School Programs Specialist Full Time

Description

Position Type: Full-time, exempt

Expected Hours of Work: Monday through Friday 9am to 5 pm with occasional evening or weekend hours required for museum programs.

Rate: $44,000-$48,000

Summary

The School Programs Specialist supports the development and implementation of on-site and off-site school programs. Ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality experience for students, educators, and guests. This role focuses on coordinating program logistics, supporting facilitators, and maintaining program flow throughout the day.

Working closely with the School Programs Manager, the Specialist helps ensure programs are engaging and consistent, and delivered efficiently, safely, and in alignment with established standards. This position plays a key role in supporting staff, troubleshooting real-time challenges, and creating a positive, engaging environment for all participants.

Responsibilities

Program Execution & Operations

• Support the daily delivery of school programs, including workshops, demonstrations, and field trip experiences
• Work collaboratively with reservations department to ensure accurate booking and communications with school groups
• Support curriculum development as appropriate
• Assist with program setup, transitions, and breakdown to ensure smooth operations
• Monitor program flow and adjust logistics in real time to maintain schedules and quality
• Ensure program spaces are prepared, organized, and ready for use

Staff Support & Coordination

• Provide day-to-day support to program Guest Engagement staff
• Coordinate with Guest Engagement Manager for coverage based on daily program needs
• Reinforce program expectations, safety protocols, and guest service standards

Guest Experience

• Help create a welcoming, organized, and engaging experience for students, teachers, and chaperones
• Serve as an on-site point of contact for program-related questions
• Assist during Greet
• Assist in managing student behavior and responding to guest concerns in a professional manner

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate daily program needs, updates, and adjustments with program staff
• Support coordination with internal teams to ensure smooth scheduling and space usage
• Relay operational feedback and observations to support continuous improvement

Safety & Compliance

• Follow and reinforce all safety procedures, including those related to program materials and equipment
• Support adherence to health, safety, and emergency protocols
• Assist in responding to incidents and escalating concerns appropriately

Requirements

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

Required

• 1+ years of experience in schools or in a museum role supporting schools
• Experience working in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills with experience managing multiple programs, timelines, or priorities simultaneously
• Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams or external partners

Preferred

• Science teaching experience in a school
• Degree in science education, science, or education, or related field
• Experience supporting or assisting in staff coordination or training
• Familiarity with program logistics or event operations
• Familiarity with safety protocols related to demonstrations, labs, or hazardous materials

Work Environment

This job is operated in a professional office and classroom-type environment. When an outreach program is needed, the coordinator will need to travel to the school, community center, etc. to facilitate the program at that location.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Please note that this position requires working outdoors for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions, frequently climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstration props. It may also include working with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, hydrogen, and oxygen. Training will be provided. Please also note that this position requires weekend, holiday, and evening hours to meet the needs of Science Center operations. Scheduled hours will vary seasonally

Additional Information

Great Lakes Science Center is proud to provide staff members with a benefits program that offers choices designed to meet their individual needs and lifestyles. Eligible staff members can participate in the following benefits programs:

• Free Parking
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan with Match
• ASTC Membership
• Northeastern Ohio Intermuseum Council (NEOIMC) Membership
• And more!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of GLSC to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, age, source of income, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. GLSC complies with applicable state, federal and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.

Salary Description

$44,000-$48,000