Education Assistant

Position Summary:

The Erie Canal Museum, located in downtown Syracuse, New York, engages the public in the story of the Erie Canal’s transformative impacts on peoples and places in the past, present, and future. We are stewards and interpreters of Erie Canal related materials and heritage. Established in 1962, the Erie Canal Museum shares 200 years of Erie Canal history through interactive displays, original artifacts, and public programs.

The Education Assistant aids the Director of Education & Public Programs in the development and management of the Museum’s programs. A main priority for the Education Assistant is management of the Museum school program, which included coordinating experiences for nearly 3,000 students for the 2024-2025 school year. This position also contributes to programs and research needed as part of our ongoing commitment to developing diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive onsite and online interpretive materials and experiences.

Regular Responsibilities:

• Manage the Museum’s school field trip program, including maintaining relationships with educators, evaluating feedback, implementing changes, ensuring adherence to state standards, and training and scheduling tour guides.
• Develop and support innovative programs that engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. This task includes managing ticketing and participant lists.
• Perform day-to-day education activities, including leading tours and engaging with Museum visitors.
• Assist in securing annual funding to support the Museum’s initiatives by helping to identify and prepare grant applications, especially to support the Museum’s school program.
• Other duties to be assigned as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience with New York State Educational Standards and curriculum,
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with Museum staff, volunteers, visitors, and partners
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with thoroughness, accuracy, timeliness, professionalism, and a positive spirit.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of current best practices for museum interpretations.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Museum Studies, Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, and communications within a nonprofit or similar environment.

Additional Details:

This full time position works 32-40 hours per week, including occasional weekend and evening hours. This position can be hybrid, but requires a regular schedule of on-site hours. The pay is $19.25/hour. Medical, dental, and life insurance benefits are available. Personal time, holidays, and sick time are included.

To apply, candidates should send a cover letter; a resume or Curriculum Vitae; and two references.  

Applications packages should be submitted as PDFs via email to Natalie Stetson, Executive Director, at employment(at)eriecanalmuseum.org with “Education Assistant" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted through August 17, 2025 or until the position is filled.

The Erie Canal Museum (ECM) is an American Alliance of Museum accredited history museum. ECM recruits and hires employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual preference, and treats all employees equally with respect to compensation and opportunities for advancement, including upgrading, or promotion. ECM supports the Americans with Disabilities Act, and will take such measures insofar as possible to assist employees who need accommodation. Reference checks may be conducted for all positions.