The Education Specialist leads the Kansas City Invention Convention for students in grades 5-12 and designs diverse programs that enhance the Library’s public engagement, foster partnerships with local and regional organizations, and educate students and teachers on the vital roles of science, engineering, and technology in society.

An effective Education Specialist collaborates with the programming, engagement, reference, and collections teams to create STEAM programs that both educate and entertain.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Oversee the Kansas City Invention Convention (KCIC) by collaborating with educators, volunteers, students, corporate and foundation partners, and venue hosts to ensure successful execution.
2. Promote invention education by developing and delivering engaging invention and innovation programs for educators, students, and partners in both classroom and public education settings.
3. Collaborate with Public Services and Exhibitions teams to co-develop, align, and support educational programs and experiences for primary and secondary school groups visiting the Library.
4. Assist with budget planning, reconciliation, forecasting, and accounts payable processing for the programming department.
5. Represent the Library and KCIC as an in-person or on-camera host or moderator as needed.
6. Assist the VP for Public Programs and Program Manager with public programs, including managing Cherry Street Studio and virtual programming platforms, scheduling, consultation, lighting, camera work, audio, recording, streaming, and editing.
7. Provide exceptional patron service by answering questions about programs, collections, and library operations.
8. Performs other duties as assigned or requested for the general support of the Library.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

None.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Four-year degree in education, STEM, or related field. 
• Three or more years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working in a classroom setting as an educator or external content provider.
• Proven success in educational program development, project management.
• Proficient with MS Office products, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.
• Basic knowledge or willingness to learn audio/video studio production, including equipment set-up, camera work, lighting, video editing, facilitating on virtual platforms, etc.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license. 
• May occasionally need to work evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable

• Experience in community outreach and building partnerships with local organizations.
• Familiarity with contemporary STEM education practices and models.
• Experience in community outreach and building partnerships with local organizations.
• Able to develop classroom and public education lesson plans for STEM, invention, and innovation topics to support invention education. 

COMPETENCIES

Project Management: Plans and executes complex projects from start to finish. Communicates project goals, progress, and outcomes to project stakeholders and ensures timely and quality delivery. 

Effective Communication: Expresses ideas clearly, actively listens to others, and checks for understanding. Adapts communication style to different audiences and seeks input. 

Presentation Skills: Delivers compelling and engaging presentations to a variety of audiences. Conveys information clearly and persuasively. Tailors content to the audience and situation. 

Providing Instruction: Effectively transfers knowledge and skills to others. Provides clear and concise explanations of complex concepts, step-by-step procedures, or industry best practices. Adapts communication style to accommodate learning preferences. 

Relationship-Building: Cultivates and sustains strong connections with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners. Nurtures trust, open communication, and promotes collaboration over time. 

Creativity: Takes an imaginative, original, and innovative approach when tackling problems or projects. Generates novel solutions, conceptualizes fresh ideas, and invents new forms or methods. Adeptly translates abstract theories or vague objectives into practical solutions or products. 

Patron/Visitor Focus: Prioritizes the needs and experiences of Library patrons or visitors. Connects patrons with relevant collections, services, and programs, ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and valuable community resource. 

Reliability: Maintains a steady demeanor and can be trusted to deliver on promises and commitments. Is a person that can be depended on. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

The Education Specialist will support our inventors at national competitions and engage in professional development activities with Invention Conventions Worldwide. This role involves approximately two weeks of out-of-state travel per year.

Locally, promoting KCIC and invention education necessitates attending various meetings, workshops, and conferences. A significant portion of local travel includes providing educator support at schools, especially leading up to the KCIC. During the busy season (winter and spring), expect an average of 1-2 out-of-office events per week. In the slower season (summer and fall), this will likely reduce to about 1 out-of-office event per month.

COMPANY VALUES/STATEMENTS

The Linda Hall Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The Linda Hall Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.