Student Programs Learning Specialist

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plans with employer match

Attractive time-off program, including vacation and sick days

Job summary

A leading science museum in Chicago is seeking a Student Programs Learning Specialist to engage youth and families through STE(A)M learning initiatives. This full-time, hybrid position requires collaboration with educational partners and the development of innovative programming using immersive technologies. Qualified candidates should hold a degree in education or STEM and have experience in informal education settings. Benefits include comprehensive medical plans, generous time-off policies, and a competitive salary ranging from $55,000 to $65,000.

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience facilitating informal education or community-based programs for youth and/or families.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and adapt curriculum for hybrid learning.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with youth and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver off-site STE(A)M programs for youth and families.
• Implement established STE(A)M curricula and materials.
• Collaborate on new hybrid and immersive learning experiences.

Skills

Facilitation skills using inquiry-based approaches

Organizational and project coordination skills

Experience in informal education

Proficiency with digital tools

Bilingual or Spanish fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, STEM, or a related field or 4+ years’ experience

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Immersive learning technologies (VR/MR)

Job description

Student Programs Learning Specialist

About Us

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin MSI exposes guests of all ages to awe‑inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Its mission—to inspire the inventive genius in everyone—is realized through world‑class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in STEM.

The Job

The Student Programs Learning Specialist serves as the primary lead for off‑site STE(A)M learning initiatives, delivering engaging, hands‑on experiences for youth and families. This role supports the museum’s reach through educational outreach and partnership initiatives that broaden access and strengthen residency‑based programming. It collaborates on the development and delivery of new hybrid and blended learning programs that integrate VR, MR, and other immersive technologies.

Full‑time, hybrid position requiring weekend, evening, and off‑site programming availability.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Griffin MSI’s suite of off‑site, extended access, and residency‑based STE(A)M programs for youth and families.
• Implement and refine established STE(A)M curricula and materials for extended, hybrid, or blended learning formats.
• Collaborate with Education leadership to co‑develop new hybrid and immersive (VR/MR) experiences for participatory, career‑connected exploration.
• Support the adaptation of instructional practices to align with department‑wide facilitation models, professional learning systems, and inclusive education approaches.
• Coordinate logistics, materials, and communication for extended access, residency, and outreach programs as the primary field contact for partner sites.
• Support all phases of residency implementation: pre‑visit planning, onsite delivery, and post‑program reflection, in collaboration with Learning and Engagement, Research and Evaluation, and partner educators.
• Lead data collection and field‑based reflection for residency and outreach programs, summarizing results to inform program improvements and reporting.
• Maintain and track supplies, technology, and vehicles used in off‑site programming, ensuring safe transport, upkeep, and inventory organization.
• Mentor and coach seasonal program support for outreach and community programs.
• Contribute to the design, piloting, and evaluation of new outreach and residency‑based experiences to expand the museum’s community learning portfolio.
• Collaborate with schools, libraries, and community‑based organizations to build sustained learning connections.
• Adapt facilitation strategies for diverse audiences and ages, ensuring all experiences are inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive.
• Support onsite or virtual student programs as needed.
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of community hub‑based experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, STEM, or a related field, or 4+ years’ experience in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years’ experience facilitating informal education or community‑based programs for youth and/or families.
• Background in informal learning environments such as museums, afterschool programs, camps, or other cultural institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and adapt curriculum for hybrid, blended, or sequential learning experiences from planning through completion.
• Experience working collaboratively with schools, libraries, or community partners and centers to deliver learning experiences.
• Strong facilitation skills using inquiry‑based, project‑based, or play‑based approaches, with familiarity in inclusive frameworks such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Experience adapting instruction and group facilitation for diverse learning needs, backgrounds, and engagement styles.
• Experience facilitating outreach or assembly programs.
• Experience mentoring or supporting seasonal or volunteer staff during program delivery.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills; ability to manage multiple programs, materials, and communication streams concurrently.
• Proficiency with digital tools for scheduling, reporting, and communication.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with youth, colleagues, and external partners.
• Creative, curious, and adaptable professional who models empathy and innovation.
• Familiarity with immersive learning technologies (VR/MR) a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
• Bilingual or Spanish fluency a plus.
• Ability to travel locally and domestically, including evenings, weekends, and overnights.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; an attractive time‑off program including vacation, sick, and personal days; 10 company holidays; 401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) with a generous employer match; and robust voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others.

Position created on December 19th, 2025.