| Job Description: |
Science Up Close! Program Coordination and Implementation
• Serves as the primary coordinator for the Science Up Close! program in the Inspire Gallery.
• Manages planning and logistics for rotating cohorts of participating scientists.
• Coordinates schedules to ensure consistent Science Up Close! experiences in the gallery during operating hours.
• Works directly with scientists to support the development of engaging demonstrations, hands-on activities, and informal discussion approaches appropriate for public audiences.
• Provides orientation, training, and ongoing support to participating scientists related to gallery facilitation, visitor interaction, and Museum expectations.
• Supports the development and delivery of Science Up Close! experiences that highlight active research, Museum collections, and the process of scientific discovery in ways that are accessible and engaging to visitors.
• Cultivates partnerships with UF units across campus, including academic departments, research centers, and interdisciplinary initiatives to identify participating scientists, support rotating research cohorts, and strengthen connections between university research and public engagement in the Inspire Gallery.
• Monitors program quality and visitor experience during live Science Up Close! interactions and provides feedback and support as needed.
Gallery Operations and Program Support
• Coordinates daily educational operations within the Inspire Gallery, ensuring program readiness, activity setup, and appropriate staffing support.
• Develops and maintains systems for organizing, stocking, and maintain Science Up Close! materials, equipment, and hands-on components.
• Assists with scheduling gallery use for programs, scientist rotations, trainings, and special events.
• Serves as an on-site point of contact during assigned shifts for gallery-related questions, operational issues, or visitor needs.
• Identifies operational or maintenance issues within the gallery and communicates concerns to appropriate Museum staff.
• Supports the Education Department by assisting with the planning, development, and delivery of Museum summer camps, including curriculum support, facilitation, and staff coverage as needed, particularly for Inspire Gallery summer programming.
• Provides on-floor coverage and program support during peak visitation periods or special events as needed.
Evaluation and Administration
• Maintains tracking systems for Science Up Close! and other Inspire Gallery programs, including attendance counts, program schedules, and basic participation data.
• Assists with evaluation efforts by collecting visitor feedback, observational data, and input from participating scientists.
• Helps maintain documentation, internal records, and reports related to Inspire Gallery programming and scientist participation.
• Responds to informational requests related to Inspire Gallery and Science Up Close! via email and telephone in a professional and timely manner.
Collaboration and Communication
• Acts as a liaison between Education Programs staff, Exhibits staff, researchers, and Visitor Services to support effective delivery of Science Up Close! experiences.
• Coordinates with PR/Marketing and Graphics staff as needed to support communication and promotion of Science Up Close! rotations and gallery programming.
• Represents the Inspire Gallery and Science Up Close! program in internal meetings and cross-departmental projects, as assigned
•Performs other duties as assigned in support of the Inspire Gallery, Exhibits and Public Programs Department, and the broader mission of the Florida Museum as requested by the Director of Education.
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| Preferred: |
Experience working with children, families, schools, or public audiences
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in an appropriate area; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of informal science education best practices
At least 5 years of natural history museum program development experience
Experience developing and implementing innovative outreach education
Experience delivering community science based programs
Administrative and supervisory skills
Experience in effectively working with complex teams and managing projects
Must be an excellent communicator and facilitator
Experience creating and editing video content
Fully Bilingual (English/Spanish)
The strongest candidates for this position will have experience with and passion for innovation, a strong teamwork orientation, extensive knowledge of and passion for natural history, knowledge of current trends/opportunities in informal science education, and the ability to envision/fund/implement strategic goals.
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