Sr. STEAM Educator presso Thinkery

Description

ABOUT THINKERY  

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 

This role is a combination of an individual contributor role and a senior team leader role. As a senior manager, Senior STEAM Educators will actively lead professional development efforts for both internal Thinkery staff and school and program educators, with a focus on learning and skill development in providing culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and real-world STEAM experiences for children in Pre-K and grades K-5th. Senior STEAM Educators will also manage and supervise a team of STEAM Educators who are at the manager level. Facilitation knowledge and experience will encompass active learning and inquiry-rich approaches to engage learners and educators at the intersections of STEAM, Maker skills, Technology skills, and 21st century skill development (problem solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and compassion). Supervisory knowledge and skills will encompass people leadership, including performance management. 

The Senior STEAM Educator will infuse a reflective practice that is thoughtful, iterative, and supports the learning of diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively and possess exceptional organizational and leadership abilities. They will have a passion and understanding of how to support the skill development of formal and informal educators with a strong focus in communities that have been historically or continue to be marginalized. The Senior STEAM Educator will work closely with other education team members to ensure that all education staff are successful in providing programs and museum programs with joyful, play-based STEAM experiences. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Curriculum Development & Program Facilitation 

• Design, enrich, and lead STEAM-based curricula aligned to Thinkery’s learning framework and education standards. 
• Develop and facilitate professional development workshops for Pre-K and K–5 educators, integrating play-based STEAM, Maker, and Tech skills. 
• Lead facilitation of education programs, including summer camps, afterschool programs, class visits, and in-museum programs as assigned. 
• Adapt content to meet the needs of diverse learners and contexts using culturally responsive practices and universal design for learning. 
• Stay current on research in STEAM education and informal learning to inform program innovation. 
• Provide flexible facilitation and program support across education teams during seasonal programs or transitions. 

Program Management 

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of camps, afterschool programs, and professional development workshops. 
• Interpret program deliverables and contracts to develop and manage logistics such as scheduling, planning meetings, workshops, and community of practice gatherings. 
• Manage partnerships, logistics, and resources, including scheduling, registration, scholarships, transportation, and supply management. 
• Establish and monitor budgets to maximize revenue while maintaining quality. 
• Collaborate with Advancement on contributed support through grant writing and reporting. 

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement 

• Collect, analyze, and summarize program feedback to assess impact and inform improvements. 
• Implement expected research and evaluation practices aligned to Thinkery’s framework. 
• Complete end-of-program reports and make recommendations for future design and delivery. 

Staff Supervision & Training 

• Supervise and mentor STEAM Educators, coordinators, and specialists across multiple PD and Education Programs as assigned. 
• Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and coaching of seasonal and program staff as assigned. 
• Model best practices in STEAM education, ensuring consistency in facilitation and engagement across staff. 
• Plan and deliver professional development for team members and Thinkery staff on pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, STEAM concepts, and facilitation practices. 

Collaboration & Partnerships 

• Cultivate and manage partnerships with schools and community organizations to extend program impact. 
• Collaborate with Marketing to expand reach and diversify participation. 
• Partner with museum education staff to lead educator networking events and community-based programming. 
• Build collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders 

Requirements

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & PROVEN ABILITIES 

• Ability to use an equity framework to develop and implement inclusive, meaningful, relevant learning experiences. 
• Proven understanding of STEAM subject matter and educational pedagogy with a knowledge of current tools, trends, and technologies in maker education. 
• Proven understanding of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for K-5 or Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and early development theories including Maria Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or similar approaches for Pre-K. 
• Proven understanding of and experience applying adult learning principles. 
• Ability to consistently multi-task between strategic knowledge work and manual facilitation work. 
• Familiarity with the diverse Greater Austin area educational landscape. 
• Leadership and staff management experience. 
• Strong organization and project management experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite. Experience with Adobe Illustrator, and/or Canva preferred. 
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication?skills; Bilingual Spanish preferred. 
• Strong presentation skills for diverse audiences. 

SUPPORT THINKERY’S MISSION AND VALUES 

• Steward a culture of cross-department communication, collaboration, and support work.   
• Represent Thinkery’s core values of playfulness, belonging, innovation, and collaboration.
• Commitment to support Thinkery’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives. 

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:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (Generalist), Science, Technology, Engineering or Math Education, or other relevant area, or 4 years of equivalent experience. 
• 2+ years’ experience teaching PreK or K-5th grade learners either in-school or out-of-school settings, delivering STEAM and/or maker educational programming and experiences. 
• 2+ years' experience managing staff. 
• 2+ years' experience developing and implementing educational training programs to adults. 
• 1+ years' experience in grant management or reporting. 
• Current or recent teacher certification a plus. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Dependable transportation to travel to & from program host sites in the greater Austin and surrounding area; includes transporting materials. This role requires daily travel to and from multiple schools and other external program host sites. 
• Schedule and availability reflect that the organization is a 7-day-a-week operation. This role’s regular schedule will be Monday through Friday daytime shifts, with periodic evening and weekend duties outside of/in excess of regular work week for strategic events or during high-volume times.  
• Assist in engaging and sustaining Thinkery’s volunteers and interns. 
• Professional attendance and work at some museum functions and special events. 

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. This position is largely stationary. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Observe and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Move throughout the museum when on-site.
• Occasionally manipulate and move office supplies and equipment components weighing up to 15 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
• Detect and respond to safety hazards.
• Operate standard office equipment efficiently and accurately. 

BENEFITS 

Thinkery offers competitive and affordable benefits for our full-time staff including options for 100% employer sponsored medical coverage. Our benefits package includes:  

• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans.
• Affordable dental and vision.
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance.
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 floating holidays each year.
• Pet friendly offices.