Jobs at the Museum

Click here to view current career opportunities at Chicago Children’s Museum. Chicago Children Museum also has opportunities for volunteers and students seeking internships. To learn more these exciting positions, visit our volunteer and internships sections.

Chicago Children's Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Full-time Positions
Grants Coordinator
Lead Educator and Developer, Arts and Culture
Marketing Manager
Manager of Development Systems

Part-time Positions
Seasonal Bilingual Guest Services Member
Bilingual Workshop Leader (seasonal part-time)
Adult Programs Facilitator (seasonal part-time)

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Ways to apply

E-mail
To apply for a position online, please submit a resume and cover letter by clicking on the “Apply Now!” button that appears at the bottom of each job description.

Mail
You may mail your resume and cover letter to:
Chicago Children's Museum
700 East Grand Avenue, Suite 127
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Attn: Nikki Scott, Human Resources Manager
Please include in your cover letter the position for which you are applying.

Fax
Fax your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at 312.464.8241.

In Person
Employment applications are available at CCM’s admissions desk during museum hours.

All applicants will receive acknowledgement upon receipt of resume. Please, no phone calls.

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Full-time Positions

Grants Coordinator
The Grants Coordinator assists the Development Department in writing proposals and reports to foundation, government and corporate donors.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate and write development proposals and reports
• Coordinate and write proposals and reports for government and foundation prospects. Maintain system to track prospects, outstanding proposals, budgets, reports and deadlines 40%
• Coordinate and write proposals and reports for select corporate donors 25%
• Coordinate all program and exhibit information needed for proposals and reports. Ensure that information is current and relevant 10%
• Assist in prospect research and stewardship initiatives. 10%

Management/Administrative:
• Assist department staff with special projects, such as work legislators, site visits, cultivation events 5%
• As appropriate, participate in institution-wide discussions and assist in implementing CCM’s position papers 5%
• Assist with the overall department planning, budgeting and management of expenses 5%

Performance Measures:

• Maintains required professional knowledge and core job skills
• Increases the number of proposals submitted and grants received
• Meets proposal and report deadlines
• Ensures content of proposals and reports is correct
• Maintains/updates database with solicitation/report information in a timely fashion

Position Qualifications

• Minimum undergraduate degree in Journalism, English or a related field
• Outstanding writing and communication skills
• Previous experience in grant writing or a related field
• Knowledge of philanthropic community
• Proficiency in database management, spreadsheets and word processing
• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to be flexible and handle multiple projects at one time

Physical Requirements: Travel may be required to visits with funders, government officials, State Capitol. Evening and/or weekend work may be required during certain times of the year.

Position Classification: Full-time position
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Apply Now!

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Lead Educator and Developer, Arts and Culture
The Lead Educator and Developer, Arts and Culture organizes the research, development, implementation and evaluation of arts programming museum wide and beyond in order to provide families with meaningful authentic experiences in the arts. He/she ensures high quality music, dance, drama, and visual arts programs are accessible for a variety of museum audiences, including early childhood, student, communities, families, and educators. He/she understands CCM’s values and ensures that all arts learning programs support and reflect CCM’s mission and vision. The Lead Educator and Developer, Arts and Culture serves as a representative of the museum both internally and externally.

Responsibilities:
Leads all aspects of events with partnering arts and cultural institutions including but not limited to Millennium Park, Arts Day and select Passport to the World cultural programs.

• Develops art programs and coordinates and trains staff or volunteers to facilitate CCM on and offsite art activities (select art-related fairs, festivals, membership, marketing and fundraising events).
• Contributes to the planning, implementation, facilitation, and documentation of CCM’s Artabounds Family Workshops.
• Coordinates the archiving of children’s art and contributes to the development, scheduling, and documentation of select art shows.
• Orders supplies, plans and reconciles budget, completes POs, invoices and other payment processes associated with program expenses.
• Develops annual plan, program descriptions, resource materials, schedules and fields inquiries related to program area.
• Supports cross-departmental museum-wide initiatives as an arts advocate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in studio art, arts education or art therapy.
• 2-3 years experience teaching elementary and/or pre-school-aged children art in a traditional or informal educational setting
• Experience planning and coordinating special art events, projects and/or workshops
• Experience with diverse art forms, processes, tools, techniques, and knowledge of art history.
• Professional experience in one or more of the arts a plus.

Demonstrated Competencies:

• Dynamic facilitator with experience delivering interactive programs to children and adults.
• Knowledge of child development, experience with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and progressive learning and art education philosophies a plus.
• Fine arts curriculum development.
• Experience working with a diverse community of children and families.
• Creativity, patience, and flexibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Facility with standard word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Organizational skills and the ability to work on several projects at once.
• Ability to effectively represent the museum internally and externally.
• Ability to work in a multi-faceted team environment requiring problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to take direction and work well without direct supervision.

Physical Requirements: Travel may be required to community partners throughout Chicago metropolitan area,

Position Classification: This is a full-time position, Tuesday through Saturday, and requires some weekend and evening hours per program demands.

Apply Now!

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Marketing Manager
Responsible for the execution, management, and growth of the museum’s promotional programs, membership sales and audience development activities including the attainment of related annual revenue goals set for each area. Position is responsible for partnering with the Membership Sales and Operations Supervisor to maximize membership revenue. Strategies include direct and indirect sales, social media and member retention. Works closely with marketing department on shared responsibility for all areas of earned income within the department.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies to drive paid attendance through new partnerships and increased awareness.
• Oversee and grow member program
1. Coordinate member communication, e-blasts, brochures, etc.
2. Research, understand and implement trends and best practices in membership
3. Work cross-departmentally including the Development team
• Review and analyze visitor data
1. Advise on pricing and revenue goals, phasing
2. Advise on engagement strategies
3. Define current and potential visitor interests
• Plan and coordinate member and other special events
• Assists in other advertising/promotions, public/media relations and membership marketing-related tasks.
• Other responsibilities:
1. May occasionally serve on cross-departmental teams
2. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings
3. Maintains required professional knowledge and core job skills
4. Carries out other projects as assigned by VP of Marketing, Communications & Guest Services.

Position Qualifications:
Education: College degree in applicable field: marketing, communications, or business, finance/statistics or equivalent in experience.

Job Experience: Minimum three to five years of related experience is preferred.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Professional demeanor on phone and in person.

Demonstrated Competencies:

• Strong work ethic and the desire to thrive in a demanding environment.
• Resourcefulness and results oriented.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, meet deadlines, and handle multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with others in a team situation.
• Computer skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Raiser’s Edge or similar fund-raising software.

Hours/Physical Requirements of the Position: Full-time position, may include some weekday evenings and weekend days. Occasional lifting of boxes and traveling offsite to local and/or regional events.

Position Classification: Full-time position

Apply Now!

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Manager of Development Systems
The Manager of Development Systems is the project manager for the Development department’s use of the Raiser’s Edge system at Chicago Children’s Museum. This person will build, maintain and manage donor information to ensure that Raiser’s Edge is an effective fundraising tool. This position is integral to the success of the museum’s fundraising efforts.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead improvement of all areas of donor database system
1. Oversee and audit all input of data.
2. Improve data in all areas of Raiser’s Edge (coding, tables, gifts, prospect management, duplicates, etc), and processes for query and report generation.
3. Conduct all global changes and/or data imports to maintain data integrity.
4. Develop and monitor procedures for Raiser’s Edge and train personnel in consistent use.
• Manage day-to-day department needs and maintenance of Raiser's Edge
1. Oversee all gift entry and acknowledgement processes, which is primarily completed by the department’s Development Associate.
2. Create queries and exports for annual appeals, invitations, general mailings, etc.
3. Liaison with finance department for all gift related information and IT department on the Raiser’s Edge database.
4. Manage donor lists related to annual report, donor board and other recognition pieces.
5. Develop, generate and analyze donor, financial and other needed standard and custom reports.
6. Ensure accuracy of all information.
• Administrative
1. Contribute to annual planning and goal-setting.
2. Assist with other development-related projects as needed.
3. As appropriate, participate in institution-wide discussions and assist in implementing CCM’s position papers.

Position Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, and 5 years development or other relevant work experience
• Extensive knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge program
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Detailed-oriented and strong organizational skills
• Deadline-oriented
• Ability to work extremely well in a team environment
• Flexibility and ability to handle multiple projects at one time
• Confidential

Position Classification: Full-time position
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Apply Now!

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Part-time Positions

Seasonal, Bilingual Guest Services Member
The Bilingual Guest Services Member will provide daily staffing of museum admissions and guest relations while promoting membership sales.

General Job Function:
He/she strives to create a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment through positive staff-visitor interaction to provide and maintain exemplary guest service while admitting CCM guests.

Responsibilities:

• Provide daily staffing of museum admissions and guest relations desks.
  
• Maintain thorough knowledge of CCM’s membership programs which include ASTC & ACM reciprocity. Promote membership sales to meet revenue goals.
• Facilitates in the opening and closing of admissions stations including resetting the environment and other related tasks as assigned.
• Participates in all staff development programs that introduce new exhibits and customer service approaches as well as ongoing education sessions. Attends staff meetings including daily opening/closing meetings, monthly guest connections staff meetings, museum-wide all-staff meetings and other meetings deemed relevant by the Manager of Guest Services.
• Other assignments on an as-needed basis, performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Some college experience or relevant professional experience.
• Must have 1 – 2 years of cash handling experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a must.
• Demonstrated interest in working with children.
• Ability to promote sales with ease as well as CCM’s membership program.
• Ability to effectively communicate to visitors our exhibits and programs.
• Outgoing, friendly manner; ease and comfort with initiating interaction with visitors.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to take direction well and work without constant supervision; ability to work well within a team.
• Willingness to be certified in First Aid and CPR with the American Red Cross through institution-offered courses.
• Ability to represent Chicago Children's Museum in a professional manner at all times.

Hours: This is a seasonal part-time position, requiring a 20-29 hour week including weekdays, weekends and evenings, to be determined by museum needs.

Apply Now!

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Bilingual Workshop Leader (seasonal part-time)
The Bilingual Workshop Leader is responsible for the facilitation of exhibit-based workshops for both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade school groups at the Museum and workshops in schools as part of Chicago Children's Museum To Go. The Bilingual Workshop Leader is responsible for the highest-quality Museum experience for students, teachers, chaperones, and caregivers.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and understand exhibit goals and related workshop curriculum
• Communicate program goals and related curriculum to student groups or groups of educators, make connections to pre- and post-visit materials, adapt program to participants’ age, interest and abilities and experience
• Link workshop content to Illinois Learning Standards and to CCM’s mission to be a community where play and learning connect
• Prepare the exhibit and/or the workshop room and materials for the group’s arrival
• Promptly greet and check in the group when group is visiting CCM, and facilitate workshop experience in an exhibit and related workshop room
• Arrive early to workshops outside of CCM to prepare and set up materials, and facilitate workshop(s) in classrooms or other spaces
• Manage group behavior and include adult participants in student workshop activities
• Clean-up and prepare for subsequent workshops
  
• Confirm program, time and date of arrival, group size, special needs, etc. with group contact prior to visit
• Attend all necessary training sessions and meetings

Requirements:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree required, as well as coursework in child development, developmental psychology, etc.
• Minimum two years experience working with children in formal and/or informal learning environments though more extensive teaching experience is preferred
• Understanding of Illinois Learning Standards
• Experience leading or facilitating large groups of students
• Ability to effectively apply curriculum in the museum setting
• Ease and experience in working with children from a diversity of cultural, ethnic, geographic, etc., backgrounds; ability to relate curriculum to children with diverse backgrounds
• Outgoing personality, energetic, enthusiastic, able to have fun and make others comfortable while effectively delivering challenging hands-on workshops
• Bilingual English/Spanish required
• Access to licensed, insured vehicle required

Physical Requirements of the Position: Must be able to lift program supplies, up to 50 lbs.

Hours: Contract position. Typical schedule is 9:00 am – 12:15 pm for school-group facilitation, one to five days per week. Other responsibilities may include programs at schools or other offsite locations, afternoon meetings or trainings, or evening sessions.

Ideal position for retired teachers, graduate students, and those seeking a challenging part-time position with flexible hours.

Apply Now!

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Adult Programs Facilitator (seasonal part-time)
The Adult Programs Facilitator is responsible for the facilitation of professional development workshops for groups of adults (which may include classroom teachers, child care providers, parents, etc.)both at the museum and at offsite locations. The Adult Programs Facilitator is responsible for providing the highest-quality professional development experience for adult audiences.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and understand professional development workshop curriculum and goals.
• Communicate program goals and related curriculum to groups of educators, make connections to daily practice and adapt programs to participants’ needs, interests and experience.
• Link workshop content to Illinois Learning Standards and to CCM’s mission.
• Prepare the workshop room and materials for the group’s arrival, whether onsite or offsite.
• Arrive early to workshops both within and outside of CCM to prepare and set up materials, and facilitate workshop(s) in classrooms or other spaces.
• Manage time during workshops to ensure that all goals are met and all intended activities are completed.
• Lead and encourage discussion among participants relevant to workshop content.
• Clean-up after workshops, re-pack materials, and return materials to CCM (if offsite).
  
• Attend all necessary training sessions and meetings.
• Administer program evaluation as determined by CCM

Requirements:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Coursework in education, child development, developmental psychology, etc. highly desirable.
• Broad subject knowledge and comfort teaching diverse content areas, including art, science, math, literacy, as well as practice-based techniques such as playful approaches to learning, and documentation.
• Minimum two years experience working with children in formal and/or informal learning environments. At least one year of experience leading or facilitating groups of adults.
• Understanding of the needs and challenges of classroom teachers
• Ability to effectively apply curriculum to daily practice as well as incorporate CCM’s philosophy into workshop delivery.
• Ease and experience in working with children and adults from a diversity of cultural, ethnic, geographic, etc., backgrounds; ability to relate curriculum to children and adults with diverse backgrounds.
• Outgoing personality, energetic, enthusiastic, able to have fun and make others comfortable while effectively delivering challenging hands-on workshops.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a very strong plus.
• Access to licensed, insured vehicle required

Physical Requirements of the Position: Must be able to lift program supplies, up to 50 lbs.

Hours: Contract position. Adult Program facilitation hours vary. Other responsibilities may include preparation of program materials, assistance with curriculum development, afternoon meetings or trainings, and evening or weekend sessions.

Ideal position for retired teachers, graduate students, and those seeking a challenging part-time position with flexible hours.

Apply Now!