Museum Educator

Discovery Center Museum is seeking an engaging and enthusiastic Museum Educator to develop and deliver high-quality educational programs for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent teaching and communication skills, creativity, and a strong understanding of informal, museum-based learning.

About the role

Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Illinois is dedicated to hands-on learning in the arts and sciences through more than 300 exciting exhibits spread over two floors and an award-winning outdoor Discovery Park. We serve children, parents, and educators from the Rockford region and beyond through both museum visits and outreach programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement educational programs including:
  • Summer camps
  • Activities for museum overnights, including completing administrative support
  • Content development and execution for museum events
  • Mobile maker activities
  • STEM laboratory activities, live planetarium shows, and science demonstrations
  • Family and intergenerational classes
  • In-museum educational programming
• Provide outreach program support facilitating education programs at schools and representing Discovery Center at community events.
• Prepare, set up, and clean up classrooms and program spaces.
• Maintain educational materials and supplies, ensuring they are organized, functional, and ready for use.
• Monitor inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to create cohesive, engaging visitor experiences.
• Collaborate with staff across departments to support museum initiatives and educational programming.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Education Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Science, or a related field.
• Experience working with children in an educational setting, camps, community programs, or cultural institutions.
• Enthusiastic, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on, public-facing environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and to fostering a workplace of belonging.
• Strong written/oral communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting.

Work Environment

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, occasionally lift from floor to waist, and occasionally reach above shoulder height to access supplies. Must be able to push, pull, and lift up to 40 lbs. Must also be able to maintain friendly and courteous interactions with museum staff and visitors in a moderately noisy environment.

Pay

$19.24 - $24.04 / hour

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. This position requires frequent weekend work for museum events and occasional evening hours.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.