Associate Director of Education

The Associate Director of Education plays a critical role in advancing MOXI’s mission. This position is responsible for broadly overseeing the development and implementation of MOXI’s informal STEAM learning programs. The Associate Director of Programs also provides leadership and supervision to the staff responsible for educational programs and oversees training of program facilitators. The ideal candidate will be an experienced and innovative informal STEAM educator and maker as well as a proven leader and manager.

Report to: Director of Learning Experiences

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development and daily implementation of educational programs, including school programs, camps, school and community outreach, MOXI makerspace, public programs, and staff facilitation to ensure an excellent experience for our guests.
• Manage, develop, and implement training for the senior program staff.
• Support the Director of Learning Experiences in the execution of MOXI’s Strategic Plan through the development and implementation of education programs aligned with the department’s educational objectives, grant-funded programs, and research goals.
• Provide oversight of STEAM Team facilitators, developing and implementing trainings, supporting STEAM curriculum development, and STEAM Team program evaluation.
• Oversee Public Programs Manager, supporting community partnerships to increase MOXI’s reach and impact
• In collaboration with the exhibits team, ensure the exhibits align with MOXI’s educational objectives and recommend and/or implement improvements to meet this goal.
• Collaborate with exhibits team to curate exhibit installations and/or supplement exhibits with programming or facilitation.
• Evaluate effectiveness of staff training programs and program implementation and modify appropriately.
• Manage Education budgets.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness in informal STEAM learning to follow trends and best practices, initiate relevant partnerships and serve new audiences.
• Maintain close relationships with other museum/education professionals, consultants, and vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

• Proven understanding of informal and formal educational practices, STEAM content, practices of science and engineering, and guiding principles of making. Knowledge of current research and best practices in informal STEAM learning.
• Demonstrated innovative approach to informal learning. Ability to implement playful, engaging, and innovative experiences for a variety of learning styles and ages.
• Proven track record of developing, building, motivating, training, and supervising a strong and diverse team of employees.
• Conscientious and detail-oriented; must have an appreciation of the necessity of following through with paperwork, record-keeping, and documentation.
• Ability to organize and prioritize varied tasks in a manner that most effectively serves the needs of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be receptive to the ideas of others and able to work cooperatively to prioritize tasks and accommodate many different and conflicting concerns.
• Passion for creating a world-class museum that is recognized as a truly outstanding educational experience.
• Enthusiasm for working in an organization where change is frequent, the structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and good humor are absolute necessities.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn new systems and adapt to emerging technologies.
• Awareness of issues relating to access and inclusion and the ability to build inclusive and accessible programs.
• Spanish fluency a plus.

Education and Experience requirements:

• 5+ years’ experience informal STEAM learning
• 3+ years’ experience managing staff and volunteers
• 3+ years’ experience managing educational programs. Proven success in implementing revenue-generating and/or grant-funded programs.
• Master’s degree in science, education, museum studies, or related field; or 7+ years’ experience in informal STEAM learning

Additional Information

• This is a full-time position expected to work onsite.
• Predictable and timely attendance is required.
• Position must be able to bend, squat, and lift p to 50 lbs; work with multiple technologies; stand for extended periods of time; troubleshoot and problem solves; and communicate effectively and courteously with a variety of people verbally and in writing.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasons to apply

• Growth-centered work environment that includes developmental training.
• Playful social culture with opportunities to get to know your coworkers.
• Free admission into local museums including MOXI, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Lotusland, and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans
• Affordable dental and vision
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year
• Paid Family and Covid Sick Leave
• Pet and child-friendly offices
• Membership to the museum and discounted rates to Little Thinker’s Preschool and Camps

About MOXI

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation® is dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s redeveloped tourist area at 125 State Street, the museum is LEED-certified Gold and serves guests of all ages through its hands-on exhibits and education programs. MOXI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by its daily guests, members, facility rentals, and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Who we are

MOXI is a collaborative, creative, and fun place to work. Our team is guided by a set of core values that help create a joyful place where we empower curious minds to explore the world.

Our values: We are Playful. We are collaborative. We are experimenters – we take risks and embrace failure. We believe that diversity is critical to creativity.

How to apply

To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume.

MOXI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.