Employment

Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Reports To: Vice President of Community Engagement
Department: Membership/Community Engagement

Position Purpose

The Membership Manager assists in developing the strategies with the Vice President of Community Engagement and implements the overall Membership plan for renewal and acquisition, member relations and membership communications. This role oversees the overall success of the Membership program to exceed the expectations of current and potential new members.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop strategies in conjunction with the Vice President of Community Engagement, implement tactics, and manage the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) Membership Program to reach established revenue and sales goals.
• Responsible for full understanding of SCI’s Membership Program to communicate and administer the program effectively including promotions, direct mail, solicitations, and events.
• Establish and manage short-term and long-term departmental priorities in an effective and organized manner.
• Apply analytics to membership data to improve sales, revenue and program outcomes.
• Work with SCI staff and volunteers to cultivate a Membership Program that serves the community and supports the programming at SCI. Initiate new projects and innovative ideas to build membership programs.
• Coordinate and participate with community partners in managing the promotion and execution of the TRI (SCI, Blank Park Zoo and Living History Farms) Membership Program and oversee accurate accounting and recordkeeping.
• Develop and manage monthly membership renewal emails, mailings, and telemarketing.
• Organize and serve as a liaison to volunteers helping with membership activities.
• Provide training to Visitor Services Team to execute selling of memberships on-site.
• Develop the Membership Program budget and control expenses.
• Professionally represent SCI in all contact with donors, members and visitors. Provide excellent customer service.
• Checks in and assists members upon entry during open hours of operations and at designated events at the guest services desk.
• Develop and maintain, with the help of the Communications Department, up-to-date promotional plans and materials. Manage marketing supplies in a timely, cost-efficient manner.
• Demonstrate proficiency in specialized program software, including Altru and other CRM tools.
• Update and maintain computer database to correspond with new, renewed and expired membership and produce reports as needed.
• Sells general admission tickets and merchandise sales at the membership workstation, as needed.
• 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 employees in the Membership Department. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, assigning and directing daily 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

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Valid Drivers’ License
• Proficiency with customer relations database management systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Previous membership program management, financial management and supervision experience preferred
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the success of SCI
• Creative, curious, innovative and is passionate about learning
• Previous customer service and delivery of superior customer service experiences that “WOW” and inspire members
• Effective problem-solving skills and strong organizational skills that demonstrates attention to details
• Ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
• Ability to work as a part of a team and individually to develop clear action plans that support SCI’s goals
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential member information

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. 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 & Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., including evenings and holidays.  Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply

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

Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Reports To: Vice President of Community Engagement
Department: Volunteer

Position Purpose

The Volunteer Manager will develop and execute strategies to attract, train, and retain a committed volunteer workforce that supports the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) year-round. Working closely with staff and aligning with SCI’s brand and strategic priorities, the manager will leverage marketing, outreach, and relationship-building to strengthen volunteer engagement. By fostering partnerships with civic, service, and business organizations, they will encourage long-term volunteerism and, in collaboration with the fundraising team, connect volunteer initiatives with funding opportunities to enhance 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. Maintain an up-to-date volunteer manual containing museum information, job descriptions, expectations, and scheduling procedures.

• Oversee the volunteer program budget and develop an annual program plan.
• Manage the recruitment, training, and professionalism of all volunteers.
• Collaborate with internal departments to assess and fulfill volunteer needs.
• 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 software.
• Communicate effectively with volunteers through orientations, group meetings, manuals, emails, and phone calls to keep them informed of museum updates and duties.
• Ensure compliance with Iowa State Law and museum policies by performing proper background checks.
• Partner with staff to ensure volunteers receive appropriate training in their service areas.
• Coordinate and staff identified community events and festivals to promote SCI.
• 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 does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience, and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Five years of experience in a volunteer leadership role (preferred).
• Strong understanding of organizational needs.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, and positive demeanor.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with staff across all organizational levels.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to communicate effectively and work both at a desk and in active environments. Duties involve sitting, standing, walking, bending, and occasionally lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Hours and Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. A typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with minimal travel required.

To Apply

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

Classification: Part Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Manager of Visitor Services
Department: Visitor Services

Position Purpose

This Visitor Services Associate is a Part Time position responsible for assisting the Visitor Services team with customer service, sales, operations, and problem solving. The successful candidate will perform front line admissions and retail sales duties while engaging and supporting visitors to ensure outstanding customer experiences. This position supports visitor services in various operational areas of the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) including the visitor services desk and A-ha! Gift Store.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Greet all visitors in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones and directing customer inquiries
• Assist visitors with admission ticket sales, basic membership sales, Ah-ha! Store merchandise sales and answering questions and providing information about SCI
• Must be knowledgeable and well prepared to offer and sell products, services and programs SCI offers
• Responsible for ensuring complete follow-through for all stages of ticket and store sales
• Keep accurate and detailed records of all incoming and outgoing calls and messages, and effectively communicating them to their applicable departments
• Assist as needed in all areas including, but not limited to, Visitor Services Desk, A-ha! Gift Store and the SCI floor experience
• Ensures accurate transactions by balancing cash register at the beginning and end of shift
• Rings up merchandise and sales: bag, box and wrap purchased items
• Stocks shelves, sets up displays and performs cleaning duties
• Assists visitors in providing information, resolving complaints, locating various products
• Processes returns and exchanges according to organization policy
• Maintain and demonstrate an adequate working knowledge and use of all required SCI software and databases
• Must uphold SCI’s values and commitment to excellence, diversity and inclusion
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all 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 does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required:

• Must be dependable and have a history of reliable attendance
• Effective problem solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Must be able to multitask and work with great attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing to the team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of and ability to use cash registers, computers, calculators and scanners
• Basic mathematical skills, as needed to make change and process refunds
• Must maintain a professional demeanor
• Deliver superior customer service experiences that “WOW” and delight customers
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred:

• Previous customer service experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

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 50 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.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Ideal candidate will have availability 1-3 days per week during our current public open hours, Wednesdays-Sundays. Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply

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

Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood

Position Overview

The Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program and other SCI early childhood programs. 

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Greet all customers in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones drop in visits and directing inquiries
• Assist with maintaining SCI’s NAEYC accreditation standards including uploading digital files into the accreditation system
• Teach and direct classroom activities when assigned
• Prepare, clean and maintain classrooms and office space for daily use
• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies and timely placement of orders
• Basic office duties such as data entry and organize, file and maintain documents or records
• Attend and assist with parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Manage and organize supplies and teaching materials
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Assist with oversight of children to ensure they are safe and engaged in the programming
• Actively participate on various internal and/or cross-functional teams as needed in furtherance of SCI’s goals and objectives
• Plan and carry out other EC programs and activities with in SCI as assigned
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all 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 does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

Preferred

• Clerical and office experience
• Para associate I and II or CDA or AA in Early Childhood

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will require prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the program space. The employee will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily Monday through Friday schedule. Typically, no travel will be required.

Compensation

This position will be eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus after the first 60 days.

To Apply

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

Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Exhibits Manager

Position Overview

The Exhibit Tech for the Science Center of Iowa is responsible for implementing and maintaining an excellent exhibit experience. The ideal candidate will have experience and/or skills in exhibit construction/fabrication, installation, maintenance/repairs, and theatrical lighting. This position will serve as an audience advocate, striving to create and maintain exhibit experiences that make science engaging.

Responsibilities

• Maintains exhibits for an excellent visitor experience
• Tracking of exhibit materials and supplies
• Implement solutions for improvements to existing exhibits
• Collaborate and communicate project progress
• Timely completion of work so projects meet deadlines and within budget
• Participate in installation and strike of exhibits
• Implements and maintains exhibit lighting
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment. Observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and work spaces
• Be an active participant in the visitor experience including some programming and assist with special events and projects
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• Experience and/or education in art, theatre or specific trade/skill (i.e. carpentry, painting)
• Experience with tools & shop safety practices
• Experience with, and a willingness to learn, fabrication techniques with a variety of materials
• Technical skills or aptitude for coding/computer science, electrical, theatrical lighting, and A/V
• Organized with the ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Flexible in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
• Proactive; able to identify and improve product quality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work as part of a team, being flexible and dependable
• Creative, curious, innovative and a passionate learner
• Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Basic knowledge of museum experiences (exhibits and programs), science, technology, engineering and math
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods standing and walking. Must be comfortable working at heights and physically able to climb ladders, bend, or crawl into awkward spaces. Must be able to lift, bend, twist, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 75 pounds at a time. Use their hands to grasp, move, handle, control, assemble or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements. See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. 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.

Hours & Work Schedule

Must have consistent availability on Tuesdays 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Hours will vary based on business needs. Some evenings and holidays will be required.

To Apply

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