Student Outreach & Events Assistant
Position Overview
The KU Natural History Museum seeks a friendly and organized university student to serve as Student Outreach & Events Assistant. This position reports directly to the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, and indirectly to the Associate Director of Informal Science Education. The Student O&E Assistant helps deliver themed programs to groups (scouts, after-school science nights, etc.) and helps to plan and facilitate museum events like Discovery Days and Pop Up Science programs.
Applicants must have some weekday, evening and weekend availability.
Applicants must have some weekday, evening and weekend availability.
Job Description
The role of the Student Outreach & Events Assistant includes:
- Helping to facilitate outreach programs and events, such as: scout badge workshops, visits to community groups (e.g., Lawrence Public Library), and museum programs like Discovery Days.
- Assisting in planning and development of outreach programs and events.
- Helping the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator to cultivate relationships with a wide range of individuals, community organizations, and other entities.
- Representing the museum in a friendly and professional manner.
- Being an enthusiastic, flexible, and supportive member of the KU Natural History Museum team, with an ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
- 50% -- Facilitating hands-on activities; managing groups of visitors (children, parents, KU students, etc.); moving and setting up activities, specimens, tables, & chairs; communicating information and answering questions effectively; interacting with the public in a professional manner; ensuring safety of visitors at events and programs.
- 35% -- Generating new and creative ideas for programs and events.
- 10% -- Clear communications with the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator about programs needs and planning, as well as work schedule availability and changes.
- 5% -- Assisting with observation and documentation of event/program participation and feedback.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate or graduate student at University of Kansas. During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).
- Ability to speak with ease in front of large or small groups of people.
- Ability to interact with people of all ages – especially children – with enthusiasm and patience.
- Strong communication and organizational skills as evidenced by applications materials and interview.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work 8-10 hours per week, with flexible availability during normal work hours, some evenings, and some weekends.
- Must have valid driver’s license.
- Must pass a mandatory background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong interest in natural history / science / organismal biology.
- Previous experience working in informal science settings.
- At least two years left at KU.
- Able to stand for long periods, lift objects up to 30 lbs, and spend time outdoors during spring, summer, and fall weather.
- Able to travel for events throughout the state of Kansas.
Additional Candidate Instructions
Required Application Materials:
Review of applications begins on August 30, 2024 and continues until position has been filled.
WORK SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
At least 5 office hours per week working with the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator. Additional 3-5 hours per week on weekends and possibly semester breaks assisting with museum events and programs. Hours are flexible and will vary slightly depending on events schedule. MUST be flexible on weekends for events and programs.
KU Natural History Museum (Dyche Hall)
- Online Application
- Cover letter addressing position interest and qualifications
- Resume
- Fall 2024 class schedule
- Contact information for three (3) professional references
Review of applications begins on August 30, 2024 and continues until position has been filled.
WORK SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
At least 5 office hours per week working with the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator. Additional 3-5 hours per week on weekends and possibly semester breaks assisting with museum events and programs. Hours are flexible and will vary slightly depending on events schedule. MUST be flexible on weekends for events and programs.
KU Natural History Museum (Dyche Hall)
Contact Information to Applicants
Advertised Salary Range
$12.00 - $13.50 per hour, commensurate with experience
Work Schedule
8 - 10 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date
Monday September 2, 2024