Manager of Youth Initiatives at the American Museum of Natural History
Job Title: Manager of Youth Initiatives
Job Status: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $60,000 – $70,000
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Museum’s Youth Initiatives (YI) department, a division of the Museum’s Department of Education), is seeking a Manager of Youth Initiatives. The YI group is dedicated to STEM workforce development and science enrichment for youth ages 10 to 24.
At YI, we aspire to be a hub and model for youth science learning and engagement with a content focus on human cultures, the natural world and the universe. The organization is committed to addressing institutional and societal discrimination that prevents full participation in science for all young people. We are looking for candidates committed to this vision in working with the YI team to build a more just and equitable community of STEM learners and leaders.
The Manager of Youth Initiatives will be responsible for leading the programming and general operations of the multi-year Lang Science Scholars program and our science enrichment program, Science Alliance.
- Lang Science Program is an intensive multi-year program spanning middle and high school for students who have demonstrated a curiosity about the world and are eager to expand their knowledge. Lang serves over 100 students on Saturdays throughout the year, and for 3 weeks in the summer. More information at: https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/children-and-families/lang-science-program.
- Science Alliance provides STEM-enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students to discover and explore their science interests across a diversity of content areas including anthropology, astrophysics, conservation science, earth & planetary science, ecology and evolutionary biology. Science Alliance currently serves 360 students after school, on Saturdays, over holiday breaks and during the summer. More information at: https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/children-and-families/science-alliance-middle-school and https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/teens/science-alliance-high-school.
The Manager reports to the Assistant Director of Youth Initiatives.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Supervise, train, support and be responsive to 1-2 Program Coordinators who are responsible for day-to-day operations for Lang and Science Alliance.
- Guide and support Program Coordinators in implementing strategy, adopting effective organizational practices and creating productive working relationships with the Education team (educators/TAs).
- Identify professional learning needs of educators and coordinators.
- Manage recruitment, admissions and onboarding processes, refining and adapting admissions and registration practices through an equity/justice lens. Lead all aspects of the student selection process.
- Track applicant data and use metrics and generate reporting to evaluate the impact of processes and practices.
- Understand ticketing processes and support Coordinators in monitoring ticket sales to reach student opportunity and revenue goals.
- Create and implement new programmatic opportunities/strategies to develop youth and alumni communities and build relationships with students and families.
- Support successful program operations, on both logistical and strategic/administrative levels.
- Ensure all programs, classes and events have a dedicated space and adequate staffing/coverage, in coordination with Security staff. Supervise on site during program sessions, observing activities and participating when appropriate. Be on-call for emergencies on program days.
- In consultation with the Assistant Director of YI and other partners, review, collaborate on and approve course objectives, course strategies and scheduling. Track success via program evaluations and debriefs with staff and students. Create and manage program budgets and spending. Co-write grant reports.
This position is a Tuesday through Saturday position. Candidates can expect to commit to an 11am-7pm schedule at least 3 workdays/week, as well as peak program scheduling in the summer.
The expected salary range for the Manager of Youth Initiatives is $60,000 – $70,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, science, museum studies, social work, or another relevant field.
- 3 years of experience in designing and coordinating youth programming.
- 1 year of experience in a supervisory role.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fluency in Spanish (oral/written).
- Experience working in STEM informal education.
- Experience in physical or natural science fieldwork or a laboratory setting.
- Active in informal learning networks (e.g., ASTC, NYCMER, AAM).
- Outstanding communication (oral/written), public speaking and presentation skills.
- Ability to actively listen to and effectively communicate with internal/external partners, program participants, supervisors and other team members.