Public Programs Specialist

Description

Classification: Full-time

Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: Programs may occur at all Forest Preserves sites. Office located at Museum of the Grand Prairie (Mahomet, IL)

FSLA Status
:
Hourly, non-exempt

IMRF Pension Plan
:
Eligible

Insurance Benefits
:
Eligible for group insurance plans (medical, dental, vision, etc.)

Paid Time Off
:
Sick leave, vacation leave, comp time, paid holidays, paid family leave

Hours: 40 hours per week, generally from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Will include weekends and evenings, with flexible hours based on programming needs.

Pay: Grade 6: $22.43 to $27.46/hour

The Public Programs Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing cultural history programs, for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds served by the Champaign County Forest Preserves within the Museum and Education Department.

This position reports to the Public Programs Manager and does not supervise any Forest Preserves employees.

• Coordinate within the Museum and Education Department and all departments throughout the Champaign County Forest Preserve District to maintain sound knowledge of our mission, activities and strategic objectives for the development of public programs.
• Develop, plan, execute, and evaluate public programs that further the Forest Preserves’ mission and the Museum and Education Department’s mission according to its interpretive plan, exhibits, and collections, and connect with audiences of all backgrounds and abilities. Programs include but are not limited to public programs and events for all ages, preschool programs, programs for Scouts, library programs, assisted living homes and special request programs.
• Assess community needs and coordinate resources to enhance programs.
• Establish and manage strategic partnerships with local and national organizations to develop programming/content and to facilitate public engagement with the Department’s mission and programs.
• Collaborate with the staff to develop, plan, execute, and evaluate interdisciplinary programs.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor the spending of budgets for public programs. Make annual budget recommendations to the Public Program Manager as requested.
• Recruit, train, coordinate, and evaluate volunteers, working closely with the Forest Preserves’ Volunteer Coordinator. This includes the volunteer docents.
• Collaborate with Department and Forest Preserve staff (e.g. Marketing Coordinator, Site
• Superintendents, etc.) on the development of public programs, and marketing and outreach materials.
• Support positive guest experience at Museum of the Grand Prairie (MGP) including customer service, visitor safety, care of the Center and its exhibits, and building security.
• Enforce Forest Preserves’ rules of conduct and inform appropriate authority if patrons or employees are in danger. Respond promptly and accurately to safety issues, accidents, or concerns of the public.
• Perform all tasks in compliance with the Forest Preserves’ Safety Manual and the department training manual.

• Greet and record visitors of the MGP, answer the phone and perform other office duties. Assist with maintenance and cleaning of the Center.
• Manage the Forest Preserves’ volunteer-docent program for the museum; recruit, coordinate, and train volunteer-docents as needed
• Assist with the growth and maintenance of MGP social media platforms.
• Collaborate with Public Program Manager and the curatorial staff to ensure proper care, use, and management of the Education Collection.
• Assist with establishing short- and long-term action plans in accordance with the interpretive and strategic plans approved by the Forest Preserves.
• Regularly participate in…