PORTLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Title:
Status:
Reports to:
Maker Space Specialist
Part-Time (28 hours/week)
Visitor Engagement Manager
Mission
We collaborate to create transformative learning experiences through the arts and sciences.
Organization Overview
Portland Children’s Museum consists of three aligned entities: (1) the Museum, where exhibits
and programs serve the public both on- and off-site, (2) Opal School, a fee-based preschool and
K-5 public charter school, and (3) the Museum Center for Learning, which documents and
disseminates fresh approaches to education and provides professional development for
educators. In this description, Museum, School, and Center refer to the specific entity, while
Portland Children’s Museum (or, “the organization”) refers to the whole
Job Overview
Develop and facilitate engaging visitor-driven explorations with recycled materials for families
with young children as part of a team delivering high quality experiences for Museum visitors.
This hands-on position involves a significant amount of time working with visitors and
volunteers in the Museum's maker space, encouraging experimentation, invention, and
creativity using a variety of tools and materials.
Job Responsibilities
Facilitate in the maker space (40% of time)
 Welcome and orient all visitors to the maker space in an engaging manner
 Support visitors’ creative explorations through positive interactions, demonstrations,
and verbal prompts
 Observe how visitors’ engage with the materials, environment, and each other, and seek
ways to deepen their engagement
 Note any additional support or information Floor Facilitators need in the maker space
and collaborate with the Visitor Engagement Manager to make positive changes
Manage materials and environment (25% of time)
 Order, solicit, organize, store, distribute, and track inventory of all materials and tools
for maker space programming, including sourcing, gathering, and prepping recycled
materials for the maker space and occasionally for other Museum programs that need
recycled materials
 Maintain clean and organized storage spaces
 Maintain the maker space budget and track expenses
 Collaborate with the Guest Services Supervisor on training Facilitators to work in the
maker space and keeping them up-to-date on policies and new activities
Develop, evaluate and document (20% of time)
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Develop activities and revenue-generating workshops that will bring out visitors’
creativity, both in the maker space and in support of special events
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Observe and document visitors’ behavior in writing, through sketches, and/or in
photographs
Modify the activities to deepen visitor engagement
Invite and implement observations and ideas from Facilitators when appropriate
Assist with short- and long-term planning and improvements to the maker space
Stay current with maker space innovations in other institutions, and develop a network
of maker-space colleagues
Communicate (10% of time)
 Ensure that all Museum stakeholders know about projects in the maker space and any
relevant changes in policy
 Work with the Sales Manager to establish cash management practices, pricing policies
and seasonal sales activities
 Answer visitors’ questions about maker space projects, including inquiries made by
phone and email
Supervise (5% of time)
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Serve as Manager on Duty as needed
Identify opportunities for volunteers to support the maker space; collaborate with the
Community Engagement Manager to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers in the
maker space
Qualifications
 Associates Degree or equivalent experience preferred
 One year experience working with children and/or families
 Experience developing hands-on education programs
 Knowledge and experience using various tools and materials used in maker spaces, such
as wood working, wiring, electronics, sewing, and/or recycled construction
 Educational philosophy aligned with Museum mission, vision and values
 Genuine passion and curiosity about how young children and their families make
meaning using various materials
 Team-player who is dependable and self-motivated
 Excellent communication and customer service skills
 Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
 Positive attitude in challenging situations
 Strong commitment to diversity
 Readiness to work evenings and weekends as needed; schedule will include at least one
weekend day
To apply
Send letter of interest, resume and three professional references to: resumes@portlandcm.org
with Maker Space Specialist in the subject line.
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.