Creative Exploration Facilitator at STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN

Norwalk, Connecticut, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Visitor engagement, Public speaking, Improvisation, Workshop facilitation, Child development, STEAM education, Cultural competency, Relationship building, Active listening, Time management, Team collaboration, Problem solving, First aid, CPR, Mentoring, Communication

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Description Position Overview: The Creative Exploration Facilitator is a skilled visitor engagement professional responsible for delivering spontaneous floor experiences and leading structured experiences, such as workshops and school group visits. This intermediate role combines responsive floor facilitation with the ability to adapt content for diverse audiences, mentor entry-level staff, and contribute to experience improvements. Creative Exploration Facilitator staff work collaboratively to create meaningful learning experiences, support special events, and help maintain the museum's high standards for visitor engagement. This role requires demonstrated improvisational skills, comfort leading groups, and a commitment to continuous learning. This role is fundamentally people-facing and requires an outgoing, energetic professional who thrives on constant visitor interaction. Comfort with spontaneous public engagement and the ability to confidently approach and connect with strangers, including large groups, are essential. The Creative Exploration Facilitator spends 100% of their time on the museum floor engaging with visitors and facilitating workshops, unless otherwise scheduled. This is a part-time position of twenty to twenty-nine (20–29) hours per week and requires schedule flexibility, including a minimum of one (1) weekend day, occasional evenings, and holidays to support museum operations, programs, and events as needed. Position Responsibilities: Proactively initiate spontaneous, responsive engagement with visitors throughout operating hours—approaching families, greeting visitors, and creating connections without hesitation Facilitate hands-on discovery experiences across museum areas Create welcoming, inclusive environments demonstrating cultural competency Maintain high energy and physical presence during extended floor shifts Serve as flexible support across museum areas on high-volume days Engage parents, caregivers, and teachers in the learning process Lead interactive, age-appropriate workshops and tours for school groups Facilitate multiple sessions per day, adapting presentation style and content to different grade levels and learning needs Support family experiences, group visits, afterschool experiences, summer camps, and special events Prepare materials and supplies for programming in an organized, systematic manner Maintain materials and supplies in communal workspace Model best practices in visitor engagement for Discovery Guide staff Provide informal guidance and support to entry-level staff and volunteers Share constructive feedback and resources with team members Answer questions and assist colleagues during challenging visitor interactions Promote museum membership, experiences, and events effectively Answer questions about museum offerings, exhibits, experiences, and wayfinding Contribute ideas for improving visitor engagement and experience delivery Participate in team meetings and professional development workshops Maintain flexibility in scheduling to meet operational needs during peak times Requirements Core Competencies: Excellent interpersonal skills, professional maturity, adaptability, and self-reliance Self-aware and self-regulating; reads social and emotional cues; demonstrates empathy and active listening with visitors and colleagues Strong relationship builder: Communicates effectively across all organizational levels, manages disagreements constructively, and welcomes feedback to foster trust Consistently demonstrates good judgment and maintains composure in challenging situations Intrinsically motivated with a positive attitude; embraces change, setbacks, and last-minute adjustments with enthusiasm and curiosity Sensitive to diversity, including individuals with physical challenges or special needs Minimum Experience and Certificates: Associate's degree in education, child development, museum studies, or related field; or - High school diploma plus minimum 2 years relevant experience in youth education, informal learning, or museum settings Experience facilitating informal/experiential education with children and families in structured settings through school group experiences or workshops Experience in museum or informal learning environments Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and learning styles Naturally outgoing, comfortable being “on” and engaging with hundreds of visitors daily for 4-6 hour shifts Thrives in high-visibility roles requiring constant public interaction and performance Confident approaching strangers of all ages and backgrounds to initiate conversations and facilitate experiences Comfortable being the center of attention while leading groups, facilitating activities, and commanding floor presence Background or strong interest in STEAM, arts, performance, or education Strong improvisational and creative problem-solving abilities CPR/First Aid certification (museum to provide) Bilingual skills (a plus) Experience with individuals with physical challenges or special needs Good organizational and time management skills with attention to detail Team-oriented mindset with collaborative approach Reliable, professional, adaptable, and flexible Able to kneel, sit on the floor, and engage at children's eye level for extended periods Comfortable working in active, high-energy, sometimes loud environments

Responsibilities

The Creative Exploration Facilitator is responsible for delivering spontaneous and structured visitor experiences, including workshops and school group tours. They also provide mentorship to entry-level staff and contribute to the overall improvement of museum engagement standards.