including pre-visit planning, onsite delivery, and post-program reflection, in collaboration with Learning and Engagement, Research and Evaluation, and partner educators.
Lead data collection and field-based reflection for residency and outreach programs, summarizing results to inform program improvements and reporting.
Maintain and track supplies, technology, and vehicles used in offsite programming, ensuring safe transport, upkeep, and inventory organization.
Mentor and coach seasonal program support for outreach and community programs.
Contribute to the design, piloting, and evaluation of new outreach and residency-based experiences that expand the museum's community learning portfolio and support institutional learning outcomes.
Collaborate with schools, libraries, and community-based organizations to build sustained learning connections that extend the museum's reach and impact.
Adapt facilitation strategies for diverse audiences and ages, ensuring all experiences are inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive.
Support onsite or virtual student programs as needed.
Assist in the preparation and delivery of community hub-based experiences.
Other duties as assigned.