Curriculum Developer

  • Full-time

Company Description

At Great Lakes Science Center, we make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive to feed the inner sense of curiosity for guests of all ages. We believe in the value of using real scientific challenges through opportunities to invent, design, tinker and create to encourage curiosity and experimentation. The Science Center remains committed to developing informal science education programs that inspire young minds, improve STEM literacy and cultivate the creative, critical thinkers who will shape the future of Northeast Ohio.

Job Description

Summary:

The Curriculum Developer assists in the creation, conceptualization, and development of diverse science, technology, engineering, and math educational experiences for family and youth audiences. This position will work independently and as part of a team dedicated to enriching guests’ interests through high-quality, exciting, and fun educational programs. In addition to researching new content and mechanisms for delivery, the Curriculum Developer will be innovative and integrate cutting-edge technology into programs when appropriate. The Curriculum Developer will also assist with creating and implementing training programs as directed by the Senior Curriculum Developer. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Curriculum Development

  • Ideate, develop, test, and deploy high-quality informal STEM education programs
  • Research trends and technologies to keep our programs relevant and competitive
  • Work in a timely manner to execute tasks
  • Ability to give and receive critiques while maintaining focus on the program objectives
  • Stay in a creative mindset under tight deadlines and high expectations

Training

  • Develop and implement training materials for program delivery
  • Evaluate program efficacy and report results to Senior Curriculum Developer for refinement

Communication and Collaboration

  • Work closely with peers to gather new ideas and best practices for curriculum development
  • Frequently report on progress to other departments so they may be informed to press and promotion
  • Collaborate and share content with Exhibits team to integrate curriculum with other experiences within the Science Center
  • Cooperate and communicate positively and constructively with others to effectively manage shared space and resources

Key Responsibilities:

Informal Learning and STEM Content Knowledge and Skills

  • Seek new information and creative new approaches to frequently develop, learn, and present a variety of content from technology, engineering design processes, physical science, biomedical, nanotechnology, maker, and more. Note that Great Lakes Science Center focuses on the “TEM of STEM” as its unique role. We do not seek to be redundant with the region’s already rich resources in natural and environmental sciences
  • Research and implement a wide range of informal STEM learning practices
  • Creatively use IoT programming software and digital fabrication equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters
  • Safely work with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, methane, corrosive and flammable materials

Program Delivery

  • Deliver programs such as informal guest engagement, science demonstrations, family and member workshops, and exhibit-related programming. This includes one on one educational experiences, large-scale demonstrations for hundreds of audience members, and live television and streaming.
  • Reflect on and actively work to improve learning for all guests, from early childhood to adult.
  • Enthusiastically represent the Science Center at off-site programs, including but not limited to outreach programs, science fairs, earned media, and community events. Communicate knowledgeably about all Science Center programs, policies, and procedures. Serve as a positive and enthusiastic spokesperson for Science Center programs, exhibits, and mission.

Technical Skills

  • Builds and repairs props and educational materials using various tools including power and hand tools, soldering irons, and other tools as necessary for the job
  • Coding and technology for props and educational programs using various software and hardware

 Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competencies:

  • Learning Orientation
  • Organizational Skills
  • Thoroughness
  • Teamwork Orientation
  • Collaboration Skills
  • Communication Proficiency

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

  • Experience creating hands-on informal science curriculum to varied audiences
  • Demonstrated success working in a collaborative environment
  • STEM-related degree

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (K/S/A):

  • Expertise in informal STEM education and/or STEM content.
  • Ability to demonstrate enthusiastic and entertaining program delivery skills.
  • Demonstrated ability or willingness to contribute to development and execution of new program ideas, and a history of providing constructive feedback on existing programs and workshops.
  • Attention to detail and proficiency in performing routine operational and administrative duties such as scheduling.
  • Must have an excellent track record for coaching and motivating staff and volunteers in all areas of the building.
  • Must be self-confident and motivated; able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be detail-oriented and work well within a changing environment.
  • Must be open-minded and flexible.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Must have experience researching and writing for STEM projects, preferably in an educational setting.

Additional Information

Salary: $32,000 - $37,000 annualized

Expected Hours of Work: Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays required on a regular basis. 

Great Lakes Science Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines