Manager of Community and Schools Relationships

Job Description

Job Description

Our Mission : Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The School Programs team provides opportunities to explore the world’s natural and cultural diversity through meaningful learning experiences for Pre-K-12th grade students, educators, and community organizations through educational resources, workshops in classrooms, professional development for teachers, field trips to the museum, and hosting students and families in our early childhood center, the Crown Family PlayLab.

As a member of the School Programs team, the Manager of Community and School Relationships plays a crucial role in fostering and managing relationships between the Field Museum and existing community partners and schools, establishing new partnerships, and enhancing community engagement and school experiences on the southwest and west sides of Chicago.

This role will spearhead engagement efforts and management of ongoing and multi-faceted partnerships and outreach programs at community sites and schools across Chicago.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Manage relationships with existing community partners and schools to enhance engagement and support educational initiatives on the Southwest and West sides of Chicago.
• Identify, establish, and foster new partnerships with community organizations, schools, and businesses that align with the Museum's mission.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Field Museum and school administrators, educators, and community stakeholders and fostering positive relationships.
• Consult and strengthen relationships with identified communities through programming, outreach events, community programming, school workshops, science nights, school programs, and other events.
• Collect and analyze data to track relationship metrics, prepare reports, and measure the impact of partnership activities.
• Coordinate and facilitate community group and school visits both onsite at the Museum and offsite.
• Collaborate with department leadership to develop formal processes, scope of work, and cross-team initiatives.
• Attend community meetings and hold regular relational meetings with community leaders on the Southwest and West Sides of Chicago.
• Manage, supervise, and coach the community engagement team, which may include full-time, part-time, and contract staff.
• Oversee the community engagement and partnership budget.
• Oversee Park Voyagers Field Museum program.
• Actively serve on and engage with the Education Leadership management team.
• Develop and lead strategy for programming for diverse audiences in community and schools, ensuring alignment with Education and Public Programs goals.
• Create, execute, and advance a comprehensive strategy for developing community engagement programming with clear Education and Public Programs goals.
• Stay informed about and implement best practices to promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion within community engagement and school partnerships.
• Support the development and marketing of community and school events as well as monthly programming for various audiences.
• Oversee and manage the development and execution of community events and unique programming initiatives at the Field Museum.
• Monitor and evaluate partnership initiatives to measure impact on educational outcomes and community engagement, proposing enhancements or conclusions as needed.
• Ensure co-created programs align with the museum's missions, vision, and learning framework while leveraging community strengths and interests.
• Foster ongoing internal collaborations across departments and external collaborations with schools and community partners in support of school partnerships.

Other duties :

• Monitor, care for, maintain, and safely store items, specimens, and materials related to the exhibition and Sue Gin Ling Center for Education and Public Programs.
• Research, learn, and adapt programming and resources as assigned.
• Ongoing reading, research, and program development as assigned.
• Support other Education programming, including but not limited to other programs within the School Programs team, the Public Programs team, Family Experiences team, Youth Initiatives team, or other Education and Public Programs programming as assigned.

Qualifications :

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of education, science, social science, or other related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and executing community engagement programs, preferably in a museum or educational setting.
• 3-5 years experience teaching Pre-K-12th grade students using culturally responsive, anti-racist, and inquiry-based pedagogies.
• Strong understanding of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion principles and their application in program development.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in project management, including program planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Ability to think strategically and innovate while maintaining alignment with organizational goals.
• Commitment to promoting educational equity and fostering community partnerships.
• This role requires regular off-site work at schools throughout the Chicagoland area. Regular access to a reliable vehicle is required.

Mileage reimbursement is provided.

• This position will require occasional weekend and / or evening work (typically 2-3 evening / weekend events per month).
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English and Spanish is highly preferred.
• Enjoys working on a team to collaboratively develop program ideas.
• Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards, Common Core, and Social Justice Standards required.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect.

We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [email protected].