Learning and Development Specialist

Science Museum of Minnesota | SMM 120 West Kellogg Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55102, USA Description The Learning and Instruction Specialist is part of the Center for STEM Education (CSE) within the Division of Science & Innovation. This position is responsible for the development and delivery of CSE programs that seek to inspire, support, and connect our audiences through participatory STEM experiences. Provide expertise and creative direction for the development of program materials, curricula, and instruction. Work collaboratively across SMM in leadership and team roles for cross- and inter-departmental initiatives, and cross divisional/department projects. Grow museum audiences by engaging with virtual/in-person and internal/external stakeholders to optimize the reach and impact of museum programs for local, state, regional, and national audiences. Serve as a resource across the institution for the development of learning experiences that translate STEM concepts that center equity into facilitated learning experiences that are inclusive, engaging, fun, and educational for a broad range of learners. Job Duties and Responsibilities Develop and deliver CSE programs for school audiences, such as assemblies and explorations (primarily K-5). This includes both large and small groups, formal and informal settings, virtual and in-person. Develop and deliver CSE programs for youth and family audiences, such as Freedom School (primarily PreK-8). This includes facilitating onsite at the museum and offsite, virtual and in-person. Develop and deliver CSE programs for adult audiences (educators and community members). This includes supporting teacher professional development workshops, Lending Library consultations, and other Educator Resource activities, virtual and in-person. Work collaboratively to develop and improve CSE programs, integrating research-based best practices. Use an iterative development process to generate, evaluate, and document new activities. Understand and use appropriate diversity, equity, access, and inclusion strategies when working with learners with special needs and from diverse backgrounds. Work within our department to ensure CSE programs are reflective of SMM’s Equity Value and Equity and Inclusions Statement. Participate in professional development, mentor youth staff, and seek out opportunities to deepen your understanding of STEM learning practices. Maintain a knowledge of the current state of informal educational practice. Develop and lead internal professional development sessions for SMM staff to share this understanding. Nurture and sustain internal relationships to collaborate across divisions/departments in the development of program and business plans that attend to both mission and margin. Lead cross-departmental experience development workgroups on new topics or educational activities, balancing timelines, budget constraints, audience needs, and program goals. Develop, nurture, and sustain critical museum relationships with external partners and stakeholders that contribute to the vision, experience development, engagement, inclusion, and access for CSE/SEED/SMM audiences. Lead development and contribute to grant and development proposals. Write and update curricula for learning experiences that support diverse audiences of learners. This includes maintaining curricula, instructional supports, and materials documentation for the delivery of CSE programming. Take care of shared resources such as educational materials, equipment, classrooms, and vans. Work closely with the Senior Manager of Learning and Instruction to design and implement programs, policies, and infrastructure to assure successful program delivery and learning experience development. Advise on, contribute to, and support research and evaluation efforts to maintain data-driven decisions that will improve pedagogy at SMM. Facilitate and maintain a positive internal culture within Center for CSE: support one another, encourage open dialogue, advocate for continued improvement in our programs and structures, and assist with interviewing and onboarding new staff. Cultivate new, unique, and innovative ideas in support of the development, design, or creation of cutting edge participatory STEM experiences. Inform project planning related to instructional pedagogy and CSE best practices. Performs other related duties as assigned. Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interaction with others and ensures that information is shared with others who should be informed. Collaboration: Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Customer Service: Demonstrates an understanding of the SMM mission by ensuring that their own interactions with internal and external customers consistently support the mission. Fostering an Inclusive Community: Contributes to a museum environment, and people, that reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community (internal and external). Results Orientation: Focuses on providing a best in class visitor experience through work outcomes by meeting personal and organizational work objectives. Qualifications Experience Preferred Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic. Documented ability to design and deliver professional development programs for adult learners/educators. Applied knowledge of age appropriate content and pedagogy for preschool, school age and family audiences. Demonstrated knowledge of STEM trends, practices and standards for local, state, and national initiatives. Demonstrated knowledge of research and implementation of STEM equity and inclusion best practices. Documented ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. Documented ability to work effectively in a non-profit organization and culture and contribute in educational team settings. Documented experience facilitating informal/formal learning experiences for a wide range of audiences, participating or leading curriculum/program development, and mentoring/leading fellow educators. Licenses & Certifications Required Driver's License Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr