Employment

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Assistant Director of STEM Innovation
Department: Guided Learning

Position Overview 

This versatile position impacts all areas of the Science Learning Division. The Guided Learning Manager will develop, manage and implement the daily camp processes to ensure impactful experiences for all camp attendees and staff. In collaboration with the Assistant Director of STEM Innovation, this position will lead and manage a team of staff and volunteers to maximize the opportunities in growing and showcasing SCI's camps and education program as hands-on, student-led experimentation. This individual will also be responsible for Science Learning events throughout the year, working with a wide range of community partners and maintaining relationships along with internal team members. This position will assist with camp planning and data. This position will also assist in developing strategies to broaden SCI’s impact to different target audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage Camp Coordinators and Educators including the facilitation and implementation of staff orientation and training
• Manage and maintain all equipment and supplies inventory for camp program operations
• Manage and collaborate with seasonal camp staff to prepare and write curriculum outlines and activities
• Manage and collaborate with Camp Coordinators and Educators and SCI departments to facilitate camp programming and programmatic needs
• Perform day-to-day operations relevant to camp, attendance, lunches, behavior intervention, calling families, and driving SCI vans with children
• Communicate daily and weekly with parents, campers, event attendees, and community partners to meet SCI's mission and program guidelines
• Develop creative ideas to broaden the impact of SCI Camp programs, events, and various family programming etc.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in performing duties and responsibilities
• Coordinate and execute Science Learning events including but not limited to: Spooky Science, Mixology, Maker Faire, Ready Set Build, Girls in Science Festival (SCI Events).
• Develop programming relevant to SCI Events.
• Develop and implement systems related to SCI Events
• Work with community partners to build strong relationships with SCI Events and camps
• Perform basic A/V set up related to SCI events in the exhibits and planetarium.
• Serve as Manager on Duty as coordinated by the Director of Visitor Services

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises employees in the Guided Learning Department. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, assigning and directing work, conducting performance reviews and providing developmental feedback, facilitating conflict resolution and taking corrective action with employees when deemed appropriate based on performance or conduct.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Previous management and camp experience working with youth and parents
• Motivated self-starter that is organized; ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills: engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker with ability to communicate complex concepts easily
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative

• Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking, flexible, creative and timely
• Comfortable with public speaking to children, parents, mentors and supervisors
• Demonstrates excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Engages students and staff in a fun yet mature and professional manner.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in science, education, recreation or related fields.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The role is active and requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. This position also will also have periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours for this position will include a Tuesday – Saturday schedule that changes to Monday-Friday in the summer. Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Some travel will be required in central Iowa.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood Learning

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for assisting the development and implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with classroom activities
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use
• Meet with classroom teacher to prepare materials for daily use
• Communicate daily with parents on any discipline problems that might arise
• Meet with Preschool staff once a month for planning and activities of the ensuing month
• Attend and assist with all parent/preschooler special events during the school year, if desired
• Create and design classroom games and materials

Requirements:

• Maintain current first aid, universal precautions, CPR and mandatory peporter credentials
• Pass a physical examination and TB every two years
• Excellent teaching and communication skills
• Love of children
• A desire to work with and teach preschoolers
• Inexhaustible patience
• Must enjoy working as part of the Science Center of Iowa team
• Must be able to pass background checks and DCI fingerprinting

Working Hours:

Varied hours; needs to be available during normal school hours Monday through Friday 7:15 am–5:30 pm.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: CFO & Vice President of Administration
Department: Volunteer

Position Purpose

The successful candidate will develop and execute strategies to recruit, train, and retain a qualified and engaged volunteer workforce that supports the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) year-round. Further, recruit, train, schedule, and oversee volunteer junior councilors through SCI summer camps. By collaborating with staff and aligning efforts with SCI’s brand and strategic objectives, the candidate will leverage marketing, outreach, and relationship-building to enhance volunteer engagement. Cultivating partnerships with civic, service, and business organizations will foster long-term volunteerism, while working closely with various departments to strengthen connections between volunteerism and amplifying advocacy for SCI.

Responsibilities

To perform this role effectively, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty proficiently, with or without reasonable accommodations. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Maintain an up-to-date volunteer manual containing organizational information, job descriptions, expectations, scheduling procedures, and online volunteer platform.
• Manage the recruitment, training, and professionalism of all volunteers, including recruiting and fostering relationships with corporate volunteer groups.
• Collaborate with internal departments to assess and fulfill volunteer needs and ensure volunteers receive appropriate training in their service areas.
• Conduct volunteer orientations, ongoing training sessions, and evaluations.
• Monitor and enhance the overall performance of the volunteer program
• Track volunteer participation, skills, performance, availability, and schedules using designated platform.
• Communicate effectively with volunteers through orientations, group meetings, manuals, emails, monthly newsletters, online volunteer platform, and phone calls to keep them informed of organizational updates and duties.
• Ensure compliance with Iowa State Law and museum policies by performing proper background checks.
• Coordinate and staff identified SCI internal events and community events and festivals to promote SCI.
• Oversee the volunteer program budget and develop an annual program plan.
• Attend daily 8:30 am operational huddle (meeting) Tuesday to Friday.
• Serve as an active participant in the Manager on Duty rotation.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises all volunteers. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, onboarding, assigning and directing work, providing developmental feedback, facilitating conflict resolution and taking corrective action with volunteers when deemed appropriate based on performance or conduct.

Education, Experience, and/or Other Requirements

Required:

• Three years of experience in a volunteer leadership role.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of organizational needs.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, and positive demeanor.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with staff across all organizational levels.
• Successful pass a background check.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of Get Connected’s online volunteer platform and/or experience working in other volunteer software/platforms.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer but is occasionally active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Hours and Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. A Monday-Friday is typical with core hours occurring between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend work may be required, as well as some travel in central Iowa.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.