Educator

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park•Grand Rapids, MI

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. The Educator is responsible for creating dynamic, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences that connect diverse audiences to the museum’s collections, stories, and engagement programming. This role brings learning to life through guided programs, interactive drop-in activities, and focused experiences that evolve with exhibitions and community needs. The Educator is also responsible for fostering a welcoming and curiosity-driven environment rooted in research-based best practices and current innovations in museum or related education. This position leads groups of all ages and demonstrates commitment to representing the voices and experiences of our community. The Educator facilitates programs in both indoor and outdoor settings, to support a range of program formats The Educator is collaborates and contributes to the continuous improvement of visitor engagement and experience, ensuring to model a positive, accessible, and guest‑centered approach in all interactions.

Requirements

Ability to pass a background check required for working with youth and vulnerable populations
Ability to support a variety of learning levels and styles, abilities, and group program formats in both indoor and outdoor settings through facilitation.
Ability to translate complex ideas or concepts into accessible learning experiences for children, teens, adults, and multigenerational groups
Ability to facilitate and translate complex cultural, historical, or scientific concepts into accessible, meaningful experiences that deepen guest understanding and appreciation.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences
Ability to demonstrate and uphold child-safety, guest safety, accessibility, and ethical engagement standards
Ability to communicate within various levels of the organization
Ability to model strong communication and public speaking skills
Knowledge of lesson planning
Ability to embrace the organization’s non-profit status and commitment to serving and treating the public with dignity and working with a broad and diverse group of employees, volunteers, members, and guests in a respectful and professional manner.
Ability to stay updated on trends and demonstrate proficiency in technology related to the department, programming and tools.
Ability to drive/travel to off-site programs or community partners may be required.

Nice To Haves

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Education, Public History, or a related field strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant work experience and education will also be considered.
Experience : Youth programming assignments require a minimum of 1 year of experience teaching youth through structured lessons, hands-on activities, or inquiry‑based learning in classroom, museum, or program environments required.
Bilingual Spanish/English skills are preferred to enhance accessibility and provide inclusive experiences for all visitors
Skills/Knowledge/Licenses: Standard or Professional Teaching certification preferred
First Aid/CPR certification preferred

Responsibilities

Facilitate learning level-appropriate and engaging learning experiences for guests utilizing established plans.
Present and translate information clearly and accurately in a way that connects audiences to collections, exhibitions, and stories
Ensure teaching programming, and exhibit-adjacent or related learning areas remain clean, organized, fully stocked and prepped for set-up related to assigned programming
Lead engaging drop-in activities and focused learning experiences for the organization.
Greet, orient, and assist guests in a friendly, guest-focused manner.
Empowers program volunteers to use their talents in creating meaningful learning experiences that uplift students and enrich the educational community
Collect attendance data, feedback, and observations to assess program effectiveness as assigned
Support and foster a curiosity-driven environment where all participants and their support networks are engaged, connected, and involved in the learning process.
Assist with cultural celebrations, stakeholder tours, and thematic events that enhance the center’s visibility and community impact
Monitor group behavior and maintain a safe environment for all participants
Remain aware of safety protocols, assist during incident responses (as appropriate), and maintain situational awareness to protect guests and staff.
Utilize educational technology and related business tools as needed (i.e., SMART Boards and iPads)
Collaborate with management and stakeholders related to programming as assigned
Modify instructional approaches or activities as needed to support accessibility, and different age groups
Engage and complete professional development to remain current in best practices in museum education, education, or related fields.
Make recommendations for learning plans, supplies and materials.
Properly address and resolve behavior issues with learning guests as appropriate.
Attend required observations, meetings and training courses
Other duties as assigned