Employment

Classification: Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: VP of Science Learning
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Purpose

The Director of Early Childhood provides safe, stimulating environments where young children can thrive. This role requires vision, expertise and a commitment to helping children in the early stages of their development. This position will lead the preschool and early childhood initiatives to meet the goals of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program.

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.

• Direct the operations of SCI Preschool in compliance with all state and local regulations including, but not limited to, the maintenance of NAEYC credentials, DHS, SWVPP requirements
• Develop and implement department plans and budget outlined in the annual and strategic plan
• Effectively resolves problems related to the management of the center; seeks assistance when appropriate
• Recruit, hire, supervise and evaluate early childhood team
• Maintain appropriate, required records of staff and children
• Develops, implements and evaluates the annual professional development plan for the early childhood team
• Supports teachers with implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Coordinate effective communication with parents through newsletters, calendar of events, parent conferences and other methods
• Manages annual enrollment and onboarding of new families to SCI Preschool
• Establishes and maintains emergency and safety plans
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative programs to engage and establish SCI’s early childhood program as a leader in the early education community
• Build a positive and productive team environment that is integrated with SCI’s mission and operations
• Actively participate on various internal and/or cross-functional teams as needed in furtherance of SCI’s goals and objectives
• Manage and coach a diverse and creative team of education professionals
• Lead and provide general guidance to volunteers on a day-to-day basis when they are serving in the same functional area to proactively support creating an effective and engaging experience for all volunteers, team members and participants
• 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 supervises employees in the Early Childhood & Preschool 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

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Early Childhood Education
• Must acquire 10 continuing education credit hours annually
• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Has a passion for creating learning environments where children develop a love of science
• Impeccable judgment and ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic setting
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the success of SCI
• Must be able to multitask and work with great attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Teaching experience in the public school system and/or preschool teaching experience
• Well-informed concerning the Early Childhood Education industry
• Effective relationship building skills in regards to partnering with parents in support of their child’s development
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Obtain and maintain a Chauffeur’s License
• Obtain and maintain expectations for administration for NAEYC
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every two years
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred:

• Non-Profit supervisory experience and strong organizational skills
• Completed Master’s program (or currently pursuing)
• Administration experience or credentials

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, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Limited travel will be required.

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

Classification: Part-time, Non-Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Exhibits Manager
Direct Reports: No

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 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 Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-5pm. 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.

Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To:  Director of Early Childhood

Position Purpose

A Master Teacher recognizes that the education process is about much more than sharing content. It's about creating independent learners who have the critical thinking skills to grow and thrive. These educators put their students first and adapt the curriculum to their learners' needs. Master teachers hold their students to the highest expectations. They conduct regular progress monitoring, adjust their teaching approach as needed, and empower their students to take ownership of their education.

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.

• Plan and carry out lesson plans each day in the classroom in alignment with Teaching Strategies GOLD or Iowa Early Learning Standards
• Provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use, including general cleaning duties and notifying proper staff of additional cleaning needs
• Meet with co-teacher to develop daily plans and prepare materials for use in the classroom
• Create and design classroom activities and investigations as needed
• Communicate regularly with parents through a variety of ways (email, newsletter, website, verbal)
• Write and compile individual assessments of each child's development; complete daily inventories, child attendance, and related reports; communicate with students’ families about ongoing progress
• Prepare and conduct parent/teacher conferences twice a year
• Meet with preschool staff regularly for professional development and collaboration on center-wide events
• Mentor less experienced teachers and student employees; model expert teaching practices, and provide feedback for improving teaching and enhancing parent and student relationships
• Attend and assist with all parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Follow DHS, NAEYC, and ECERS regulations for ratio, environment, and safety
• Attend training and carry out PBIS in classroom
• Attend training and carry out The Project Approach in classroom
• Accommodate schedule changes and cover other staff when needed
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• Current certification from the State of Iowa Board of Education
• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Acquire 10 continuing education hours each year
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Creative, curious, innovative and is passionate about learning
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Obtain and maintain a Chauffeur’s License
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

 Preferred:

• Teaching experience in the public school systems and/or preschool teaching experience
• Deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices

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 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 life 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 a Monday through Friday schedule. Occasional travel will be required.

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

Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Programs Manager

Position Overview

The Program Presenter is responsible for delivering presentations of SCI programs for public and group participants. This may include both onsite and offsite delivery, throughout the week, weekend, holidays and evenings.   

Responsibilities:

• Deliver a varied and changing repertoire of live programs and personal table top demonstrations, ranging from small to large format presentations
• Report consistent program attendance records and monitor their impact in supporting SCI’s mission and existing exhibits
• Function as a direct representative from the science learning team to the public.
• Support exhibit staff; including but not limited to opening and closing of the experience platforms
• Program Department daily operational support including, but not limited to conducting live programs and labs, orientations for visiting schools/groups including Outreach presentations
• Provide support with other SCI staff on program and project development
• Maintain individual training log on program presentations and demonstrations
• Coordinate with the Programs Manager to keep schedules up-to-date
• On-floor supervision of program supplies in experience platforms and work alongside volunteers
• Responsible for daily programs operation trouble shooting
• Additional duties as assigned

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required

• Awareness and sensitivity in interacting with diverse populations
• High School Diploma with an interest in the sciences, education, or theater
• Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun and interesting fashion
• Motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
• Excellent communication skills; engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative
• Proactive; able to identify and improve product quality and development
• Service oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Willing to travel if necessary for Outreach presentations

Preferred

• Experience in program presentation to small and large groups
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and hear or talk. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stop, kneel or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Working Hours:

This is a part-time position, not to exceed 29 hours per week. Hours will vary based on business needs and personal schedules. Work hours may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

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

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Membership
Reports To: VP of Community Engagement
Direct Reports: Yes

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 SCI’s 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 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 as the information 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
• 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 Associate. 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 the mission of SCI and SCI’s overall 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 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 & Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. any may include some evenings and holidays.  Typically, no travel will be required.

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