Programming Associate - STEM Educator

POSITION PURPOSE

The Programming Associate supports CMTM’s efforts to provide engaging, welcoming, and safe educational programming. This position is dedicated to creating and leading programming both within CMTM and through offsite community outreach, ensuring inclusive engagement with diverse communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

Program Development, Implementation & Evaluation:

• Utilizes best practices in museum, theatre, STEM, music, cultural and arts education in program development at CMTM
• Learn, lead, and develop innovative, interdisciplinary programming for all ages, skills, experience, and physical ability levels rooted in SEL, including daily onsite visitor programs, and state-wide outreaches.
• Support program development for large events, including (but not limited to) Halloween Weekend, New Year's Eve, Dinosaur Egg Hunt, Dino Days, and Love Weekend, and for celebrations. Examples include: Big Night, Solstice, Heritage Months, and other non-ticketed celebrations including the Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival.
• Data collection and spreadsheet updates as assigned.
• Regularly receive and incorporate feedback into programs.
• Share feedback on CMTM programming, participating in and promoting a culture of feedback and improvement in conjunction with all programming team members.
• Foster a culture of reflection and evaluation through regular audience evaluation and peer observation with the full Program Development Team as part of developing new and evaluating current programming.
• Work collaboratively to develop and maintain a unified and mission-oriented approach to Museum & Theatre-wide education.

Program Space and Material Development & Upkeep

• Support the upkeep, restock, and organization of program spaces, including program material prep for all theatre, arts, culture, and STEM programs.
• Maintain organized, vibrant program spaces while adhering to accessibility and safety guidelines, including teaching safe tool use, using observational language, managing inventory, and daily cleaning.

Support for other team members and community stakeholders:

• Contributor to onboarding and training new program assistants
• Assist with training and mentoring of interns and volunteers
• Trains others on programs, program prep, and group greetings

Visitor Engagement:

• Ensure all visitors feel welcome and represent CMTM to all visitors in a lively, play-based environment
• Greet groups upon arrival and help ensure their smooth and educational visits onsite
• Engage visitors on floors and exhibits

General:

• Participate in various forms of professional development
• Participate in annual reviews
• Conduct floor checks, usher theatre shows, support facilities, support live exhibits, assist with programming, support welcome desk greeting, and cover other support roles as assigned.
• Other duties identified by supervisor

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• 1-2 years of experience leading informal education programming
• Experience working with families and children
• Comfortable speaking and engaging with large groups of people of various ages
• Access to a car, a valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance for outreach programming (typically several times per month)
• Ability to work Saturdays and Sundays

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF WORKPLACE / ROLE

• Listening to children and responding to them, with occasional direct supervisory responsibilities
• Many tasks require prolonged periods of walking and standing during regular duties.
• Reaching overhead is required frequently.
• Lifting up to 25 lbs is required frequently.
• Climbing ladders up to 12 feet high is required occasionally.
• Bending, crawling, kneeling, and crouching are required occasionally.
• Exposure to Elements: Occasional work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Occasional prolonged sitting and gripping while driving
• Seeing distances and navigating roads safely while driving
• Additional physical demands may be required when leading programming based on the individual role performed

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

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Solution-oriented attitude and creative problem-solving
• Proven time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team player
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in a mature, friendly, and positive way with all visitors
• Passion for teaching and learning

SCHEDULE

28.5-31.5 hours a week

Thursday 12- 4:30 (4:30-7:30 is scheduled as needed or events and evening rentals)

Friday 8:30-4:30

Saturday 8:30-4:30

Sunday 8:30-4:30

COMPENSATION

$20.88 per hour/hour plus $7,500 annual benefit pay which can be used toward a cafeteria plan of benefits including health insurance (3 options, HSA available), dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short & long-term disability, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, 4013B (retirement) plan contributions, and/or HSA contributions. Benefit pay may also be taken as pay in lieu of benefits.

Additional benefits include:

• Annual free membership (for yourself or to give as a gift)
• Monthly free admission passes
• Snacks, tea & coffee available daily onsite
• Staff events such as outings, parties, and lunches

CMTM has an equitable system of pay that offers a base rate based on position, longevity pay increases over time, merit-based raise opportunities, and cost-of-living base wage updates. This system is designed for equity, and as such, we do not have the ability to negotiate the compensation listed above.

HOW TO APPLY

Each applicant is required to email a resume, Museum & Theatre employment application, and letter of interest.

CMTM Employment Application can be found at https://www.kitetails.org/work-with-us. Applications accepted via email to hiring@kitetails.org

Job Application Deadline: July 1, 2026, or until the position is filled.

ABOUT CMTM

At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we set the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play.

We value Belonging.

Everyone belongs at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. We believe each person has value and worth; we celebrate what makes each of us unique and what binds us together as a strong community

We value Play.

We embrace the power of play to build resilience, spark creativity, and ignite a child’s imagination. Play inspires our work, our physical spaces, our storytelling, and our learning experiences.

We value Community.

We center community in all we do. We strive to be an inclusive partner and resource in order to build strong, lasting relationships.

We value Curiosity.

We believe curiosity inspires children to explore, build empathy, and connect with others. Learning fueled by curiosity leads to a deeper understanding of self and the world around us.

We value Trust.

We provide safe, inclusive experiences and spaces to ensure that the community’s trust is earned and upheld in all that we do.

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an equal opportunity employer.

We prioritize diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

We are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible and safe for all members of our community, staff, and volunteers. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. Supervisors work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations and modifications to accommodate the employee’s needs, including physical changes, assistive technologies, accessible communications, and policy enhancements. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond the guidelines to uphold our philosophy that our staff should have a safe and welcoming work environment where they can learn and grow. For a full description of our facility’s accessibility, please visit: www.kitetails.org/accessibility

Pay: From $20.88 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person