Public Programs Coordinator

Scott Family Amazeum; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, AR is seeking a Public Programs Coordinator to lead the planning and execution of public programs. The role partners with the Sr.

Manager, Guest Experience to translate priorities into a calendar, budgets, and clear project plans that deliver engaging guest experiences. The position focuses on adult, sensory-friendly, and community activations, with mentorship for Activators and collaboration with Marketing, Events, and cross‑team stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Experience coordinating programs or events.
• Ability to work with families and diverse audiences.
• Comfort with dynamic schedules including evenings/weekends.
• Ability to mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages the public program calendar.
• Prototypes and implements engaging programs for varied audiences.
• Collaborates with Marketing and Events teams for promotion and logistics.
• Coordinates staffing and budgets for public programs.
• Provides mentorship to Activators involved in programs.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Guest experience

Adaptability

Mentorship

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Education/Hospitality

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Scott Family Amazeum - Bentonville, AR 72712, Salary Range: $17.00 - $17.00 Hourly

Position Title: Public Programs Coordinator

Classification

Type: full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Guest Experience

Schedule: 40 hours per week with the ability to adjust to a flexible work schedule including weekdays, weekends, evenings and some holidays

Minimum starting hourly rate: $17

Scott Family Amazeum Overview

The Scott Family Amazeum is a hands‑on, interactive museum in Northwest Arkansas and recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non‑profit organization. We create a fun environment where risk taking, imagining, problem solving, discovery, collaboration, and exploration bring children and adults together to learn and grow.

Core Purpose

The Amazeum exists to spark and nurture the curious and creative spirit in all of us.

Mission

Through experiences with the Amazeum, individuals and the community are engaged in building relationships and developing identities as creative, curious, and innovative shapers for the region. Learning at the Amazeum is an active, playful exploration that inspires curiosity. It is rooted in inquiry-based discovery and involves an element of risk. The Education Department of the Amazeum is looking for team members who are enthusiastic about promoting Creativity, Curiosity, and Community.

Amazeum Facility

The Amazeum facility includes approximately 50,000 square feet of indoor space and one acre of outdoor exhibition and activity space. Opening in fall 2026, the Hangout will feature interactive nature exhibits, spaces available to the community and the Early Learning Advancement Center (ELAC). The museum is located at the intersection of Museum Way and J Street in Bentonville, AR.

Position Summary

The Public Programs Coordinator is an energetic, organized individual with a passion for guest experiences and behind the scenes logistics. In collaboration with the Sr Manager, Guest Experience, the Coordinator translates approved program priorities, educational expectations, budgets, and strategic goals into an organized calendar, clear project plans, engaging activities, community partnerships, and well‑supported guest experiences.

The Public Programs Coordinator leads the logistical, creative and day‑to‑day coordination of public programs, which include adult programming, sensory‑friendly programs, community‑partner activations, museum wide celebratory events, and relevant offsite experiences. The Coordinator also provides functional mentorship to Activators engaged in public program work.

Essential Functions

Public Program Development and Continuous Improvement

• Maintains the annual public program calendar and translates priorities, educational expectations, approved budgets, and strategic goals established with the Sr, Guest Experience Manager into coordinated program plans.
• Develops, prototypes, coordinates, and implements approved interactive programs; adapting activities and logistics to support guest needs, available resources, safety, and changing conditions.
• Uses guest, partner, and team feedback to assess accessibility, educational value, and impact; documents learning and recommends practical improvements and future opportunities.
• Monitors guest interests, community opportunities, and informal learning practices; recommends new ideas and seeks approval from the Sr Manager, Guest Experience for significant program changes or resources outside established authority.
• Serves as lead and/or support facilitator for public programs.

Partnerships, Resources, and Program Operations

• Creates and maintains project plans, timelines, task assignments, resource plans, program documentation, and communication systems that support multiple programs at different stages of development.
• Builds productive community partnerships and coordinates across Amazeum teams, including Marketing and Communications and the Events Team, to align program content, promotion, facilitation, evaluation, and event‑wide logistics.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with community partners to coordinate and arrange logistics; conducts follow up customer relationship protocols with community partners.
• Coordinates program staffing and assignment needs with the Guest Engagement Manager and Guest Experience Coordinator, who retain responsibility for schedules, workload, coverage, and formal supervisory decisions.
• Tracks expenses, purchasing, supplies, and inventory; prepares resource requests and makes purchases within approved budgets, procedures, and the authority of the role.
• Prepares activity materials and supplies necessary for public programs.
• Maintains and organizes an inventory of supplies, equipment, and props required for implementing public programs.
• Advocates for and communicates the Amazeum’s mission, impact and culture to the public and team.
• Some weekend and evening hours may be required for supporting planned events and programs.

Activator Mentorship and Team Readiness

• Provides functional mentorship to Activators through program development, prototyping, play‑and inquiry‑based facilitation, reflection, and continuous improvement without assuming formal supervisory authority.
• Coordinates program‑based Activator assignments with the Guest Engagement Manager and provides clear task direction, resources, feedback, and support through completion.
• Develops and delivers training that prepares participating team members with the program purpose, facilitation approach, logistics, safety considerations, and guest experience expectations.
• Invites team input, creates appropriate opportunities for Activators and other team members to contribute ideas and practice project leadership, and communicates schedules, changes, and support needs consistently.

General Duties

The responsibilities listed above illustrate the types of work that may be performed. Omission of a specific duty does not exclude it when the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment. The Amazeum reserves the right to revise duties and responsibilities as organizational needs change.

Qualifications: Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year experience in program coordination, event planning, informal or formal education, community engagement, or a related field.
• Experience working with children, families, and diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple programs, timelines, partners, resources, and deliverables with accuracy and consistent follow‑through.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to clarify roles, communicate expectations and changes, provide task‑specific feedback, and maintain productive working relationships.
• Ability to respond calmly and resourcefully to changing guest needs, staffing realities, logistical challenges, and program conditions while working within established authority.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability and willingness to learn other technology and project‑management systems required for the role.

All applicants must be able to:

• Provide the necessary documentation to prove that you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign national with authorization to work in the United States
• Complete and pass a background check

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary (sitting or standing) for extended periods while performing administrative tasks, planning programs, or facilitating activities.
• Ability to move throughout the museum, including indoor and outdoor spaces, and navigate offsite program locations.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, crouch, and move between standing and floor‑level positions while preparing materials, setting up activities, and engaging with guests.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle program materials, operate equipment, and perform computer‑based tasks.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull program materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to reach overhead to retrieve, organize, or position program materials and supplies.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with guests, team members, and community partners in environments with varying noise levels.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments with varying temperatures, weather conditions, and noise levels, including periods of high noise.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience developing or facilitating interactive, play‑based, or inquiry‑based educational programs.
• Experience supporting the learning, reflection, or skill development of peers or team members through functional mentorship.
• Experience coordinating community partners, public events, or cross‑functional projects.
• Experience gathering feedback, evaluating program outcomes, and recommending improvements.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in education, hospitality, science, museum studies, community engagement, or a related field; relevant experience may be substituted for education.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.