Program Lead

Job Title: Program Lead

Reports to: Manager of Programs & Public Engagement

Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Part-time

Date Updated: 07/28/26

Salary Range: $20.00 per hour

Our Mission

The Modesto Children’s Museum enriches the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning.

Our Vision & Values

Our vision is to be a world-class and exploratory experience for all children that enriches, inspires, and unites our larger community. We believe that all children are welcome and deserve a safe, inclusive space where they can confidently explore who they are and imagine all that is possible. We know that learning engages the entire family, creating stronger connections through curiosity and discovery. We celebrate diversity at every level—through our staff, programs, and practices—ensuring every child and caregiver feels represented and valued. We invest deeply in our community, building partnerships that strengthen and unite our region. And we hold fast to the belief that play is an essential part of learning, sparking joy, creativity, and a lifelong love of discovery.

Position Summary

The Program Lead role is anticipated to be scheduled 12 - 20 hours per week, but hours and days may fluctuate seasonally and weekly depending upon organizational needs. As this position is a primary facilitator of Field Trip visits, open availability on weekdays is required and weekend availability is strongly preferred.

The Program Lead will support MoChiMu’s mission and vision as a continuous point-of-contact for guests through the museum’s Education Programs. This front-of-house role will be engaged with MoChiMu guests of all ages through the lead facilitation of both on-site programs (Field Trips, Camp MoChiMu, Family Parties, etc.) and off-site programs (Outreach Workshops, Community Events, etc.)

An ideal candidate should demonstrate exemplary skills in public speaking, “classroom management,” and the ability to adopt the theories and practices of inquiry learning, child development, and museum education. The Program Lead will work across the museum team, facilitating programs to the highest quality to ensure that MoChiMu is a sustainable and enduring learning institution for years to come.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Greet, organize, facilitate the delivery of, and oversee the daily operations of MoChiMu Field Trips with visiting school groups as large as 120 visitors, making real-time adjustments to ensure a smooth and high quality experience for all.
• Energetically and enthusiastically deliver MoChiMu Outreach Workshop programming off-site at schools, libraries, and community centers as a “face” of MoChiMu across the community.
• Collect and report program data including attendance numbers.

General Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Ensure MoChiMu is clean and safe for all guests, including monitoring the facility for potential hazards, responding to incidents and providing first aid, as needed.
• Monitor guest feedback and respond to complaints in a timely and effective manner.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge about museum exhibits, programs, and events to answer guest questions and provide recommendations.
• Be a positive MoChiMu representative and assure the organization and its mission and programs are consistently presented in strong, positive ways to the internal team, partners, relevant stakeholders, the public, and media.
• Comply with all the MoChiMu policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, Infection Control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, patrons, and others.
• Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at MoChiMu.
• Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time, and prepared to start working.
• Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided.
• Maintain a willingness to support MoChiMu and the team in other collaborative projects, museum needs, and roles outside the assigned job description.
• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.

Changes: This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly. Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.

ADA/FEHA: MoChiMu will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO: MoChiMu is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Education and Experience

Education – A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience – Experience working with a youth population and the public is strongly preferred.

Operation of Vehicle

• This position requires the operation of a vehicle in conducting Museum business. All employees authorized to drive Museum-owned or leased vehicles or personal vehicles in conducting Museum business must possess a current, valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record, where the following standards apply:
  • No major violations, including DUI, racing, hit and run, speeding in excess of 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and manslaughter;
  • No more than two moving violations within the past three years;
  • No more than one at-fault accident within the past three years
• Additionally, employees will be required to provide proof of current auto liability insurance coverage.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• Bilingualism is highly preferred.
• Ability to handle conflicts and challenges professionally and constructively.
• Ability to analyze processes and data and identify necessary improvements.
• Requires a high level of accuracy and attention.
• Passion for the organization's mission and values.
• Well-spoken and polished demeanor.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse people groups.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail/Sheets/Docs/Drive) and social media platforms.

Work Style & Character

• Forward-thinking, creative, and community-focused leader.
• Embodies MoChiMu’s mission with energy, enthusiasm, and inclusivity.
• Exhibits honesty, integrity, and empathy, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity and a growth mindset, continuously seeking new knowledge and creative solutions to increase the museum’s impact.
• Thrives in a dynamic, evolving organization by embracing change, modeling flexibility, and inspiring others to experiment, learn, and adapt alongside them.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors in an active, loud, busy museum environment approximately ninety-five percent (95%) of the time.
• Routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• May occasionally move (walk or drive) from one work location to another.

Physical Demands

• Ability to ascend, descend, and navigate tight corners within two-story rope climbing structure.
• Ability to use one or two hands to grasp, move, handle, control, feel, and assemble objects, tools, or controls.
• Ability to use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, crawl and climb stairs.
• Ability to move and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to see the differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Ability to see (far/near).
• Ability to talk and hear.