Training Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

 

Position Title

Rate of Pay  

Training Coordinator

$50,000 - $55,000 per year 

($27.47 - $30.22 hourly)

Department 

Work Location

Science Career Ladder / Friedman Center 

100% on-site at NYSCI

Reports to

Work Schedule

Manager of Training & Content

5 days per week (including weekends)

FLSA Status 

Position Classification

Non-Exempt

Full-Time, Regular, Non-Supervisory

ABOUT THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE

Since its founding at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has inspired millions of people — children, teachers, and families — by offering innovative, participatory ways to learn and encouraging people to explore their curiosity and nurture their creativity. Located in Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in the country, NYSCI welcomes 400,000 visitors each year and serves thousands more through outreach in schools, teacher professional development and participation in a variety of public events and research initiatives.

NYSCI is a leader in the science museum field, recognized for its highly regarded exhibitions, programs, and products, all of which are informed by our inclusive, research-derived approach to STEM learning and engagement called Design, Make, Play . The defining characteristics of Design, Make, Play — open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, personal relevance, deep engagement and delight — are the ingredients that invite broad participation in STEM and make engagement and learning irresistible. Through this transformative model for STEM exploration, NYSCI engages diverse communities of learners in STEM, by fostering the excitement of self-directed exploration and by tapping into the joy of learning intrinsic in young people’s play. NYSCI has approximately 87 full-time and over 103 part-time and casual staff members.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Training Coordinator is responsible for the training and youth development of the Explainers and youth interns associated with the vision and mission of the Science Career Ladder. This means ensuring that diverse STEM content and concepts, related to the NYSCI exhibits, current events, and other NYSCI programs and associated funded work are well understood, that STEM communication and visitor-focused facilitation techniques are developed and well-executed, and help sustain the alignment with positive and current youth development and workforce practices. Together with the Manager of Training and Content who works closely with the Director of Youth Programs and Pathways, the Training Coordinator co-creates, documents, and delivers training, workshops, and demonstrations that embrace inquiry, communication, creativity, problem-solving, conflict resolution, leadership, and collaboration.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Training and Implementation

• Foster empowerment among youth participants through the creation and facilitation of captivating training sessions aligned with NYSCI's learning goals.
• Conduct training sessions for all levels of the Science Career Ladder on floor interactions, STEM content, demonstrations, cart activities, and other activities that support visitor engagement.
• Establish and maintain sustainable documentation processes for training and professional development initiatives, ensuring comprehensive, well-organized records are created and maintained to support ongoing learning and growth within the organization.
• Assess Explainers’ content, facilitation development, and growth in training, along with the Daily Operations team, and recommend promotions. 

Program Design 

• Support the development and testing of new demonstrations and other floor activities that emphasize inquiry and the scientific and design processes.
• Review, assess, and assist in the use, management, and possible redesign of the Explainer resource page 
• Work with other departments to develop new opportunities for Explainers in communicating science.
• Consult with experts in each field that reflects the accuracy of content and methods used in that discipline. 
• Curate and integrate devices to use as Apron Tools by Explainers on the museum floor and in demonstrations.
• Work with the Manager of Training and Content and Program Manager of the Science Career Ladder on program development.

Leadership

• Mentorship of high school- and college-aged Explainers to support their growth and development in their roles and in skills that can be transferred to their next academic and career steps. 
• Participate in regular reflections (verbal and written) of self and of staff.
• Attend professional development seminars on STEM training and content, and disseminate ideas to the broader department.
• Participate in the interview and orientation process of new staff.
• Assist in SCL program evaluation and assessment.

Assessment

• Under the supervision of the Manager of Training and Content, coordinates with the Daily Operations team to assess Explainers, provide constructive feedback and address areas for growth, and make recommendations for promotions and terminations.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Represent the Explainer department at meetings.
• Assist with other Explainer Department programs and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Explainers as it relates to training and floor activities.
• Other related duties and responsibilities, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Education, Sciences, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field; and/or equivalent work experience
• Experience: 3+ years’ experience in a museum, youth/workforce development organization
• Knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts, theories, processes, and their real-life and relevant applications
• Experience developing innovative content for informal settings with a focus on youth development and science communication.
• Knowledge of youth development and programmatic responses to youth strengths and needs.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to plan and organize others' activities.
• Ability to get ideas accepted and to guide a group or individual to accomplish the task
• Ability to develop a budget and manage resources. 
• Ability to assist in establishing long-term objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. Co-develop policies, procedures, methods & standards within the department.
• Work with the Science Career Ladder team to identify Explainer developmental needs, and then coach, mentor, or otherwise support Explainers in improving their knowledge or skills.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating Explainer performance and in recommending and implementing personnel actions, such as promotions and dismissals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during training sessions
• Carry materials up to 50 lbs (Science demonstration materials)
• Move around the museum to different exhibit areas

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A background in science centers, natural history museums, or children’s museums is preferred but not required.

BENEFITS

NYSCI strives to be an inclusive place to work. We work to foster multiple voices and perspectives, empower staff as problem solvers, and support professional growth for all. 

The New York Hall of Science also offers generous benefits and perks for all regular full-time employees. These currently include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuter benefits

• Pension plan and 401k plan

• Free life insurance coverage