Play and Learning Facilitator - Del Valle chez Thinkery

Description

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them.  Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Play & Learning Facilitators are the friendly, energetic faces of Play-based STEAM learning at Thinkery. These guest-facing team members play a key role in bringing Thinkery’s mission to life by delivering engaging, playful, and educational experiences that spark curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

This role supports the daily delivery of Play & Learning Team programs, including leading Storytimes, facilitating hands-on maker activities, and activating gallery spaces through pop-up play and STEAM-rich engagement. Working closely with Play & Learning Specialists and team leadership, Facilitators help ensure programming runs smoothly, safely, and with a joyful sense of wonder.

The ideal candidate is passionate about child-led learning and enjoys playing, performing, reading aloud, and connecting with guests of all ages. They are quick to jump into a song, build alongside a child, or adapt an activity to meet the needs of different learners. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment and is eager to grow within a team dedicated to making every visit to Thinkery memorable and meaningful.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Consistently deliver engaging learning experiences for young guests and their caregivers during museum hours and special events based on Thinkery’s Learning Framework.

· Ensure a high-quality experience during museum operations in the galleries and at front of house, promoting a playful, positive, welcoming environment for families to learn together. Employ inclusive physical and verbal cues that let guests know staff are approachable and knowledgeable about the museum, its philosophy, exhibits and programs and engages supervisors when/as necessary

· Create and maintain a physical environment that is comfortable, safe, and engaging for adults and children. Lead in the opening/closing of exhibits and sustain a high-quality gallery experience by continually resetting the environment throughout the day. Ensure that museum spaces remain safe, clean, and healthy for visitors in accordance with museum policies.

· Assist with the preparation, setup, facilitation, and clean-up of play-based STEAM programs, including Storytimes, maker activities, early learner experiences, and gallery activations. Ensure materials are ready, spaces are welcoming and safe, and programs run smoothly in collaboration with the Play & Learning team.

· Ensure that guests follow Thinkery’s policies and procedures with a focus on empathy, ownership, and logic. Support and uphold leadership decisions and museum policies.

· Address and resolve guest issues, collaborating with relevant teams to ensure effective solutions to improve customer satisfaction.

· Model and promote the museum’s core values, emphasizing playfulness and belonging.

· Advance Thinkery’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, striving to create inclusive experiences that reach diverse and underserved audiences 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Engaging facilitator. The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic, outgoing and energetic--willing to play.

· Comfortable speaking and singing in public. Must be able to capture the attention of and engage large groups as well as engage one-on-one interactions with guests.

· Interest and ability to work with children and families from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and perspectives.

· Ability to creatively problem-solve and remain calm during challenging situations

· Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills--can effectively communicate to visitors the educational content and value of museum exhibits and programs. Must be comfortable with internal museum communication via a walkie-talkie, in person, and via email/messaging apps.

· Good interpersonal and organizational skills--ability to accept feedback graciously and integrate it, work without constant supervision; ability to work well within a team. Uses sensitivity and good judgment in engaging with colleagues and brings issues or concerns to appropriate supervisors.

· Must be hands-on, team-oriented; attentive to detail and overarching goals.

· Enthusiasm for learning and mastering new skills on an ongoing basis.

· Accuracy and adaptability are essential.

· Spanish fluency or knowledge of ASL a plus.

COMPETENCIES

· Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

· Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and Thinkery's work.

· Creates Connection: Builds engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests, promoting a welcome environment for all. 

· Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

· High School Diploma or GED required.

· Strong interest in STEAM education is required. Any combination may include the following: science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

· 1+ year experience teaching or facilitating programs for children. 

· Experience working with children ages 0-8 and their caregivers.

· Tinkering, making or other STEAM-related experience an asset.

Schedule and availability reflect that the organization is a 7-day-a-week operation. Staff are expected to work weekends and some holidays. Periodic duties outside of/in excess of regular work week schedule during seasonal high-volume times. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

· Ability to work in and withstand loud/crowded spaces.

· Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

· Detect and respond to safety hazards.

· Stamina and physical endurance to maintain a presence on the museum floor for extended periods of time, maintaining quality interaction with museum staff and guests. Crawling and climbing of exhibit structures may be required. 

· Manipulate and lift materials and equipment weighing up to 45 pounds onto and off of carts and trollies, including items that may be low to the ground or above eye level. 

· Bending, lifting, and reaching may be required to access supplies.

· Repetitive friendly and courteous communication while engaging with visitors and staff and speaking loudly over crowds.

· Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, on walkie-talkies, and over the phone. 

· Operate a cash register and computer efficiently and accurately.

· Work in outdoor environments.