Overview:    

MHDM is recruiting for an innovative STEAM educator that is looking to challenge the traditional boundaries of where formal and informal education meet, to achieve more effective and impactful educational outcomes. Based on your combination of education and practical experience, you will bring a fresh perspective of how to excite and engage young minds, sparking the curiosity required for them to love and pursue learning for a lifetime. 

• Develop and implement age-appropriate museum exhibits, activities, and programs for families with children ages 2-12.

• Manage all technical aspects of managing and reporting on Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum's ongoing grant funded and fee-based educational programs, including onsite field trips and workshops, planetarium shows, and traveling science presentations.

• Work collaboratively with MHDM staff to develop the museum's educational content and interactive floor programs. 

Qualifications:    

Required:

• Deep commitment to MHDM’s mission and enthusiasm for working with families and children.

• 4-year college degree.

• Strong computer aptitude (specifically Microsoft Word and Excel, and comfort using databases).

• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.

• Self-directed, proactive and comfortable working independently, yet able to take direction from others; able to adjust as necessary.

• Able to work, prioritize and focus on multiple projects in an active environment.

• Truly enjoys working in a public museum environment where one will interface with many people. 

Ideal:

• Master’s degree (or higher) in early childhood or K-5 education.

• Museum educator experience at a children's museum or similar setting.

• Practical experience with, and an appreciation for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Sci21.

• Bilingual (English-Spanish) or fluency in Spanish.

• Experience developing and delivering programs to all age audiences including special needs children.

• Field trip and outreach booking and program delivery experience.

• Experience working on grant-funded projects, especially reporting and evaluation aspects.

• Curriculum development experience with strong research skills.

• Strong writing skills to assist in grant reporting and program documentation.

• Summer camp management/coordination. 

Job Responsibilities:    

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Development (Planning, Content Creation, and Program Design)

Program Development:

o Assess educational needs, define clear objectives, and ensure alignment with the museum’s mission and funding priorities. Review educational trends, state/national standards, successful models, and community feedback to inform program design.

o Create engaging, hands-on lesson plans tailored to different learning styles and developmental stages. Ensure accessibility, cultural relevance, and interdisciplinary connections.

o Design programs appropriate for specific age groups (preschool, elementary, middle school, families, educators) with adaptable engagement strategies.

o Source and manage supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and readiness for program delivery.

o Set clear learning objectives, collect data through surveys and observations, analyze impact, and refine programs based on feedback.

Educational Content Development:

o Review, update, and create new school field trip programs for preschool to early middle-school audiences, ensuring alignment with the museum's strategic initiatives.

o Develop table-top activities that can easily rotate throughout the museum's galleries, collaborating with staff for evaluation.

o Design and present museum Science Cart demonstrations to engage children and adults, while also training staff and volunteers to deliver them.

o Work with museum staff to plan and implement special event activities (e.g., exhibition openings, seasonal events, member events).

o Assist the executive director in conceptualizing new or expanded educational programs for grant applications.

Delivery (Program Implementation, Teaching, and Logistics)

Museum Programming:

o Develop and deliver activities, programs, and workshops for children and/or their parents and caregivers.

o Create curriculum and lesson plans for weekly playgroups, camp programs, family and parent workshops, and other new initiatives.

School Field Trips, Traveling Science, Scouts, and Other Group Programming:

o Develop and deliver field trip programs aligned with state/national science standards for elementary and middle school students.

o Lead traveling science and summer camp programs.

o Work with Field Trip Coordinator to ensure all scheduling, bookings, and contracts related to these programs are seamless.

Science Demonstrations & Hands-On Activities:

o Present live science demonstrations and interactive activities for museum visitors.

o Train other science staff and volunteers to present the same programming.

Other (Collaboration, Events, and Miscellaneous Tasks)

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with museum staff on museum-wide initiatives such as volunteer training and strategic planning.

• Manager On Duty: May need to step in as the manager on duty if no other manager is able to be present.

• Special Events Support: Attend and provide staffing support for special events, which may occasionally require evening and weekend work.

• Other Duties: Assist with various museum tasks as needed.

Supervision of Others

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff. May provide supervision to museum volunteers and/or interns for certain initiatives. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Fast-paced museum environment that requires working with the public on the museum floor, behind-the-scenes in prep rooms, and in an office.

• Work well in both an individual and collaborative team setting. Be a part of a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

• Carrying and lifting of educational materials, tables, and chairs is required.

• Reliable personal transportation, valid driver's license, and excellent driving record.

• Travel to offsite locations as required.

• Though generally a Monday through Friday work week, must have open availability to support MHDM team on various peak weekend days, holidays and planned STEAM programming events.