Community Educator and Outreach Coordinator

The Grout Museum District seeks a Community Educator & Outreach Coordinator to develop and deliver on-site and traveling educational programs that engage youth, adults, and lifelong learners across a 32-county region. This vital role combines hands-on teaching, program development, and outreach to support the museum’s mission to educate, inspire, and preserve local history and science while generating sustainable program revenue.

The ideal candidate has a background in history or science education, strong written and verbal communication skills, and is comfortable engaging new audiences through cold calls, in-person meetings, and community partnerships. The position works collaboratively with other departments to create programs that bring the museum’s resources directly into schools, libraries, community centers, retirement homes, and care facilities.

Summer availability with overtime is a must since most of the outreach programs are scheduled between May and August. This position typically works full-time hours during the summer and decreased hours in the off-season.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead science and history-based Outreach programs to libraries, festivals, daycares, schools, care centers, and communities in Iowa.
• Collaborate with the Director of Education to complete writeups and progress reports of outreach programming.
• Provide program attendance and maintain documentation.
• Schedule, book, and accept payments for Outreach programs.
• Provide excellent customer service when relaying program details and answering questions about Outreach programs with potential clients.
• Remain current with client communications and inquiries.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Director of Education.

Secondary Duties:

• Work on occasional nights and weekends.
• Cover Front Desk as needed.
• Support Education Team in district wide programming.
• Assist with programs within the education department as necessary.
• Assist staff in other areas of the museum when needed.

Minimum requirements:

• The minimal formal education for the Community Educator is a high school diploma/ GED, with preference given to those working towards a BA/BS. A background in science or history and working with youth is preferred but not required.
• Must have a valid state driver’s license and personal auto insurance.
• Must have your own reliable vehicle for transportation to and from outreaches and programming events (you will be reimbursed for mileage).
• Must be self-motivated, organized, creative and exhibit enthusiasm and flexibility.
• Must be proficient with technology for program booking, emails, data tracking, and accepting payments.
• Must demonstrate comfort in a team environment, with strong collaboration skills.
• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Must be available to work some nights and weekends.
• Must be available to work extended days, especially during the summer.
• Must be able to withstand summer temperatures as some events may be outdoors.
• Must be able to drive for extended periods over long distances.

Job Type: Part-time (average of 29 hours per week, closer to full time hours during the summer)

Salary: $14 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend/Evening availability

Work Location: In person