A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village -

Job Openings

Part Time Teacher

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village is looking for a part time teacher with hands-on teaching experience and/or degree in education.

Primary Function:
Responsible for teaching classes, workshops, Discovery Programs, summer camps, outreach programs, and other education programming.

Qualifications:
· Must have minimum six months hands-on teaching experience with students K-6th grade.
· Must be enthusiastic, dependable and have a flexible schedule.
· Course work in education or relevant field required. Education degree and/or certification desired.
· Must have reliable transportation and good driving record, ability to lift 25 pounds and ascend and descent stairs.

Employment Training:
Will include but not limited to training with Education Department staff, attending teacher meetings and several observations of A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village staff.

Supervised by: Director of Education

Hours: On call, Part Time

Job Location: Includes but not limited to teaching at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village and in local public and private schools

Job Duties:
1. Teach in an age-appropriate, hands-on and engaging manner that encourages learning and excitement about subject matter.
2. Prepare educational setting in a manner conducive to creative hands-on learning, including establishing behavioral expectations.
3. Communicate regularly with Education staff regarding scheduling availability and curriculum needs/improvements.
4. Represent A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in a professional manner, both in dress and behavior.
5. Promote programs and services of A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village.

If interested in the above position, please send a cover letter and resume to:
Director of Education
A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village
116 Marion St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
OR
edu@acgilbert.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA Position

This is a full-time service position at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village through the Clara Barton VISTA Corps (CBVC). The VISTA member will receive a monthly subsistence allowance and end-of-service educational award of $4,725. Healthcare, childcare assistance, student loan deferment or forbearance, and professional development and training opportunities will be provided for qualified candidates. Candidates must be available for a one-year service term beginning August 11, 2008 and ending August 14, 2009. More information about national service through AmeriCorps VISTA can be found on this site: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp.

Organizational Mission: To provoke curiosity, inspire awe, awaken interest, foster enjoyment, encourage learning, and enable understanding in all youth.

Position: Community Access Coordinator/KidACCESS Program at A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village

Summary of Position:

The Community Access Coordinator will play a vital role in realizing the mission of A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, a fun-loving nonprofit children's museum located in the heart of Salem, Oregon's capital city. Ranked the 17th best children's museum and Number Two Toyland in the country, the museum emphasizes hands-on education in the sciences, arts, and humanities for children ages two to twelve. Using our lively site as a home base, the Community Access Coordinator will create the KidACCESS program to promote museum visitation and participation in educational programs among low-income and minority families in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

By identifying the populations in the region with the most need, conducting outreach within these communities, securing partnerships with agencies and businesses, and generating awareness of the program and the benefits of early childhood education, the Community Access Coordinator will actively communicate the museum's philosophy that "playing is essential to learning." This position will work closely with the Executive Director and Promotions Director to create a plan for sustainability for this program.

The Community Access Coordinator will work from one of three historic buildings that overlook the Willamette River in downtown Salem's Riverfront Park. This position requires an outgoing and self-motivated individual who is passionate about early childhood education. The selected candidate will receive additional training opportunities in nonprofit marketing, communications, fundraising, and more. Additional benefits include a membership to the museum, which also consists of free yearlong admission to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland and over 300 other science and technology centers worldwide.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Research and write a proposal for the development of the KidACCESS program for low-income and minority families in the Mid-Willamette Valley.
2. Facilitate meetings, work groups, and presentations to develop and promote the program.
3. Contact community agencies in order to establish partnerships to promote and support the program.
4. Write and design promotional materials for the program.
5. Write press releases and maintain effective communications with local media and community partners by email, mail, and phone.
6. Coordinate community outreach events and on-site information sessions.
7. Conduct fundraising and identify additional sources of funding to support the program.
8. Develop methods to evaluate and track the success of the program.
9. Work with staff to write grants and submit funding applications.
10. Complete general office duties related to the position (mailings, filing, phone calls, meetings, etc.)
11. Attend CBVC/AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsored orientation, trainings, meetings, and disaster response courses.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Candidates must have proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to relate the mission of the museum in a variety of settings (please attach a writing sample).
2. Candidates must be fluent in Spanish and English.
3. Candidates must be self-motivated with strong research and problem-solving skills. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
4. Candidates should have a dynamic personality able to build and maintain relationships with community partners.
5. Fundraising/grant writing experience is a plus.
6. Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers with proficiency in Windows Office Suite.

All candidates must be able to ascend and descend stairs and have the ability to lift 25 pounds. All candidates must pass State and Federal fingerprint screening, have a good driving record and insurance, or have reliable alternative modes of transportation. Mileage reimbursement will be provided by the museum.

Contact: For more information about this position, please contact Stephanie Lenox, Promotions Director, at promotions@acgilbert.org or 503-371-3631.

To Apply: Send a cover letter describing your experience with diverse populations, resume, three references with phone numbers, and writing sample that address these three topics: 1. why you're interested in participating in national service, 2. how your experience matches our desired qualifications, and 3. how working at a nonprofit children's museum will contribute to your larger professional goals.

Mail to: Stephanie Lenox
A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village
116 Marion St. NE
Salem, OR 97301

--OR--

Email the above as MS Word attachments to:
Stephanie Lenox, promotions@acgilbert.org.

Clara Barton VISTA Corps (CBVC) is a statewide AmeriCorps VISTA program administered through the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross. CBVC members serve with local organizations who focus on preventing individuals and families from entering poverty or offering services to assist in transitioning out of poverty. CBVC members will provide service through indirect, capacity building, and sustainable activities to ensure the organizations they are serving have the necessary resources to remain successful.