PORTLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Title: Manager of Visitor Experience Status: 1 FTE / Non-‐Exempt Reports to: Director of Museum Experience Mission and Organizational Overview The mission of Portland Children’s Museum is to inspire imagination, creativity and the wonder of learning in children and adults by inviting moments of shared discovery. Portland Children’s Museum consists of three inter-‐related entities: (1) the Museum, comprised of indoor/outdoor exhibits and on-‐ site/off-‐site programs, (2) Opal School, a fee-‐based preschool and public K-‐5 charter school inspired by the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and (3) the Museum Center for Learning, which researches fresh approaches to education and provides professional development for educators. Job Purpose Cultivate and lead a team of creative, dedicated facilitators in engaging visitors in creative, fun, and meaningful experiences that reflect the Museum’s Reggio-‐inspired educational philosophy. Iteratively develop, assess, document, and disseminate floor programs and facilitation techniques, incorporating and responding to visitors’ ideas and feedback. Provide support as needed for special events and programs for new and existing audiences that align with Museum philosophy and current exhibits. Provide leadership to the department by modeling professionalism, contributing to the strategic vision, and identifying and resolving challenges in a productive manner. Job Results Supervise (50% of time) § Hire, train, mentor, and give feedback to Facilitation Staff and the Museum Experience Coordinator, is primarily responsible for departmental scheduling and logistics, and who serves as Manager on Duty several days per week § Model welcoming, responsive, visitor-‐driven facilitation techniques § Observe and analyze how Facilitation Staff are working, recommend changes to improve engagement with visitors while maintaining standards of safety and cleanliness § Conduct regular formal and informal performance reviews of staff. Ensure each person has a clear understanding of his/her job requirements and expectations, and the evaluation process § Train Facilitation Staff and volunteers for all aspects of their job related to enhancing visitors’ experiences at the Museum § Ensure that policies related to the Museum Floor are followed, analyze their effectiveness, and propose changes when needed Floor programs and Visitor Experience (30% of time) § Lead a team in designing rich and layered programs, environments and facilitation techniques to provoke imaginative play. § Regularly collaborate with the Museum Center for Learning and Opal School to cross-‐pollinate programmatic approaches and develop the team’s research skills § Evaluate floor programs and facilitation techniques to align to the Museum’s mission and administer program documentation and evaluations for programs § Maintain a system for replicating the process and outcomes for identified Museum programs § Track income and expenses, order supplies and materials, and make recommendations to meet or exceed expected budget goals § Support the Director of Museum Experience around new museum programming initiatives § Assist in developing and implementing the annual Educator Open House § Act as Manager on Duty two to three days per week. The MOD is responsible for checking in with all staff who work with visitors, serving as their first call if they need support, and maintaining a safe environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff members Communicate (20% of time) § Meet regularly with staff to provide updates on schedules, upcoming events, and orientations Coordinate, facilitate and document meetings Improve and maintain open and complete communication among staff and cross-‐departmentally Read and respond to questions and concerns relating to programs, staffing, organization, or logistics Collaborate with other departments around marketing, safety, and the Museum’s approach to guest services Coordinate with the Programs Manager and representatives from other departments about any schedule requests/updates or suggestions of staff scheduling § Collaborate with the Museum’s HR/Volunteer Coordinator to identify opportunities for volunteer involvement and maintain a corps of positive, engaged volunteers Qualifications § Educational philosophy aligned with Museum mission, vision and values. § 3 years experience working with young children and/or families, supporting their healthy development and their relationships with caregivers § 1 year experience as a primary developer of constructivist programs for young children and their caregivers § Experience developing outdoor programs for young audiences § Understanding of the affordances of art media, and strategies for connecting the languages of the arts and young children § Demonstrated success as a leader and learner § Proven ability to coordinate multiple tasks and manage time effectively § High attention to details, deadlines, financial outcomes, and relationships with others § Ability to problem-‐solves independently and collaborate naturally with others § Positive attitude in challenging situations § Readiness to work evenings and weekends as needed To apply, send cover letter, resume and three references to [email protected] with Manager of Visitor Experience in the subject line. § § § § §