Description

Who We Are:

Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) is committed to providing STEM for all, with unique approaches to STEM education and workforce development that inspire future STEM professionals and the next generation of an increasingly STEM-engaged world. As Cleveland continues to rise, with plans to further increase public access, business, housing, education, and tourism on the lakefront, GLSC will be a central voice. The most recent strategic business plan is driving an exciting comprehensive campaign that is revitalizing our renown education programs, activating the guest experience with major new exhibition galleries and strong staffing, while also building our endowment to ensure a strong future. GLSC’s annual operating budget averages more than $7 million, including 40% contributed revenue, a growing strength of the organization as we near the completion of our comprehensive campaign. The annual operating budget includes more than 60% earned revenue, which is bolstered by summer camps, the café, store, parking garage, and the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater— the world’s first giant dome cinema laser system. GLSC is home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and the 9th grade of Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s award-winning MC2 STEM High School.

For three years in a row (2022-2024), GLSC has been voted a top ten science museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards. Our organization has repeatedly launched innovative strategic initiatives that receive widespread recognition. Our Manufacturing Day program has become a national model. GLSC’s Robotics Initiative in collaboration with Cleveland Metropolitan School District is a year-round program that prepares students to compete in FIRST and to put their skills to use in transformative ways, like designing and building prosthetics for children. In February 2024, the Cleveland Creates Gallery presented by the Sherwin Williams Company, opened to the public, with an awe-inspiring exhibition focusing on the technology and workforce advances of the region. And in April 2024, GLSC welcomed nearly 40,000 guests to the 2024 Total Eclipse Fest, a science and arts festival presented with NASA Glenn Research Center and The Cleveland Orchestra to provide a once-in-a-lifetime event free to the community.

At GLSC, we embrace and encourage the attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique. We consider diversity and inclusion essential for institutional excellence and fulfillment of our mission and vision. We believe our strength lies in the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, ingenuity, self-expression, and unique capabilities. Our employees, volunteers, guests, and partners bring and invest these strengths in their daily experiences at Great Lakes Science Center

Summary:

The Great Lakes Science Center seeks a creative and resourceful Guest Engagement Specialist to work with a dynamic and diverse group of their peers, dedicated to enriching visitor engagement through inquiry-based learning. A Guest Engagement Specialist is expected to deliver high-quality, exciting, and fun programs that include but are not limited to: interpretive programming inside Great Lakes Science Center, NASA Glenn Visitor Center, and on the Steamship William G. Mather, Maker activities and workshops, scientific demonstrations, theatrical shows, activity carts, and other guest experiences. This is a part time position which reports to the Education Operations Manager. Identify primary function categories for the position and describe related duties and responsibilities under each function for the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Delivers programs such as informal visitor engagement, public demonstrations, interactive cart activities.

• Engages guests in traveling exhibitions
• Engages guests on Steamship
• Assists with group greeting
• Demonstrates enthusiastic and positive attitude with willingness to learn
• Models best practices in informal education and visitor engagement
• Actively deliver visitor programs while modeling the highest standards in professionalism, inquiry-based and hands-on techniques, interpersonal communication, and guest service philosophy to create a superior visitor experience for Science Center guests
• Perform daily operational duties
• May represent the Science Center at off-site programs, including but not limited to outreach programs, science fairs, community events, etc. Communicate knowledgeably about current Science Center programs, policies, and procedures to be a positive and enthusiastic spokesperson for Science Center programs, exhibits, and mission

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Please note that this position requires working outdoors for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions, frequently climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstration props. It may also include working with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, hydrogen, and oxygen. Training will be provided. Please also note that this position requires weekend, holiday, and evening hours to meet the needs of Science Center operations. Scheduled hours will vary seasonally; therefore, ideal candidates must be flexible to accommodate needs.

Requirements

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Preferably a bachelor’s degree (or pursuing) in science, education, theater or related field of study.

• Customer service experience helpful but not required

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (K/S/A)

• Interpersonal Communication
• Group Communication
• STEM Background
• Reliability
• Intrinsically Motivated
• Eager to Learn

Additional Information

Rate: $15/Hour

Expected Hours of Work: Must be available weekends.

Great Lakes Science Center is proud to provide staff members with a benefits program that offers choices designed to meet their individual needs and lifestyles. Eligible staff members can participate in the following benefits programs:

• Free Parking
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan with Match
• ASTC Membership
• Northeastern Ohio Intermuseum Council (NEOIMC) Membership
• And more!

COVID-19 Safety and Guidelines

Great Lakes Science Center is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff (paid and unpaid), and guests. In accordance with our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all staff are required to be vaccinated and/or boosted against COVID-19. Reasonable accommodations will be made for those who cannot take the vaccine due to health or religious reasons.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

It is the policy of GLSC to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, age, source of income, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. GLSC complies with applicable state, federal and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.