Crown Family PlayLab Program Assistant

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Crown Family PlayLab Program Assistant is a part-time, public-facing position within the School Programs division in the Sue Ling Gin Center for Education and Public Programs of the Field Museum. The individual in this position will primarily support the operations of the Crown Family PlayLab, which is an interactive, family-friendly learning space geared for early childhood audiences (ages 2-6). This role will report to the Early Childhood Programs Manager, as they staff the front desk of the PlayLab, support volunteers, and ensure the space remains operational for visitors.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

#1 – Staff the Crown Family PlayLab
Following a Wednesday-Saturday schedule, the Program Assistant will be responsible for opening and closing the space following a set of defined procedures. The Program Assistant will be responsible for providing a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, including overseeing the PlayLab’s front desk and supporting daily operations within the space. The Program Assistant will do this by collaborating with internal departments to
ensure the space is running efficiently for guests, which includes monitoring PlayLab supplies, communicating maintenance and housekeeping needs, assisting with volunteer oversight, and supporting guest inquiries throughout the day. This position regularly works one weekend day per week and holidays throughout the year.

#2 – Monitor Communication Channels with Volunteers
The Program Assistant will also oversee and respond to daily communication channels with volunteers, and work with the Early Childhood Programs Manager and Coordinator to onboard new volunteers, as well as assist with quarterly volunteer training sessions.

#3 – Support Program Implementation
Occasionally, this role will collaborate with the Early Childhood Programs Manager and Coordinator to assist with the implementation of on-site early childhood education programs.

#4 – Assist with General Program Needs

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Opening the PlayLab space; capturing daily attendance and monitoring capacity; assisting with guest support needs; supporting volunteer oversight; maintaining play areas as well as cleaning, laundering and sanitizing materials; working with internaldepartments to ensure the space is clean and that safety procedures are being followed; and closing the PlayLab at the end of the day following set procedures. (75%)
• Monitoring daily volunteer communication channels, assigning PlayLab volunteer duties across volunteer shifts, and assisting with the onboarding and training of new volunteers. (10%)
• Supporting the Manager of Early Childhood Programs in the implementation of on-site programming, including check-in procedures, organizing and monitoring supplies, and assisting in program coordination as needed. (10%)
• Assisting with general program needs. (5%)

Qualifications:

The Crown Family PlayLab Program Assistant must exhibit strong customer service skills and comfortability communicating with diverse populations. The candidate will display excelle