Job Description
About Chicago Children’s Museum: Chicago Children’s Museum is committed to improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. We embrace creativity and collaboration, we never stop learning, and we remember to stop and play along the way. Chicago Children’s Museum staff is a dedicated group of curious individuals who embrace the playful spirit of childhood. Every employee is empowered to reach their potential and be recognized for the impact they have on our organization, visitors, and the community we serve.
General Job Function: The Program Manager, Curiosity Classrooms, manages the development and implementation of “Curiosity Classrooms” – hands-on, multisensory STEAM classrooms – to be installed in 8 to 10 Chicago Public Schools. These classrooms will be innovative learning environments, designed for sensory-rich, hands-on learning across common early childhood themes of investigation. They will inspire children’s curiosity in the natural world, arts and literature, and be a catalyst for active learning. They will encourage and train teachers to integrate similar developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning strategies into curricular units in the classroom, and engage parents and encourage family learning at home. The Program Manager is responsible for seeing this project through from inception to implementation, and will work closely with CCM and CPS staff throughout the phases of the project. The Program Manager is an energetic, process-minded problem-solver who has the flexibility to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and is invigorated by a challenge.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Manage the development and implementation of 8-10 Curiosity Classrooms in Chicago Public Schools’ Pre-K to 2nd grade classrooms.
· Manage all aspects of project management, including organizing and facilitating team meetings, developing agendas, taking and distributing minutes, assigning tasks, tracking and maintaining project budget and schedule, communicating with internal and external partners, and maintaining project documentation.
· Work to build and maintain the partnership with Chicago Public Schools staff.
· Develop, organize, and facilitate online and in-person meetings and planning sessions with teachers, school administration and families.
· Participate in the creative development of the classrooms and supporting curriculum; curate, develop, and manage editing and design process for finished activities and curriculum.
· Work with the team to identify needed furnishings, fixtures and loose parts for the classrooms. Order and inventory all materials.
· Manage the installation of furnishings, fixtures and loose parts in the classrooms.
· Manage the creation of installation checklists and user manuals for the classrooms.
· Support the evaluation of the program in its second year.
· Contribute information, as needed, to grant proposals and reports.
· Complete project closeout documentation.
- Support the museum’s work in diversity, equity, access and inclusion and actively ensure that DEAI principles are upheld in all work with staff and partners.
- Participate in team, department, and all-staff meetings regularly; participate on committees and cross-departmental teams as appropriate.
- Support other PSICE initiatives as appropriate and as schedule allows.
· Maintain professional knowledge and core job skills through ongoing professional development
- Demonstrate the museum’s mission and vision as outlined in its foundational documents.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
· Three to five years’ experience managing and implementing programs, exhibits, or special projects in a museum, arts, or educational organization, preferably with experience serving a school audience
· Familiarity with informal learning environments and strategies
- Highly detail-oriented with critical degree of accuracy regarding data, communication and logistics
- Ability to multi-task and respond to a rapidly changing environment, including interruptions and adjustments to priorities; good sense of prioritization and flexibility
- Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities with a “can-do” attitude and a vested interest in excellence
- Strong, energetic, comfortable communicator, capable of engaging with diverse communities, including individuals and large groups; demonstrated group facilitation experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; professional demeanor on the phone, email, and in person with all partners and co-workers
- Determination, commitment and ownership of work
- Strong organizational skills; ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects
- Ability to work effectively in a multifaceted, team environment
· Motivated by and committed to the museum’s mission to “Improve children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect.”
· Excellent PC skills: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Asana
· Spanish-speaking ability a plus
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in experience
Hours: Full-time position, 37.5 hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
Location: Currently hybrid; 60% remote, 40% onsite at 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL
Salary and Benefits: $47-52K. Excellent Benefit package including Health, Dental, Vision, 401k, and PTO.
Proof of COVID 19 vaccine required*
*Subject to reasonable accommodations for individuals with medical conditions or religious beliefs that prevent vaccinations.
Physical Requirements of the Position: Ability to lift program supplies, up to 20 pounds. Travel will be required to project partner locations throughout the City of Chicago.
Position Classification: Exempt
Chicago Children’s Museum aims to recruit and advance qualified
BIPOC/ALAANA, women, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, and veterans—we welcome and encourage all applicants.
Our goal is for our team and culture to reflect the Chicagoland community.