About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Education and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for creating engaging learning experiences that extend the museum's mission to a wide range of audiences, including K-12 students, families, adults, university and community groups. They serve as a primary liaison between the museum and the public, often involving travel to schools, fairs and festivals, and community centers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Development & Implementation: Design, develop, schedule, and lead a variety of high-quality educational programs, workshops, tours, and special events, ensuring alignment with relevant educational standards (e.g., K-12 curricula).
Outreach & Community Engagement: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with schools, libraries, community centers, and other local organizations. Represent the museum at external events and promotional opportunities.
Audience Engagement: Adapt programming to meet the needs of diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities, facilitating interactive and inclusive learning experiences.
Volunteer & Docent Management: Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise education volunteers and docents to assist with tours and programs.
Communication: Develop promotional materials (flyers, social media content, press releases) and contribute to maintaining museum communication channels to increase program awareness and participation.
Grant Support: Assist with researching grant opportunities, preparing proposals, and managing grant-funded projects and reporting.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Education: A bachelor's degree in the Earth, Material, or Atmospheric Sciences, Museum Studies, Education, History, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
Experience: A diverse range of experiences in educational programming and informal outreach is preferred.
Skills:
Excellent written and oral communication and public speaking skills.
Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Proficiency with standard computer applications and software (Microsoft Office, databases).
A valid PA driver's license will be required for travel to off-site locations.
Personal Qualities: Energetic and excited by learning, curious, highly motivated, creative, flexible, and passionate about the museum's mission and engaging the public.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Other facts
About Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
What you'll do
- The Education and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for creating engaging learning experiences and serving as a liaison between the museum and the public. This includes program development, community engagement, audience adaptation, volunteer management, and communication.
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