Position Summary
The Engagement & Volunteer Specialist plays a key role in implementing Great River Children's Museum's educational programming and volunteer initiatives. Working closely with the Director of Education & Engagement, this position coordinates the day-to-day delivery of educational experiences while recruiting, training, scheduling, and supporting the museum's volunteer program.
The Specialist implements curriculum, lesson plans, and facilitated learning experiences developed by the Director of Education & Engagement, ensuring programs are well prepared, appropriately staffed, and consistently delivered with excellence. This position exercises considerable independence in coordinating daily operations while collaborating across museum departments to create engaging learning experiences for children, families, educators, and volunteers. Great River Children’s Museum is committed to building community connections, and as part of this aspect of our mission, the Specialist works closely with and fosters positive relationships with the museum’s community partners.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through play.
Because museum programming occurs during public hours, weekends, seasonal camps, and registered programs, this position requires a flexible schedule that includes frequent weekends and occasional evenings for museum programming and special events.
Key Responsibilities
Educational Programming
Program Delivery
- Coordinate and implement daily, weekly, seasonal, and special educational programming.
- Implement curriculum, lesson plans, and facilitated learning experiences developed by the Director of Education & Engagement.
- Collaborate with the Director of Education & Engagement to ensure programming aligns with museum learning goals and educational standards.
- Support facilitated educational experiences throughout permanent exhibit spaces and the Hatchery.
Program Operations
- Maintain the museum's educational programming calendar.
- Coordinate program logistics, including supply purchasing, inventory management, and the setup and reset of educational program spaces.
- Maintain organized lesson plans, curriculum materials, facilitator guides, and implementation documentation to ensure staff and volunteers have access to current resources.
- Coordinate with the Operations & Guest Experience Manager by providing schedules, program details, and logistical information needed to support registrations for camps, classes, field trips, and other educational offerings.
- Collect attendance data and assist with tracking participation, learning outcomes, and other program metrics.
- Assist the Director of Education & Engagement in evaluating program effectiveness and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Volunteer Coordination
- Recruit, onboard, orient, schedule, and serve as the primary day-of contact for museum volunteers.
- Coordinate volunteer applications, background checks, and required documentation.
- Develop, maintain, and update volunteer training materials and orientation resources.
- Support practicum students, interns, and service-learning placements.
- Track volunteer hours, participation, retention, and engagement metrics.
- Foster positive volunteer relationships through communication, coaching, appreciation, and recognition.
- Provide guidance and support to help volunteers consistently demonstrate the museum's values, guest experience standards, and educational philosophy.
- Collaborate across museum departments to identify volunteer needs and engagement opportunities.
Educational Engagement
- Facilitate welcoming, engaging, and developmentally appropriate educational experiences for children, families, school groups, and community participants.
- Lead hands-on learning experiences during museum programs, special events, community celebrations, and educational initiatives.
- Respond professionally to guest questions regarding educational programming and learning opportunities.
- Build positive relationships with families, educators, volunteers, and community partners while serving as an ambassador for the museum's mission.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure educational programming integrates seamlessly into the overall guest experience.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate records related to volunteers, educational programming, attendance, and program implementation.
- Prepare reports related to volunteer engagement, attendance, and program participation.
- Support grant reporting by collecting program attendance, participation, expenditures, feedback, and outcome data while assisting with documentation and reporting timelines.
- Monitor program supply inventories and coordinate purchasing within approved budgets.
- Assist with collecting educational outcomes and program evaluation data.
- Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance educational programming, volunteer engagement, and operational efficiency.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support museum operations, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and special initiatives.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Education, Museum Studies, Recreation, Child Development, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Experience
One to three years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following:
- Educational programming
- Volunteer coordination
- Museums, schools, nature centers, libraries, camps, or nonprofit organizations
- Youth development or informal education
- Event or program coordination
Experience working with children and families is strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
- Strong relationship-building skills with children, families, educators, volunteers, and community partners.
- Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and sound judgment.
- Passion for creating engaging educational experiences that inspire curiosity through play.
- Experience using Microsoft 365 and other cloud-based software applications.
- Experience with registration, scheduling, CRM, or ticketing systems preferred.
- Commitment to fostering welcoming and inclusive experiences for all visitors.
Physical Requirements
This position regularly requires:
- Standing and walking for extended periods.
- Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and setting up educational program spaces.
- Moving tables, chairs, and program equipment.
- Working indoors and outdoors during museum programs and special events.
At Great River Children’s Museum, we believe that diversity is not only a strength but also an essential part of who we are as a community. We are committed to ensuring that every child, caregiver, and community member feels a true sense of belonging within our museum walls.
Work schedule
- Other
Benefits
- Paid time off
- 401(k) matching
- 401(k)