Guest Engagement Specialist - Shift Lead (Part-Time)

Company Description

At Great Lakes Science Center, we make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive 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.

Over the last decade, Great Lakes Science Center has repeatedly launched innovative strategic initiatives that received national recognition. In 2013, the organization launched Cleveland Creates, an initiative in collaboration with corporate leaders to change the community’s narrative around advanced manufacturing for diverse middle-school youth and families. This work was recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, who chose the Science Center as the unveiling site for the National Week of Making with Mythbuster’s host Adam Savage in 2016. The Science Center also has been honored to play an important role for national events in Cleveland, including the 2016 Republican National Convention and the 2021 National Football League Draft. As an anchor institution of downtown’s North Coast Harbor, the organization is now looking ahead to the exciting future of lakefront development.

The Science Center was recognized for its initiative, Cleveland Connections, that integrates emerging technologies such as blockchain and industrial internet of things, to educate and empower youth in developing personal and community solutions. The team at the Science Center leveraged their commitment to being a learning organization and used the best scientific research to develop safe operating models, allowing them to continue to serve families and schools during the public health and economic crises that have magnified persistent racial inequities in our community. The Science Center was honored for this work and named a 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist, recognizing their pioneering approaches and deep community partnerships during this difficult time. In 2022, GLSC was voted a top three science museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards.

Great Lakes Science Center embraces and encourages the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique. We consider diversity and inclusion essential for institutional excellence and fulfillment of our vision - a community where all people value STEM to inform decision making and enrich lives. We believe our strength lies in the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, ingenuity, self-expression, and unique capabilities. Our employees, volunteers, guests, and partners bring and invest these strengths in their daily experiences at Great Lakes Science Center. We champion an unending commitment to diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our board, staff, and key stakeholders embrace these principles.

Job Description

Summary:

The Great Lakes Science Center seeks a creative and resourceful Lead Guest Engagement Specialist. The Lead will support other Guest Engagement staff, and will work with a dynamic and diverse group of their peers, all dedicated to enriching visitor engagement through inquiry-based learning.  The position is expected to work closely with Operations staff to help deliver high-quality, exciting, and fun programs that include but are not limited to:  interpretive programming inside Great Lakes Science Center and onboard the Steamship William G. Mather, maker activities and workshops, scientific demonstrations, theatrical shows, activity carts, and outreach opportunities within the Greater Cleveland area. This is a part-time position which reports to the STEM Learning Operations Coordinator.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Perform Guest Engagement duties such as: Informal visitor engagement, public demonstrations, school workshops, and more at the Science Center and within the community
  • Demonstrates enthusiastic and positive attitude with willingness to learn
  • Models best practices in informal education and visitor engagement
  • Actively deliver visitor programs while modeling the highest standards in professionalism, inquiry-based and hands-on techniques, interpersonal communication, and guest service philosophy to create a superior visitor experience for Science Center guests
  • Communicate knowledgeably about current Science Center programs, policies, and procedures to be a positive and enthusiastic spokesperson for Science Center programs, exhibits, and mission
• Provide excellent customer services while out on the floors or assisting with greeting gro