STEAM Learning Assistant (Intern) - Holland Museum (4/23/2021)

Compensation: $1000 stipend upon completion of internship

Department: Education

Reports to: Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Basic Purpose

Working primarily with the Holland Museum’s Spark!Lab exhibit, this position will engage visitors in completing hands-on design challenges by encouraging them to invent and build their own solutions in the space or throughout the community. As part of the museum team, this position will empower visitors to draw connections between the inventions and innovations of the past and present. STEAM Learning Assistants will work closely with museum staff on outreach and programming opportunities throughout the summer.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Greet and interact with museum visitors in an open, friendly manner.
• Interpret design thinking concepts and facilitate hands-on learning for a wide range of audiences, from early childhood through retirees, in groups of 1 to 30.
• Staff operating hours of Spark!Lab, as well as additional outreach and program hours as needed.
• Work with the Education and Community Programs Manager on Outreach programming throughout the summer.
•  Perform tours of Spark!Lab and related spaces and assist visitors as a museum guide as needed.
• Working with museum staff, develop new activities for the Spark!Lab exhibit space that fulfill the Smithsonian’s guidelines.
• Plan, research, and create a schedule of Spark!Lab object displays using Holland Museum collection and education collection objects that focus on themes of invention and innovation. 
• Maintain a professional demeanor, including during training sessions and with other staff and volunteers.
• Perform a variety of other administrative and clerical functions in support of the department’s mission including keeping a daily log; assisting with correspondence; preparing materials for tours, programs, and outreach, etc.
• Act as part of a Summer Intern Council that will tackle issues of cultural importance for the community that the Museum serves. The Council will be guided by the Museum staff to complete a project that will develop leadership and communication skills. Responsibilities include:

o Look for opportunities to address issues that require cross functional skills, creative problem solving, relationship building, and an understanding of the greater organizational strategy of the Museum.
o Meet with other interns over the course of the summer to develop sub teams and plans to address the project(s) they have chosen.
o Commit to roughly 5 hours of work for the Council per week.
o Sub teams will report back to the museum staff to present results of project(s) at the end of the summer.

• Other duties as requested or assigned.

Education and Experience

Must be currently enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate degree program, or a recent graduate. Demonstrated experience working with children and families. Experience working in customer service is preferred. Proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have exceptional customer service and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Willingness to learn, a “can do” mentality.
• Creative, with analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and follow through on tasks to completion.
• Ability to work with a diverse public and a diverse workforce.
• Ability to perform physical tasks (lift 30 lbs.) with physical mobility and ability to climb stairs.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Windows/Mac OS, email, the Internet, etc.

Work Schedule

15-20 hours per week, with some evening and weekend hours. Flexible schedule.

Compensation

A $1000 stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the internship. Housing is not included as part of this internship. High school/college credit may be available dependent on school requirements.

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Michelle Stempien at michelle@hollandmuseum.org. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Posted on 3/19/2021