Coordinator, Activity Development in Corona, New York at New York Hall of Science
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Job Description
Position Title | Rate of Pay |
Coordinator, Activity Development | $50,000 – 53,000 |
Department | Work Location |
Exhibit Experience | On-site |
Reports to | Work Schedule |
Director of Exhibit Experience and Operations | Tues-Sat; 9 am-5 pm |
FLSA Status | Position Classification |
Non-Exempt | Full-Time, Regular |
About us:
Since its founding at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has inspired millions of people — children, teachers, and families — by offering innovative, participatory ways to learn and encouraging people to explore their curiosity and nurture their creativity. Located in Queens, the most ethnically diverse county in the country, NYSCI welcomes 400,000 visitors each year and serves thousands more through outreach in schools, teacher professional development, and participation in a variety of public events and research initiatives.
NYSCI is a leader in the science museum field, recognized for its highly regarded exhibitions, programs, and products, all of which are informed by our inclusive, research-derived approach to STEM learning and engagement called Design, Make, Play. The defining characteristics of Design, Make, Play — open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, personal relevance, deep engagement, and delight — are the ingredients that invite broad participation in STEM and make engagement and learning irresistible. Through this transformative model for STEM exploration, NYSCI engages a broad community of learners in STEM by fostering the excitement of self-directed exploration and by tapping into the joy of learning intrinsic in young people’s play. NYSCI has approximately 105 full-time and over 135 part-time and casual staff members.
POSITION OVERVIEW
There is a range of exhibits that the Exhibits Department is responsible for– exhibitions like Small Discoveries and Powering the City that focus on discovery, curiosity, and problem solving, but largely function as standalone exhibits as long as they receive daily upkeep and replace loose parts. The Exhibits Department also oversees facilitated exhibit experiences like Design Lab, Preschool Place, Connected Worlds, and Makerspace. This role will focus on providing high-quality, STEM-based experiences for NYSCI’s facilitated exhibit spaces that promote visitor collaboration, agency, confidence, and competence through learning and play.
The Activity Development Coordinator will have a dual role, focusing on daily exhibit operations and also holding responsibility for developing and iterating activities that elevate the experience in Design Lab and other facilitated exhibitions. They will collaborate with the Design Lab and Makerspace Coordinator to continue operationalizing the Design Lab and Makerspace so they are accessible and usable for both GA and group audiences.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Floor Operations of Exhibits:
- Turn exhibitions on/off daily and as requested by staff
- Daily prep and reset of exhibitions
- Troubleshoot exhibits and replace broken or missing parts
- Upkeep of loose parts in exhibits
- Support the training of ELT, Exhibit Experience and Operations team, and Explainers in running activities in NYSCI’s exhibits.
Activity Development and Iteration:
- Develop new experiences for the facilitated exhibits at NYSCI to engage explainers and bring NYSCI’s mission to visitors of all ages.
- Iterate existing and new activity ideas with feedback from Explainers and other members of the Exhibits team.
- Develop and maintain instructional materials and digital content developed for facilitated exhibits.
- Develop materials to share activities with other museums and learning communities.
- Embed inclusive and accessible practices into existing and new activities.
- Design and fabricate materials, working with Design, Development, and Fabrication teams when needed, to operationalize activities in NYSCI’s exhibit spaces.
- Maintain budgets, reports, and statistics aligned with the development of offerings in facilitated exhibits.
Support Facilitated Exhibit Operations
- Support the operationalization of Design Lab activities and Makerspace programming
- Operationalize new, traveling, and pop-up exhibitions with the Exhibits Team
- Work with the Exhibits Team on exhibit translations/signage needs
- Participate in creative brainstorms/charrettes/prototyping
- Co-develop training materials for exhibit areas when necessary
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. or equivalent degree in design, learning pedagogy or education, arts, making, engineering, or other equivalent experience.
- 2-5 years’ experience facilitating, running, or developing human-centered, mission-based offerings in a Science or Children’s Museum, or other experience in a hands-on learning environment.
- Proficient in computer skills, including project management/scheduling software, spreadsheets, and email.
- Experience with Creative Suite, Vectorworks, SketchUp, or CAD is a plus.
REQUIREMENTS
- One to three years’ experience developing, managing, and or facilitating creative hands-on activities.
- Demonstrated experience and competence using hand tools, electronics, computer software/hardware, and other various technologies for students, educators, or families.
- Bring a design-thinking perspective to activity development and exhibit operations.
- Draw on strong communication skills to express ideas clearly in written, oral, and visual communications.
- Demonstrable experience in working with teams, with the ability to harness team creativity and translate it into effective programming.
- Ability to participate in events outside the workday schedule, and must be available to work evenings and weekends.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Able to use power tools, hand tools, and hardware.
- Able to review design documents, AV files, and interactive exhibits.
- Able to move materials and exhibit components weighing 50-100 lbs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will include supervising Fellows or Residents (part-time, high school- and college-aged NYSCI employees) in specific exhibit areas such as Design Lab or Small Discoveries (biology), and coaching/supporting Explainers on the museum floor.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to speak, read, or write languages other than English is a plus. All exhibitions at NYSCI are bilingual in English and Spanish.
COMPENSATION
$50,000 -53,000, commensurate with education, skills, and experience; includes an excellent NYSCI benefits package.
| BENEFITS NYSCI strives to be an inclusive place to work. We work to foster multiple voices and perspectives, empower staff as problem solvers, and support professional growth for all. The New York Hall of Science also offers generous benefits and perks for all regular full-time employees. These currently include:
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Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers page.
Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will contact only those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.
Interview Process
- Introductory Phone Interview
- Second-round Virtual Panel Interview
- Final Interview on-site at NYSCI
Application Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
No phone calls or faxes, please.
The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.
If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.