What are the responsibilities and job description for the Jackson Afterschool Group Leader position at Mississippi Children's Museum?
Afterschool Group Leader
Summary: The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) is looking for an enthusiastic, patient, and understanding individual to work in a fast-paced, fun, and educational childcare environment. The ideal candidate should possess a caring attitude, positive energy, and readiness to interact with both children and adults to help keep museum spaces well maintained. This is a part-time position, with hours from 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, most weekdays after school, in alignment with the Jackson Public Schools calendar. Additional hours will be available during school breaks as desired.
Principal Accountabilities
- Supervises and ensures the safety of a group of children while adhering to museum policies and practices regarding children and staff.
- Leads children in daily activities such as STEAM projects, social-emotional learning, physical education games, and both structured and unstructured free play.
- Supports children in managing emotions and helps during emotional challenges and constructive peer interactions.
- Follows the daily schedule efficiently and proactively adapts to changes based on the group’s overall needs.
- Collaborates with other adults to effectively manage children.
- Communicates professionally and courteously with museum staff, afterschool children, and guests.
- Assists with daily setup to prepare for children’s arrival and meet group needs.
- Maintains the cleanliness of museum spaces and playgrounds, including resetting and spraying museum galleries.
- Follows all MCM policies and procedures.
- Works closely and collaboratively with the Learning Experiences Department team to support the museum’s mission, vision, and strategic goals and create valuable experiences.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experience working with children in settings such as daycares, schools, afterschool programs, sports, or other child engagement environments.
- Demonstrates integrity, patience, adaptability, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to serving children ages 3 to 10 years old.
- Enjoys leading activities and facilitating play in a fast-paced, non-traditional environment.
- First Aid, CPR, or lifeguarding training is preferred.
Work Schedule
- Available for training on July 23, July 24, July 27, and July 28.
- Monday through Friday, 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM most weeks, following the Jackson Public School District calendar beginning Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The JPS school calendar may dictate specific day changes.
- Scheduled shifts for day camps during school holidays.
- Additional hours may be available for other programs and departments.
Evening Events Scheduled
- Parent Nights—Group leaders are required to attend only on the night their group meets. Nights by Group assignments will be made closer to the start of the school year.
o Tuesday, September 15, 2026
o Tuesday, October 27, 2026
o Tuesday, January 26, 2027
o Tuesday, February 23, 2027
o Tuesday, April 27, 2027
- All Staff Meetings
o November 19, 2026
o May 20, 2027
- Department Meetings—All on Thursdays unless otherwise specified.
o Thursdays in 2026:
August 27
September 24
October 29
December 3
o Thursdays in 2027:
January 28
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 6
Pay: $11.00 - $15.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 15.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Application Question(s):
- Are you available Monday-Friday afternoons 2:00-5:30?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $11 - $15