Careers

Summary

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum’s STEM Educator is a full-time staff position responsible for working with a team of museum educators in addition to developing/delivering STEM programming via informal education experiences that include the afterschool/out-of-school time and on-site programming experiences (i.e. overnights, field trips, camps, and other education-specific needs at the museum). The Education department is looking for an individual that is adaptable with a positive attitude, growth mindset, and willingness to ‘jump right in.’

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in delivering afterschool/out-of-school time programming to support middle and elementary school youth at site locations throughout Omaha, Lincoln, and the Council Bluffs Metro area
• Routinely attends professional development training opportunities and participates in program quality assessments
• Prepares, plans, and executes engaging activities for youth in the afterschool settings and informal learning experiences for learners of all ages at the museum
• Prepares, plans, and executes engaging activities for youth in the informal learning experiences for learners of all ages at the museum such as Overnight programs, Summer Camps, and other education programs.
• Consistently looks to improve on best-practices in informal education settings
• Routinely communicates with museum education staff, department leadership, and between departments
• Communicates with staff from afterschool programming sites (to include site staff and the site director)
• Assists in developing new high quality educational material to be used in the informal setting
• Maintains an organized space, tracks material usages and makes supply requests for a variety of programs provided by the museum
• Assists in taking payments, data analysis, and attendance tracking for a variety of museum educational offerings

Knowledge and Skills

• An Associates or Bachelors degree is preferred in a related field, to include degrees in education or various ‘STEM’ degrees (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)

o Prior experiences in any of the following areas are strongly preferred: teaching, informal learning environments, STEM, museum, or camp counselor environments

• Previous experience with developing high quality, engaging STEM activities
• Creative and skilled at interacting with people of all ages
• Knowledge of classroom management and youth engagement methodologies
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to continually learn and improve

Environment

• This is an in-person position that functions on site at the museum and in the community, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the educational program need
• Key hours of work for this position are during the hours of 9am to 5pm, with some flexibility, Monday through Friday and some work on weekends and overnights
• Reliable transportation to commute between schools (mileage reimbursement) and the museum

Job Classification

Full Time, Salary

Pay: From $35,000-$41,500 (annual performance review and evaluation)

Employment conditional on successfully passing a background check

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Apply

The Director of STEM Education and Experience is a leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of STEM education programs and initiatives, as well as ensuring an exceptional guest experience within the museum. This role requires a dynamic individual with a passion for education, a strong background in STEM fields, and experience in management. The Director will work closely with the Vice President of Education and Community Engagement to develop and implement strategic plans to enhance the museum’s educational offerings for youth through adults as well as the visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities

STEM Education Leadership:

– Develop and implement comprehensive STEM education programs and curriculum that align with museum objectives and educational standards.

• Design interactive workshops and hands-on activities that engage students in real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Create age-appropriate lesson plans and materials for various educational levels, from elementary to high school.
• Collaborate with local schools and educators to tailor programs that complement existing curricula and meet state and national standards.
• Organize STEM-focused events and exhibitions, such as science fairs and robotics competitions, to inspire interest and engagement.
• Integrate cutting-edge technology and tools such as virtual reality and 3D printing into learning experiences.
• Develop outreach programs for underserved communities to broaden access to STEM education.
• Continuously evaluate and update programs based on feedback and educational trends to ensure effectiveness and engagement.

– Collaborate with internal teams, educational institutions, and community partners to enhance educational outreach and engagement.

• Work with museum curator to integrate STEM themes into existing exhibits and develop new interactive displays.
• Partner with local schools and universities to create joint programs, guest lectures, and field trip opportunities.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to promote educational programs through various channels and increase community awareness.
• Engage with community organizations to co-host STEM events, such as science nights or maker fairs, that attract diverse audiences.
• Develop partnerships with industry leaders to provide mentorship, internships, and career exploration opportunities for students.
• Collaborate with government and non-profit organizations to secure grants and funding for educational initiatives.
• Facilitate teacher training workshops in collaboration with educational institutions to empower educators with new STEM teaching strategies.

– Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of education staff and volunteers.
– Evaluate the effectiveness of STEM programs through data analysis and feedback mechanisms and adjust as necessary to ensure continuous improvement.

Experience Management:

– Develop and maintain high standards for guest services, ensuring a welcoming and engaging experience for all visitors.
– Monitor visitor feedback and implement measures to address concerns and improve satisfaction levels.
– Collaborate with the exhibits and collections team to ensure that exhibits are engaging, accessible, and aligned with educational goals.

Operational Support:

– Assist in the development and management of departmental budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
– Participate in cross-functional teams and committees to support museum-wide initiatives and strategic planning efforts.

Qualifications:

– A bachelor’s degree in education, STEM field, museum studies, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
– Minimum of 5 years of experience in educational leadership roles, preferably in a museum or educational institution setting.
– Demonstrated knowledge of STEM education principles and best practices.
– Strong organizational and managerial skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
– Passion for promoting STEM education engagement.

Apply