Senior Discovery & Learning Officer

Explorium National Science & Sport Centre; Sandyford; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bike to work scheme

Employee discount

On-site parking

Store discount

Job summary

Explorium National Science & Sport Centre in Ireland seeks a Senior Discovery & Learning Officer to lead the Discovery & Learning team and shape engaging science experiences for visitors of all ages.

You will deliver shows, workshops, and school programmes, develop materials, and build relationships with schools and partners. This role combines leadership with hands-on education, in a busy, visitor-focused centre.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Science Communication, Education, or equivalent.
• Experience delivering science communication, education, or public engagement programmes.
• Experience developing educational resources and learning programmes.
• Experience supervising or leading staff or volunteers.
• Experience presenting to groups through demonstrations, workshops, talks, or live shows.
• Experience working with schools or educational groups.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Fluent English and authorisation to work full-time in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day Discovery & Learning team operations.
• Deliver science shows, workshops, school programmes, and maker activities.
• Develop educational resources and teacher supports.
• Coordinate educational visits and school packages.
• Support public engagement events and partnerships.
• Collaborate with marketing to promote content and visitor experiences.

Skills

Science communication

Education programme development

Public speaking

Leadership

Team mentoring

Project management

Education

Degree in Science/Science Communication/Education

Job description

Senior Discovery & Learning Officer

About Explorium

Explorium is Ireland’s first immersive experience centre—110,000 sq ft of interactive discovery in Dublin. With over 250 hands‑on activities, we spark curiosity through science, sport, and imagination for families, schools, and curious minds of all ages.

Inspire curiosity. Lead learning. Bring science to life.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Discovery & Learning Officer to play a leading role in the development and delivery of exciting science engagement and educational programmes within our science centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate science communicator and educator who enjoys inspiring audiences, developing innovative learning experiences, and leading a talented team. Working closely with the Head of Science, you will help shape and grow our Discovery & Learning programme while ensuring visitors of all ages enjoy memorable, engaging, and high-quality science experiences.

About the Role

As Senior Discovery & Learning Officer, you will provide day-to-day leadership for the Discovery & Learning team while supporting the development and delivery of science shows, workshops, school programmes, makerspace activities, camps, clubs, and public engagement events.

You will combine operational leadership, educational programme development, science communication, and visitor engagement to help ensure our educational offering continues to grow and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and Support the Discovery & Learning Team

• Provide day-to-day leadership, support, and mentoring for Discovery & Learning Officers.
• Help create a positive, collaborative, and visitor-focused team culture.
• Support staff training, development, and performance management.

Deliver Outstanding Learning Experiences

• Oversee and deliver engaging science shows, workshops, educational visits, and makerspace activities.
• Ensure programmes are scientifically accurate, inclusive, and engaging.
• Continuously review and improve educational offerings based on feedback and evaluation.

Develop Educational Programmes and Resources

• Create and enhance learning resources, workshop content, educational materials, and teacher supports.
• Contribute to the development of new programmes, activities, and visitor experiences.
• Support alignment with relevant educational and curriculum objectives where appropriate.

Engage Schools and Educational Groups

• Coordinate educational visits and school programmes.
• Build positive relationships with teachers, schools, and educational organisations.
• Help develop new learning opportunities and educational packages.

Support Events, Partnerships and Outreach

• Contribute to public engagement events, seasonal programmes, festivals, and special initiatives.
• Build relationships with schools, universities, researchers, community groups, and industry partners.
• Represent the organisation at external events when required.

Promote Science and Learning

• Work with marketing colleagues to develop engaging educational content for websites, social media, and promotional campaigns.
• Champion the organisation's educational mission and visitor experience.

About You

You are an engaging science communicator and a confident team leader with a passion for making science accessible, exciting, and meaningful.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Science, Science Communication, Education, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience delivering science communication, education, or public engagement programmes.
• Experience developing educational resources, workshops, or learning programmes.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff or volunteers.
• Experience presenting to groups through demonstrations, workshops, talks, or live shows.
• Experience working with schools, teachers, or educational groups.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Strong digital literacy and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy visitor-focused environment.
• Authorisation to work full-time in Ireland
• Fluent English

Desirable

• Full driver's licence.
• Experience working in informal education settings, visitor attractions, science centres, museums, or summer camps.

What We're Looking For

We would love to hear from candidates who are:

• Passionate about science communication and public engagement.
• Creative, proactive, and enthusiastic about developing new ideas.
• Confident presenters who enjoy engaging diverse audiences.
• Supportive leaders who help others succeed.
• Organised, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• Committed to delivering exception

Position Details

• Full-time, onsite role
• Regular weekend work required
• Occasional evening and off-site work as needed
• Salary: €35,000 to €40,000 depending on experience

This role offers genuine opportunities for professional growth and progression.

Working Pattern

Explorium is open seven days a week. This role operates on a five-day roster, including regular weekend work.

Explorium is committed to a workplace environment that promotes diversity and inclusion and creates an open and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. Employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements and business needs

Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: €35,000.00-€40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sandyford, County Dublin: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• relevant: 2 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (preferred)

Work Location: In person