Explainer Supervisor

SUMMARY

The Explainer Supervisor is in the Visitor Engagement Department that is responsible for supervising daily museum operations, as well as the programs that support learning experiences for all visitors. This position is part of a team of managers and supervisors who direct the work of supporting the High School Explainers (HSE) and (Professional Advancement and Career Exposure (PACE) Explainers, with the flexibility to shift their focus based on needs of the team and seasonal staffing demands.

The Explainer Supervisor is responsible for managing, training, and mentoring High School Explainers and PACE Explainers. The Explainer Supervisor manages the daily schedules for High School Explainers and PACE Explainers, provides training and professional development, carries out administrative tasks, maintains supplies and equipment, and communicates across departments. This position reports to the Manager, High School Explainer Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Staff Supervision and Training

• Foster a team-oriented environment and ensure effective communication between High School Explainers, PACE Explainers, and the Visitor Engagement management team
• Manage Explainer teams, including hiring High School Explainers and PACE Explainers, providing timely feedback and coaching, and administering discipline, when necessary, using performance frameworks
• Plan and lead professional development for Explainers in professional skills, science content, and facilitation, ensuring compliance with the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF), and potentially other funder requirements
• Run the daily operation of the floor programs during open hours and special events: manage the daily schedules, adapt to activity on the museum floor, respond to visitor concerns, and respond to radio calls requiring supervisory attention
• Handle visitors’ lost items and manage institutional response when children become separated from their parents or groups; coordinate communication with internal groups to reunite visitors and provide support for HSE staff
• Manage logistical administration for Explainer teams such as daily schedules and timecard approval
• Gather and report on data on relevant metrics for program planning and development and grant reporting, including data from alumni Explainers
• Provide one-on-one mentoring for High School Explainers and PACE Explainers
• Participate in museum and DCYF offered training
• Act as point person for interdepartmental PACE internship (bio lab, admin, etc.)
• Model and maintain visitor engagement standards for staff
• Maintain professional boundaries when working with youth and children

Museum Floor

• Oversee the daily operation of the Explainer programs during open hours and special events: manage and adjust daily schedules based on museum activity respond to visitor concerns and emergencies, respond to radio calls requiring supervisory attention; and ensure a smooth visitor experience by adjusting staffing as needed
• Manage visitor concerns with professionalism–demonstrate exceptional conflict management and resolution skills; model and maintain positive interactions with visitors
• Maintain and upkeep of demo stations to ensure there are enough supplies

Program Development and Communication

• Advise on changes to museum experience and facilitation based on operation needs, learning outcomes, and visitor safety
• Participate in the development of the Exploratorium visitor experience

Perform additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED certificate
• Two years of experience in museum, education, visitor service, youth mentorship experience, or equivalent in related fields
• Pass a Livescan background check
• Demonstrated experience maintaining professional boundaries when working with youth and children
• Demonstrated team-building skills, and experience in leading diverse groups of adults and youth in informal science or inquiry based learning
• Workplace experience demonstrating the ability to model reliability, patience, flexibility, and positive attitude and tactful interactions when dealing with staff and visitors
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects in a timely manner
• Leadership ability; diplomatic and decisive; honest and dependable
• Exceptional attention to detail, follow-up and handle multiple and changing tasks
• Exceptional time-management and delegation skills; punctual and reliable
• Ability to work closely and effectively with museum staff & general public, particularly children; ability to build and be part of a team-oriented environment
• Commitment to superior customer service
• Ability and interest in learning exhibits and their scientific principles and communicating these to students, teachers and general visitors
• Intermediate proficiency with Google Suite, including shared drives and Google Meet
• Experience with timecard management
• Must be comfortable performing all Exploratorium demonstrations, including but not limited to cow-eye dissections

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in informal learning institutions
• Education or work experience in one or more of the following areas: education, ethnic studies, science, DEAI, or performance arts
• Previous experience supervising adults and/or youth in an informal learning setting or equivalent experience in related fields
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, Cantonese, or American Sign Language a plus)
• Experience engaging in or leading conversations around identity, race and privilege
• Experienced or strongly familiar with positive development models for youth, transitional adults and other audiences
• Experience working with the public in customer service or front-facing roles
• Familiarity with the Exploratorium Explainer program

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays; schedule will typically include both weekend days and Thursday evenings and is generally Wednesday to Sunday, though that may shift to meet staffing needs for summer
• Able to work in a noisy and sometimes chaotic environment and be flexible under a variety of circumstances
• Able to move from place to place which may include standing and/or walking for extended periods of time; lift and carry up to 50 pounds short distances; bend, kneel, reach

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), non-exempt, non-union position that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $29.50 to $32.00 DOE. This position begins April 21, 2025. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to a diverse workforce.

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