Director of STEAM Learning & Public Programs

Job Title: Director of STEAM Learning & Public Programs

Organization: Kidzeum (Children’s Museum of Springfield)

Location: Springfield, IL

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Learning staff, program instructors, volunteers, seasonal/part-time educators

Salary: $45,000-$60,000



About Kidzeum:

Kidzeum is Springfield’s hands-on children’s museum dedicated to sparking curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning for children and families through interactive exhibits, playful learning experiences, and community-centered programs. We are committed to inclusive, equitable access to high-quality informal learning that supports early childhood development and school readiness.

Position Summary

The Director of STEAM Learning & Public Programs leads Kidzeum’s learning vision and manages the design, delivery, and evaluation of all public programs, workshops, outreach, and interpretive strategies. This role combines strategic leadership, program development, staff supervision, and community partnership building to ensure Kidzeum’s offerings are engaging, developmentally appropriate, accessible, and aligned with museum goals, with a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and implement an integrated learning strategy aligned with Kidzeum’s mission, values, and organizational plan.

• Design, refine, and expand a diverse portfolio of public programs including daily learning activities, workshops, classes, school group experiences, summer camps, early childhood programming, family programs, after-school offerings, and special events.

• Ensure programs are inquiry-based, developmentally appropriate and rooted in best practices in early childhood and informal learning.

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee daily public programming operations, scheduling, registrations, curriculum and lesson planning, program budgets, and supply procurement.

• Collaborate with Exhibits & Operations teams to integrate programmatic content with exhibit interpretation and visitor flow.

• Manage evaluation frameworks for programs (attendance tracking, learning outcomes, visitor feedback) and use data to inform continuous improvement.

Staffing, Supervision & Professional Development

• Hire, onboard, supervise, mentor, and evaluate learning staff, instructors, interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees.

• Create and implement ongoing professional development, training, and coaching for learning team members in interpretation techniques, classroom management, child development, accessibility, and equity practices.

• Develop and maintain clear staff policies, procedures, and program manuals.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and sustain partnerships with local schools, early childhood providers, libraries, social service agencies, cultural organizations, and funders to broaden access and co-create programs.

• Lead outreach initiatives and off-site programming to expand Kidzeum’s reach, including school field trips, community events, and mobile/rolling exhibits.

• Represent Kidzeum at community meetings, coalitions, and public events.

Evaluation, Reporting & Budget Management

• Develop program budgets, monitor expenses, and report on program performance and impact.

• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on learning outcomes, participation, and satisfaction; prepare reports for leadership, board, funders, and grant requirements.

• Lead grant-writing and collaborate with Development on proposals to support program growth where appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in learning, museum learning, early childhood learning, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.

• Must be certified to teach in the state of Illinois.

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in museum learning, children’s programming, or informal learning settings; at least 3 years in a supervisory/leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of child development, play-based learning, STEAM/science learning for young children, and best practices in informal learning.

• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive, accessible programming for diverse audiences, including children with special needs.

• Excellent leadership, staff-development, project management, budgeting, and evaluation skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication, public speaking, and partnership-building skills.

• Experience with registration and program management systems preferred.

• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and community events; valid driver’s license for outreach activities preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and creative thinker with practical implementation focus

• Collaborative team leader and effective communicator

• Data-informed decision-maker with attention to detail

• Culturally responsive and equity-minded practitioner

• Flexible, energetic, kid-centered approach to problem solving

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (range to be posted or discuss in application)

• Benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan options, professional development support, museum membership and program discounts

• Supportive, mission-driven workplace with opportunities to shape a growing children’s museum

Kidzeum is an equal opportunity employer.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with a base schedule of Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended evening or Sunday hours as needed to oversee programs and participate in other museum activities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: Kidzeum provides reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility and inclusion in all areas of employment. The responsibilities of this position involve a mix of office-based, classroom, and exhibit-floor environments. Work may include moving between floors, setting up materials for programs, and engaging with children and families in active learning spaces.

This position may occasionally involve tasks such as moving program materials or equipment (with assistance or adaptive tools as needed), adjusting displays at varying heights, or participating in hands-on activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to support qualified individuals in performing the essential functions of the role.

The work environment may include moderate noise and activity typical of a children’s museum.