Museum Educational Program Specialist I

Museum Educational Program Specialist I

The Museum Education Program Specialist I position is responsible for presenting innovative, engaging, and meaningful gallery experiences for diverse audiences.

The Maine State Museum, located in the state capital, Augusta, serves as a vital cultural resource for students, scholars, lifelong learners, and anyone curious about the state's past, present, and future. The Maine State Museum has roots that stretch back to the 1830s and is currently preparing to enter a new, exciting phase. The museum has been closed for extensive renovations and is now gearing up to reopen in October 2026, with new exhibits and an education center designed to engage families and students from PreK through grade 8.

The museum will be open six days a week (Tuesday–Sunday). This full-time position requires working every other weekend and occasional evenings.

This position will be responsible for presenting and assisting with the development of formal and informal educational and interpretive gallery programs of Maine State Museum exhibits for a wide range of individuals from PreK students to tourist to lively senior groups.

Working closely with the education and visitor services team and museum volunteers, this position will assist with the daily operations of public spaces and the admissions desk, and help plan and present team and museum volunteers, this position will assist with the daily operations of public spaces and the admissions desk, and help with the planning and presentation of special events and workshops.

The ideal candidate is familiar with current inquiry-based teaching strategies and is skilled in interdisciplinary, object-based teaching.

Responsibilities include conducting educational gallery programs, assisting with the development of educational materials, assisting with scheduling tours, planning and implementing special events, interpreting and explaining tour policies, performing associated administrative support functions. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Knowledge of Museum artifacts, Maine social history, natural history, and prehistory. Knowledge of object-based teaching and touring methods and techniques, and the required subject matter. Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of museum educational and gallery interpretive program design. Knowledge of Maine Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Common Core Standards. Knowledge of instructional methods and techniques in an informal education setting.

Knowledge of computerized systems and web-based educational tools, and resources. Knowledge of customer service standards. Ability to work within a team and advanced interpersonal skills. Ability to develop, plan, organize, and implement interpretive programs. Ability to prepare, maintain, and disseminate informational material and coordinate special event activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of people – community members, teachers, scholars, and colleagues.

Ability to prepare and deliver presentations. Ability to independently perform research studies. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to write clearly and effectively. Ability to facilitate groups with different needs.

Minimum qualifications:

A three (3) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing education and/or interpretative programs to groups and individuals.

Application instructions:
Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three (3) professional references. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc. The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.

Benefits of…