Job Title: Manager of Education Programs 

Reports to: Director of Education

Classification: Non-Exempt 

Status: Full-time

Date Updated: 10/22/24 

Salary Range: $24.00 - 26.00 per hour

Our Mission

The Modesto Children’s Museum enriches the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning. 

Our Vision

To be a world class and exploratory experience for all children that enriches, inspires, and unites its larger community. 

Position Summary

The Manager of Education Programs will support MoChiMu’s mission and vision by overseeing the museum’s suite of structured educational programs. Focused on two distinct audience segments (“Youth & Family” and “School”), this role is responsible for high-level management of programs, people, and processes as they relate to a number of the museum’s ongoing programs & initiatives.

In coordination with the Director of Education, the Manager of Education Programs will be responsible for overseeing the ongoing organization, registration, customer communication, scheduling, staffing, operations, curriculum development, evaluation, continuous refinement, and strategic planning of these programs. 

• Field Trips (organized on-site visits for groups ranging from 11 to 120 people)
• MoChiMu Outreach Workshops (“classroom-sized” outreach programs)
• Camp MoChiMu (seasonal day- and week-long STEAM camp offerings)
• Family Programs (scheduled adult-child workshops either developed internally or organized as a partnership with a content provider, or Birthdays @ MoChiMu)
• Public Programs (including the 18+ MoChiMu After Dark program series)
• Teen Volunteer Program (a cohort-focused volunteer experience for children 13 - 17)

While this role is not a primarily forward-facing “program facilitator” role, the Manager of Education Programs should envision themselves as the museum’s lead educator and curriculum specialist, able to present MoChiMu programming on-site and off-site while serving as a “face of” programming for the community.

In addition, the Manager of Education Programs will support the Director of Education in the development of new family-focused programs and initiatives while fostering relationships with families, vendors, and partners. Serving as a liaison between operations (daily programming, customer coordination and communication, scheduling, supply ordering) and strategy (content development, managing databases, relationship-building), the Manager should be an effective, forward-thinking, and highly-organized manager of “people, processes and programs” with a strong pedagogical foundation, experience with community engagement, and a passion for hands-on, experiential learning. This role will be critical in ensuring that MoChiMu is a sustainable, enduring learning institution for years to come.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

Education Program Management (85%)

• Develop, implement, and oversee processes, procedures, and operational best practices as they relate to School Programs (Field Trips and Outreach Workshops) and Youth & Family Programs (Camp MoChiMu, Teen Volunteer Program, Birthdays @ MoChiMu, exhibition-related activities, and other initiatives as assigned).
• In coordination with the Director of Education and the Education Programs Coordinator, support the hiring, training, scheduling, leadership, and evaluation of MoChiMu’s Program Leads – the facilitation-focused team members assigned to daily program delivery. 
• Manage processes surrounding registrations and relationships through continuous development and maintenance of databases, attentive and timely communication with customers, and ongoing relationship-building with families, partners, and vendors.
• Support the development, execution, evaluation, and reporting of youth-focused programming, including in areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math for schools, youth, and families throughout the Central Valley; Support the development, execution, evaluation, and reporting of education programs as it relates to play-based learning, inquiry learning, and nonformal education teaching and learning strategies.
• Support MoChiMu's mission by establishing and nurturing collaborations with local and regional partners, contributing to developing innovative new programming, and capitalizing on community touchpoints and family outreach, including children and families from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.  
• Develop and maintain documentation that demonstrates and shares MoChiMu’s alignment with California learning standards and the museum’s role as a partner in education.
• Support the execution of programmatic grants and partnerships and contribute to project / program delivery, budgets, and expenditures reporting.
• Ensure MoChiMu meets its desired diversity and inclusion outcomes in our programmatic offerings and partnerships. 
• In accordance with required procedures, maintain essential files, records, applications, insurance documents, background checks, waivers, and other data concerning the Teen Volunteer Program and other Family programs
• Ensure MoChiMu meets its desired diversity and inclusion outcomes in our programmatic offerings and partnerships. 

Education Program Delivery (15%)

• As part of continuous managerial oversight of the implementation of MoChiMu’s programming, serve as a lead educator and curriculum specialist as it relates to the museum’s education programs in theory and application; serve as a consistent trainer and as-needed fill-in in the delivery of programs.
• Exhibit and practice exceptional classroom management skills and the flexibility, confidence, and care essential to working with learners from ages 0 - 12 and beyond.
• Embody the museum’s child-centered, play-based learning philosophies in the continuous refinement of content and curriculum in school and community programs.
• Act as a self-starter and stabilizer, demonstrating the exceptional reliability and autonomy needed to instill institutional confidence and self-sufficiency in these programs.
• Support the Director of Education in training and evaluating paid teams and volunteers on educational best practices and procedures to maximize effectiveness in achieving MoChiMu's mission.  

General Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Provide excellent financial stewardship for all MoChiMu educational resources, address all programmatic compliance issues, and maintain the transparency necessary for a community-based non-profit. 
• Train and supervise education and organizational staff on scheduling, performance management, and coaching.
• Support the Director in hiring and maintaining a strong, cohesive, and diverse team of internal staff with a positive and collaborative culture. 
• Maintain a high level of knowledge about museum exhibits, programs, and events to answer guest questions and provide recommendations.
• Contribute to MoChiMu's mission by having a strong understanding and training all staff on educational best practices and engaging with guests on the museum floor. 
• Be a positive MoChiMu representative and assure the organization and its mission and programs are consistently presented in strong, positive ways to the internal team, partners, relevant stakeholders, the public, and media.  
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance and meet eligibility requirements to drive on company business:
• i.e. no major violations, including DUI, racing, hit and run, speeding in excess of 20 mph over posted speed limit, or manslaughter; no more than two moving violations within the past three years; no more than one at fault accident within the past three years.
• Comply with all the MoChiMu policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, Infection Control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, patrons, and others.
• Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at MoChiMu. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time, and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided. 
• Maintain a willingness to support MoChiMu and the team in other collaborative projects, museum needs, and roles outside the assigned job description. 
• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.

Education and Experience

Education – A highschool diploma or equivalent is required. An associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred. Experience in education, childhood development, museum management, or relevant disciplines is valued. Significant experience in a Children’s Museum or non-profit environment and having a new Museum experience is strongly valued.    

Experience – A minimum of three years of progressively significant experience in a school, Children’s Museum, educational or non-profit environment, and having new Museum experience is strongly preferred. Experience working with educational programs, volunteers, students, educators, administrators, school districts, other educational organizations, and the public is essential.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experienced inspirational team leader with strong interpersonal communications skills
• Experienced with informal and formal pedagogical knowledge, team & volunteer management and programmatic logistics
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and have a passion for hands-on, experiential education.
• Ability to handle conflicts and challenges professionally and constructively.
• Ability to analyze processes and data and identify necessary improvements.
• Requires a high level of accuracy and attention.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously to develop creative solutions and make sound decisions. 
• Good understanding of industry regulations, standards, safety, and security protocols for public spaces.
• Passion for the organization's mission and values.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse people groups.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail/Sheets/Docs/Drive) and scheduling & group sales software (i.e. Altru)

Work Activities, Styles, and Requirements

Leadership: Be a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of MoChiMu's mission and a commitment to providing an enriching experience for children and families. Think outside the box to direct, cultivate, and expand educational opportunities and maintain programs and exhibits that are fun, interactive, and educational. Promote a culture of kindness and respect, creating a positive and welcoming environment for all who visit MoChiMu.

Program Development: Support the creation and implementation of innovative and engaging educational programs that align with MoChiMu's mission and goals. Support the evaluation of youth and family programming and STEAM education. Work with the Director to develop and implement extensive partnerships with educational institutions to enhance program development.

Volunteer Development: Training, engaging, and retaining volunteers passionate about MoChiMu's mission is key. Cultivating educational volunteers that have meaningful, fulfilling experience and offers opportunities for growth and development is essential.  

Financial Management: Maintain accurate records of transactions at the front desk, overseeing cash drawer opening and closing procedures and conducting end of day deposits. Ensuring financial transparency is maintained and in line with company policy and procedures. 

Communication: Be personable, compelling, and able to articulate MoChiMu's mission to diverse audiences. Show passion by representing MoChiMu, interact effectively with individuals and small groups by successfully delivering formal educational presentations to large audiences, and can tell MoChiMu’s story.

Character: Exhibit honesty and integrity to foster a culture of trust and transparency within MoChiMu. Be forward-thinking, flexible, and creative, bringing energy and enthusiasm to MoChiMu. Exhibit grace, empathy, and compassion towards colleagues and visitors, promoting positive relationships and creating an inclusive environment. Be the navigator by addressing difficult situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and understanding throughout MoChiMu.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors in a typical office environment approximately seventy percent (70%) of the time; indoors in an active, loud, busy museum environment approximately thirty percent (30%) of the time. 
• Routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• May frequently move (walk or drive) from one work location to another.
• Physical Demands
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, handle, control, feel, and assemble objects, tools, or controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs.
• Ability to ascend, descend, and navigate tight corners within a two-story rope climbing structure.
• Ability to move and lift up to 20 pounds.
• See the differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Ability to see (far/near)
• Ability to talk and hear
• Regular and Consistent Attendance.

Changes: This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly. Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.

ADA/FEHA: MoChiMu will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO: MoChiMu is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.