School & Community Programs Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is seeking a Manager to join our School and Community Programs (SCP) team! This position plays a leadership role in the design and implementation of playful learning programs, experiences and environments for preschool-elementary students, teachers, families, and community partners. Guided by museum learning philosophy and research, they supervise and support the team of educators who facilitate our STEAM-focused programs. As a key connector between our school and community audiences and the museum, the SCP Manager ensures an exceptional and memorable experience for all children, teachers and caregivers who participate in our SCP programs, both at the museum and in school and community settings. This position requires a passion for, and experience in, children’s education, a highly motivated and outgoing attitude, and exceptional interpersonal communication, customer service and people leadership skills. This full-time (exempt) position requires a Monday-Friday schedule, with occasional evening and weekend hours. This position works 4-5 days per week onsite with the possibility of one remote day a week based on programming needs. Some Bay Area travel is required to support programming and relationship-building.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

With support from the Head of SCP, supervises a team of Lead Educators, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and coaching. Sets direct reports for success through setting clear expectations, providing developmental and growth opportunities, and delivering clear, consistent, and timely feedback and coaching. Takes a leadership role in scheduling and facilitating SCP trainings and Team meetings. Collaborates with staff in other departments to train and support additional educators. Participates in program strategy development for the museum, with a focus on onsite and offsite school and community programs, including Discover-It-Yourself field trips, the Try It Truck, STEAM Workshops and Connections. Researches, prototypes, develops, and manages the implementation of new programs and experiences that meet the museum’s access and revenue goals. With guidance from the Head of SCP, ensures the SCP program experience is aligned with the museum’s strategic plan, educational rationale, customer service standards, and best practices in early childhood education and STEAM-learning. Develops and maintains trusting relationships with schools and community partners by prioritizing anti-bias and culturally sensitive teaching and providing exceptional customer service in accordance with museum standards. Takes lead in managing relationships with Connections partners. Participates in meetings and presentations at community and professional gatherings, on an occasional, as‑needed basis. In collaboration with the Head of SCP, supports annual budget development for designated program(s)/project(s), aligned to institutional goals and strategic planning. Manages program expenses and tracks program revenue to ensure fiscal health. Trains and empowers supporting staff to monitor budgets and make strategic spending decisions. Creates and maintains documentation and databases that support program implementation, evaluation and analysis, including end‑of‑year reports and program training materials. Drives research and procurement of program materials and supplies and supervises systems for inventory management. Supports maintenance and preparation of tools, materials, and spaces for programming. Works closely with SCP Coordinator and Registrar to support shared work in managing and monitoring SCP program registration and payment, communication with SCP audiences, scheduling of educators, maintaining internal calendars and databases, and generating reports. Facilitates onsite and offsite educational programming for preschool‑elementary students, teachers and parents/caregivers on an as‑needed basis. Facilitates programs in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese, including translation of materials and communication (bilingual staff only). Drives Try It Truck, and other program vehicles, in support of program facilitation, maintenance, and vehicle training, on an occasional, as‑needed basis. Leads and participates in cross‑functional working groups and teams, including special projects, as needed. Works collaboratively with colleagues across the institution and outside partners to ensure programs meet institutional and audience outcomes and needs. Collaborates with Facilities and Exhibits teams to establish priorities and plans for the safety and maintenance of the Try It Truck and other program vehicles, Try It Studio Classroom, Little Learner Classroom, and other onsite learning spaces. Collaborates with Visitor Services and Museum Experience teams to establish policies and protocols for ensuring the safety and comfort of school and community groups, as well as other guests, visiting the museum. Adheres to, communicates, and enforces museum policies and protocols. Serves as a Duty Officer at the museum, addressing minor first aid, emergencies, and customer service‑related concerns. Additional duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of experience working with children ages 0-8 years in formal or informal educational settings required. Experience and/or a college degree in early childhood education, education, program development, STEAM‑learning, museum studies, or a relevant field is preferred. 2+ years of experience successfully managing programs, projects and staff, including training and team development required. Understanding of early childhood development, pedagogy, and developmentally appropriate practice. Bilingual in English plus Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese is preferred. Professional commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion; thoughtful and open about the role of a workplace and a cultural institution in creating a sense of welcome and belonging for staff and visitors. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment. Excellent problem‑solving skills with a high level of dependability and flexibility, complemented by strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Comfort speaking in front of large and small groups. General comfort with technology; high proficiency with full Microsoft Suite; ability to learn new platforms quickly. Must be First Aid and CPR certified. (If not certified, the museum will provide training) Must possess current driver’s license, have a clear Motor Vehicle Record, personal car insurance, and reliable access to a car as local travel is required. Must be willing to be trained to drive the Try It Truck and other museum program vehicles (does not require special license).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform physical activities such as bending, kneeling, walking, and picking up items for 2-3 hours at a time. Ability to stand for up to 8 hours and carry up to 50 lbs. for short distances/periods. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying types of weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is primarily based in an indoor office environment with standard office equipment and technology. The position requires regular on‑site presence, use of computers and communication tools, and the ability to participate in meetings and presentations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WHAT WE OFFER

100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision for employee only premiums Life and long‑term disability insurance Paid time off starting at 3 weeks plus 3 floating days 10 days of sick leave (Five frontloaded, and the other five accrued throughout the year) Paid parental leave Discounts at museum café and store, and on museum programs All staff celebrations Reciprocal admission benefits at other museums Professional development training

ABOUT US

At the Bay Area Discovery Museum, we believe that providing children with the high‑quality early learning experiences they need to be successful is the best investment we can make as a society. Whether at the Museum, online, or in the community, we provide experiences that spark children’s natural curiosity for the world around them, while building their creative problem‑solving skills and STEM content knowledge. Both on‑site and off‑site, we facilitate research‑backed learning experiences that are fun and engaging for children and families. At our one‑of‑a‑kind location at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this includes hands‑on exhibits, rich STEM and art programming, an on‑site preschool, and camps and classes. Off‑site, our museum educators bring hands‑on STEM programming to students and families at schools and libraries in all nine Bay Area counties. We believe that these research‑backed on‑site and off‑site experiences should be made available to all children and families and offer a variety of access initiatives toward this goal. We are currently working our way back up to our pre‑pandemic numbers: 350,000 visitors each year, including nearly 80,000 with free or reduced admission 10,000 member families 33,000 children through our school and community programs 587 schools and 215 libraries through all nine Bay Area counties The Bay Area Discovery Museum is committed to being welcoming and inclusive. We are continuously working toward the goal of reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area both within our organization and with those we serve.

NOTE TO CANDIDATE

Due to the sensitivity and requirements of our positions, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, credentials, or vaccinations pertinent to the position. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bay Area Discovery Museum