Engagement and Volunteer Specialist

Engagement and Volunteer Specialist

The Engagement & Volunteer Specialist plays a key role in implementing Great River Children's Museum's educational programming and volunteer initiatives. Working closely with the Director of Education & Engagement, this position coordinates the day-to-day delivery of educational experiences while recruiting, training, scheduling, and supporting the museum's volunteer program.

The Specialist implements curriculum, lesson plans, and facilitated learning experiences developed by the Director of Education & Engagement, ensuring programs are well prepared, appropriately staffed, and consistently delivered with excellence. This position exercises considerable independence in coordinating daily operations while collaborating across museum departments to create engaging learning experiences for children, families, educators, and volunteers. Great River Children's Museum is committed to building community connections, and as part of this aspect of our mission, the Specialist works closely with and fosters positive relationships with the museum's community partners.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through play.

Because museum programming occurs during public hours, weekends, seasonal camps, and registered programs, this position requires a flexible schedule that includes frequent weekends and occasional evenings for museum programming and special events.

Educational Programming

• Coordinate and implement daily, weekly, seasonal, and special educational programming.
• Implement curriculum, lesson plans, and facilitated learning experiences developed by the Director of Education & Engagement.
• Collaborate with the Director of Education & Engagement to ensure programming aligns with museum learning goals and educational standards.
• Support facilitated educational experiences throughout permanent exhibit spaces and the Hatchery.

• Maintain the museum's educational programming calendar.
• Coordinate program logistics, including supply purchasing, inventory management, and the setup and reset of educational program spaces.
• Maintain organized lesson plans, curriculum materials, facilitator guides, and implementation documentation to ensure staff and volunteers have access to current resources.
• Coordinate with the Operations & Guest Experience Manager by providing schedules, program details, and logistical information needed to support registrations for camps, classes, field trips, and other educational offerings.
• Collect attendance data and assist with tracking participation, learning outcomes, and other program metrics.
• Assist the Director of Education & Engagement in evaluating program effectiveness and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, onboard, orient, schedule, and serve as the primary day-of contact for museum volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer applications, background checks, and required documentation.
• Develop, maintain, and update volunteer training materials and orientation resources.
• Support practicum students, interns, and service-learning placements.
• Track volunteer hours, participation, retention, and engagement metrics.
• Foster positive volunteer relationships through communication, coaching, appreciation, and recognition.
• Provide guidance and support to help volunteers consistently demonstrate the museum's values, guest experience standards, and educational philosophy.
• Collaborate across museum departments to identify volunteer needs and engagement opportunities.

• Facilitate welcoming, engaging, and developmentally appropriate educational experiences for children, families, school groups, and community participants.
• Lead hands-on learning experiences during museum programs, special events, community celebrations, and educational initiatives.
• Respond professionally to guest questions regarding educational programming and learning opportunities.
• Build positive relationships with families, educators, volunteers, and community…