Employment

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons of the Science Center of Iowa, especially at any special events, to guests or clients. Under guided leadership from the Café Coordinator and the Director of Retail Operations, the Bartender Associate will also be responsible for operational duties as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests, patrons and clients of the Science Center of Iowa.

Responsibilities:

• Independently execute bar operations for internal and external events and facility rentals
• Accurately process all cash and credit card transactions
• Consistently check identification of guests to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for alcohol purchases
• Maintain cleanliness of work area
• Maintain optimal food safety practices
• Stock merchandise and inventory as needed
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with tasks and duties related to events
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

•  Must be of legal age to sell alcohol in accordance with Iowa Laws
•  Must have food & beverage service, retail and strong customer service experience
•  Must have a personable, enthusiastic and engaging personality
•  Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
•  Must be able to multi-task and accomplish various duties
•  Must be flexible, open-minded and able to react to guest and organizational needs
•  Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
•  Knowledge of alcoholic beverages
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Must uphold the integrity of SCI

Working Hours: Part-time hours will be assigned to support special events in addition to daily operations. Shifts may include some evenings, weekends and holidays.

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

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons visiting SCI’s Food Chain Cafe. Under guided leadership from the Cafe Coordinator and the Director Retail Operations, the Cafe Associate will also be responsible for operational duties, as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests and patrons visiting SCI.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a commitment to excellent guest service in Cafe and all areas of SCI
• Greet and tend to the needs of all guests in a timely manner
• Processing all cash and credit card point-of-sale transactions accurately
• Provide knowledgeable information regarding product offerings and general SCI information for guests
• Accurately check all identification necessary to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for the purchase of alcohol products
• Maintain the cleanliness of tables, floors, counters and windows
• Maintain optimum food safety standards as required
• Stock, merchandise and inventory Cafe supplies and products
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with various tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be of legal age to sell alcoholic beverages in accordance with the State of Iowa
• Must have food service, retail, and/or strong customer service related experience
• Must maintain a professional and polite demeanor at all times
• Enjoy working with people in a public setting
• Have great problem solving skills
• Needs to have accurate and efficient bookkeeping/money handling skills
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Ability to multi-task various duties and projects
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. 
• Must uphold the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa

Working Hours: Part-time hours varying between the hours of operation for SCI and the Blank IMAX Dome Theater. This may include a combination of shifts during days, nights, weekends and holidays.

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

Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Preschool Director

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, Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: Community Engagement Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Events and Venue Coordinator oversees venue rentals for external clients in collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager. This role collaborates with SCI staff, caterers and vendors to exceed the expectations of potential clients. Responsibilities include pre-event coordination with service providers, enforcing facility rules and protocols during events and serving as the point-of-contact for event clients.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate venue rental events from pre-event through post-event phases
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact during venue rental events, anticipating and communicating client needs, promptly addressing concerns, problem-solving and providing excellent customer service
• Oversee venue rentals including  set-up, maintenance of rental space, teardown/clean-up of event spaces and securing the building at the end of events
• Ensure total compliance with the SCI contracts, rules and regulations
• Manage cash transactions during events when needed
• Collaborate with clients, caterers, event planners, vendors, service providers and SCI staff to ensure excellent guest experiences at SCI
• Research, schedule and conduct sales calls and appointments, following up as needed
• Successfully promote SCI venue rental offerings across multiple platforms
• Support SCI staff through administrative service and office coordination
• Manage short-term and long-term priorities in an effective and organized manner
• Balance day-to-day museum operations and venue rental needs
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends through research and inquiry to create competitive facility rental offerings
• Keep and maintain accurate, detailed records for each event and client
• Assist the Community Engagement Manager with revenue and expense reporting
• Approach venue rental events with creative and innovative thinking
• Perform other duties as assigned by Community Engagement Manager

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in event management, business, hospitality or related field of study preferred
• Minimum of two years’ experience in an events position at a cultural attraction or corporate environment
• Experience with point-of-sale and donor database software
• Project and/or event management is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry and bookkeeping
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems and independently make decisions
• Experience working with both big picture concepts and minute details, in both short- and long-term projects
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid Drivers’ License preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Schedule and Working Hours: Full-time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon SCI events and organizational needs.

To Apply: Email your resume, cover letter, completed application materials and three references to scihr@sciowa.org by August 27. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Position Overview:

The Science Center of Iowa serves more than 300,000 people each year and has a mission of engaging and inspiring Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning. With both full-time and part-time staff helping in every area of SCI’s mission, the need for volunteer support through internship opportunities is essential. The Community Engagement Team at SCI consists of a development team and communications team, among other areas. We are seeking a qualified intern to support development by identifying, initiating, researching, compiling and completing written charitable grant proposal applications, leading and supporting events including fundraising events as well as ongoing SCI events such as our Mixology and Girls in Science Initiatives. Additionally, the internship would include supporting communications and social media for the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Director of Advancement and Special Events/Community Engagement Coordinator to plan, execute and attend fundraising events, special events and ongoing events at SCI
• Assist with management of social media accounts for the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire (Facebook and Twitter) in compliance with SCI and Maker Faire branding
• Create content to be used for Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines Mini Maker Faire (including but not limited to photos, videos, graphics and blog posts)
• Distribute information about SCI events and programs to community partners and news organizations
• Work closely with the SCI Grant Writer to develop and implement the charitable initiatives for the Science Center of Iowa
• Assist in the daily operations and planning calendar for proposal writing and due dates
• Identify new funding opportunities and implement strategies for securing new commitments and renewing existing grants and partnerships
• Collaborate with SCI staff and subject matter experts to ascertain accurate information and identify opportunities for funding support
• Write, edit, prepare proposals and applications for funds sought from individuals charitable foundations and corporations, as well as other funding sources, both locally and nationally, to support SCI strategic initiatives
• Assist with other marketing and communications tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• Enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the mission of SCI and its overall development goals
• Excellent writing and editing skills, able to present information concisely and persuasively
• Must be able to work on multiple proposals simultaneously, providing detail-oriented work, troubleshooting, writing, editing and planning guidance while consistently meeting deadlines
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; excellent listener with excellent follow-through skills
• Must be trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential donor information
• Demonstrates general computer proficiency with access to a PC compatible-systems
• Punctuality and dependability are key
• Ability to learn how research items
• Other duties as assigned

Expectations

• Understand and support the purpose, structure and policies of the Science Center of Iowa
• Conduct yourself in accordance with the standards of conduct and ethics of SCI
• Be flexible in accepting assignments, perform assigned responsibilities willingly and courteously to the best of your ability, and accept the guidance of the Director of Advancement
• Comply with the dress requirements of the Science Center of Iowa
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Provide timely notification of tardiness or absence to the Volunteer Manager

Working Hours: Generally, Monday through Friday during normal operating hours of 9:00 or 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Will need to attend events on evenings/weekends when necessary. A total of 20 hours per week would be necessary for this position. This is an unpaid internship.

To Apply: Email your cover letter and resume to volunteer@sciowa.org.