Special Programs Manager

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.

Position Overview: The Special Programs Manager manages a portfolio of programs and initiatives that involve collaboration and coordination with external community partners. Some programs take place at CCM while others occur beyond its walls. Some initiatives may be one-day events, while others include a series of programs or multi-faceted partnership elements.

The Special Programs Manager is responsible for seeing programs/projects through from inception to implementation. The Special Programs Manager works closely with program developers, the Play & Learning Facilitation team and supervisors, building operations staff, and Marketing/Guest Services/Membership--as well as external partner contacts--to ensure clear communication about programmatic, partnership, and event logistics.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Oversees coordination and implementation of special programs/initiatives for the museum in conjunction with key colleagues and external partners.

·       Works to build and maintain partnerships with external partner organizations, educators, performing artists and others to serve as collaborative partners on special programs.

·       Manages all aspects of program logistics, including coordinating partner agreements, ordering and preparation of materials, and program set-up. Interfaces with operations staff on logistical details, including communicating with educators, guest services, floor operations, building services, maintenance, exhibits, and housekeeping—or the equivalent contacts at partner/host sites, as appropriate.

·       Produces written materials to describe programs, logistics, to communicate with partners and staff, describe initiatives, etc.

·       Manages all administrative duties related to special programs. Creates, manages and reconciles budgets; orders materials and completes POs; tracks program participation statistics. Contributes information, as needed, to grant proposals and reports.

·       Supports the museum’s work in diversity, equity, access and inclusion and actively ensures that DEAI principles are upheld in all work with staff and visitors.

·       Participates in team, department, and all-staff meetings regularly; participates on committees and cross-departmental teams as appropriate.

·       Demonstrates the museum’s mission and vision as outlined in its foundational documents.

Performance Measures:

·       A clear strategy for managing special programs/initiatives is defined and implemented (effective use of project management tools, defined work plan, etc.)

·       Programs and initiatives are executed on time and on budget

·       Positive feedback is received from partners and participants involved in programs/initiatives

·       Programs/initiatives meet goals as defined

·       Programs/initiatives are accurately documented

·       Clear and timely communication occurs with colleagues and partners

·       Professional knowledge and core job skills are maintained through ongoing professional development

·       Team, department, all-staff, and other meetings as deemed necessary are attended on a regular basis

Position qualifications

Job experience:

·       Three to five years of experience coordinating and implementing programs, events, or special projects in a museum, arts, or educational organization, with specific experience serving a family audience.

·       Experience building and maintaining partnerships with educators, artists, performers, and other experts.

·       Experience supporting community engagement approaches in a museum or similar setting.

·       Demonstrated Competencies:

·       Dynamic program/project manager with experience coordinating logistics for programs, exhibits and partnership initiatives

·       Experience working with a diverse community.

·       Creativity, patience, and flexibility.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·       Facility with standard word processing and spreadsheet software.

·       Organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at once.

·       Ability to effectively represent the museum internally and externally.

·       Ability to work in a multi-faceted team environment requiring problem-solving and decision-making skills.

·       Ability to take direction and work well without direct supervision.

·       Motivated by and committed to the museum’s mission to “Improve children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect.”

·       Bilingual skills a plus.

Physical Requirements of the Position:

·       Physical mobility and stamina to work on the museum floor or at offsite events to oversee logistics.

·       Lifting up to 20 pounds

·       Bending, lifting, and reaching is required to prepare and access supplies.

·       Travel may be required to community partners throughout Chicago metropolitan area

Position Status: Full-time, 1-year term position with potential for renewal. Exempt.

 Salary and Benefits: $47-52K. Excellent Benefit package including Health, Dental, Vision, 401k, and PTO.

Location: Currently hybrid; 60% remote, 40% onsite at 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL. Onsite presence is required leading up to and on program event dates. 

Proof of COVID 19 vaccine required*

*Subject to reasonable accommodations for individuals with medical conditions or religious beliefs that prevent vaccinations

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.