Employment Opportunities

Overview

This part-time position (15-18 hours/week) reports to the Museum Educator to assist in the creation and implementation of high-quality, mission-centered programming for all ages. The Program & Outreach Coordinator is responsible for assisting with public program development and execution, maintaining collaborative relationships with other Museum departments on a variety of projects, some administrative duties, and some care of department materials. Some travel and evening/weekend work is required. This position pays $11-14/hour.

Position Impact

The Program & Outreach Coordinator helps educate communities of all ages and backgrounds across Iowa on the wealth of important historical and cultural information found at the African American Museum of Iowa. They ensure engaging visitor experiences at group presentations and guided tours as well as valuable patron experiences through the AAMI’s traveling resources. The learned outcomes from these experiences foster a stronger, more aware community and can lead to increased membership, volunteerism, and even financial support for the AAMI. 

Qualifications

A two or four-year college degree in History and/or Education is preferred. Equivalent experience working in a formal or informal education setting will be considered. Previous knowledge of museum and education practices is preferred, but willingness to train in those fields is required. The ideal candidate should be a strong writer and presenter, is organized, self-directed, and creative. The candidate should have an enthusiastic and welcoming personality, a positive attitude, the ability to relate to all groups of people, and the ability to present historic content in an engaging manner. Strong computer knowledge (Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Internet, etc.) and reliable transportation is required.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and execute guided tours and field trips to the AAMI’s exhibits.
• Schedule, prepare, and execute educational group presentations and youth workshops.
• Accurately track tour and program attendance.
• Schedule traveling exhibit rentals and coordinate timely shipping and/or pick up and drop off.
• Schedule traveling trunk rentals and coordinate timely shipping and/or pick up and drop off.
• Accurately track traveling exhibit and traveling trunk usage statistics.
• Create meaningful lesson and unit plans on relevant, mission-centered content for all ages.
• Update existing lesson and unit plans to meet current educational standards.
•  Create engaging guided tour scripts for various ages that meet current educational standards.
• Accurately create and track billing invoices.
• Utilize technology to meet the needs of modern classroom teachers and to increase the accessibility of AAMI resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to search@blackiowa.org. This position is open until filled. For more information about the Museum, visit our website at blackiowa.org. Please direct questions to search@blackiowa.org. 

Overview

Patron Services Associates are responsible for overseeing the African American Museum of Iowa’s front-of-house operations on Saturdays and during event rentals and some programs. This part-time position reports to the Director of Operations. Scheduling is flexible and includes working on weekends, evenings, and some weekdays to cover events and facility rentals. Patron Services Associates are required to work every Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Position Impact

Patron Services Associates help ensure every patron and customer has a positive, enriching experience. They also ensure smooth operations of facility rentals. This can create rewarding outcomes such as inspiring patrons to visit again or share their positive experiences with others, which can lead to membership, volunteerism, and even financial support.

Qualifications

High school diploma preferred. Must be at least 18 years old. Customer service, cash register, and Microsoft Office experience preferred. The ideal candidate should be self-directed, organized, outgoing, and dependable. The candidate should be attentive to detail, friendly and engaging, and maintain a positive, professional appearance. Must be willing to learn and follow procedures. Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds and have the ability to work a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the Museum on Saturdays and during facility rentals. This includes opening the facility, managing the front desk/store, and following all security policies and procedures.
• Accurately process sales, including merchandise and admissions. Handle and process cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Ensure compliance with facility rental contracts and regulations.
• Provide a high level of customer service to all patrons.
• Provide accurate information to those calling, visiting, or interacting with the Museum.
• Assist in setting up facilities for events and rentals.
• Proactively maintain clean and organized public spaces and work areas.
• Organize store merchandise as needed. Notify supervisor of any products that need reordered.
• Maintain building security by following established procedures.
• Supervise volunteer Front Desk Attendants, as needed.
• Assist with various clerical and administrative projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to search@blackiowa.org. This position is open until filled. For more information about the Museum, visit our website at blackiowa.org. Please direct questions to search@blackiowa.org.

Communications Associate

Overview

The African American Museum of Iowa seeks a Communications Associate. This part-time position (regularly scheduled for 21 hours/week) reports to the Executive Director but will work closely with and take direction from all Museum departments. The ideal candidate will be organized and efficient at balancing simultaneous projects. Primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, developing communications materials such as press releases, event flyers/posters, and creating and maintaining print and social media engagement opportunities with museum contacts that align with the museum’s mission and strategic goals. Preferred work schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.

Qualifications

An Associate’s Degree or two years experience in English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications (or related field). Experience in the arts and culture industry or in the communications field is expected. Experience maneuvering a variety of social media platforms and proficiency in all components of Microsoft Office Suite and database management is required. Graphic design experience is preferred. The ideal candidate should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be dependable and organized, and have an interest in the Museum’s mission to preserve, exhibit, and teach the African American history of Iowa.

Reliable transportation is necessary for regular distribution of printed communications as well as frequent presence at workshops, fairs and other community events as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop print and electronic communications including, but not limited to, flyers, posters, press releases, postcards, letters, and emails.
• Utilize electronic communication platforms such as Constant Contact, Hootsuite, community calendars, website, social media, etc.
• Creatively and strategically promote all Museum exhibits, programs, facilities, special events.
• Coordinate the Museum’s quarterly newsletter, the Iowa Griot.
• Work with the Museum team to develop communications strategies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Regularly update email mailing list
• Regularly distribute printed communications within the Czech/NewBo District and greater Cedar Rapids area
• Develop and maintain media and community relationships
• Other duties as assigned

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to search@blackiowa.org. Writing and/or graphic design samples may be requested. This position is open until filled.

For more information about the Museum, visit our website at www.blackiowa.org . Please direct questions to search@blackiowa.org.