Experience & Engagement Educator

About the Academy 

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for “the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences”.  Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.

Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 – is changing with it.  Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians.

Job Summary 

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is seeking a dynamic and curious educator to deliver engaging, informal learning experiences that take the various forms of conversations, tours, demonstrations, hands on activities, film screenings, and neighborhood walks.

Working with the Mediated Experiences team within the Experience and Engagement division, the Mediated Experiences Educator will facilitate in-person experiences for intergenerational museum visitors, including adult, school, and youth audiences. The Educator is responsible for presenting engaging, inquiry-based natural history experiences through the methods of science, art and the humanities. The ideal candidate should be an engaging facilitator of educational experiences with a passion for learning. They should have a professional demeanor and creative, learner-centric approach that meets a wide range of visitor backgrounds and learning styles.

Educators report to the Manager of Mediated Experiences in the Experience and Engagement Division. This position runs regularly Tuesday to Friday plus Saturday or Sunday. Holiday, evening and additional weekend hours will be required based on the programming calendar.

Essential Functions 

• Collaborate with the Mediated Experiences Coordinator and Public Engagement Coordinator to support and co-develop daily, monthly and yearly public programs based on developed for specific audiences.
• Train to develop and deliver novel floor programming, including hands-on learning activities, auditorium presentations, demonstrations, live animal experiences, storytelling, workshops, guided walks, film screenings, informal conversations with visitors, etc.
• Deliver high-quality customer service aligned with Academy visitor service and audience engagement goals.
• Facilitate engaging visitor experiences.
• Proactively support Academy colleagues such as Visitor Services, part-time educators and volunteers.
• Submit exhibit condition reports in timely fashion.
• Coordination with supervisor on yearly goals and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Science, Art, or Museum Studies Preferred.
  • Please review the  Equivalency Chart for additional information.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Experienced in informal learning facilitation, strong communication and public speaking skills
• Expertise in inquiry-based learning approaches
• Ability to work collaboratively with others, internally and externally
• Ability to interact with the public professionally and work well with people of all ages and abilities
• Commitment to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Dependable; reliable attendance, including nights and weekends and flexibility to work special events
• Organized and able to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong background and/or interest in the natural sciences
• Excited to learn and share the Academy’s stories with others

Preferred Qualifications 

• Background in fields including natural science including ancient life and evolution; biology and environmental science, urban ecology, environmental humanities, history of science, education, art and museum studies.
• Engagement with the accessibility community and program development with a lens to inclusivity.
• Bi- or multi-lingual ability
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience or ability to learn specialized reporting software
• Valid driver’s license and 3-year clean driving record preferred

Physical Requirements 

• Typically sitting at a desk/table.
• Typically standing, walking.
• Lifting demands > 50lbs.

Location 

• Center City – Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information 

This position is classified as exempt grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $41,120.00 to $61,680.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

We encourage you to explore Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. Please apply here: http://careers.drexel.edu/cw/en-us/job/503648?lApplicationSubSourceID=11271

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.