Paid Employment
Volunteering and Internships
Museum Educators (AmeriCorps)
Volunteering for Fundraising and Special Events

Providence Children’s Museum is Rhode Island’s only museum especially for children, their parents and other care providers.  Its mission is to inspire learning through active play and exploration.  A private, nonprofit educational organization, the Museum has served the public since 1977 and now welcomes 140,000 visitors a year. 

Paid Employment

Position Open: Events Manager - Full-time
Reports to: Director of Development

Summary: Primarily responsible for managing special events, increasing contributions to and awareness of the Museum and supporting volunteer fundraising activities as a member of the development department team.

Responsibilities:
• Ensures all aspects of volunteer committee management for annual gala, golf tournament, benefit drawing and other events;
• Responsible for event volunteer recruitment, assignments, coordination, materials and training;
• Establishes goals, strategies and budgets for fundraising events; responsible for production of all project and event related materials;
• Responsible for event donor cultivation, solicitation and recognition; ensures accurate donor and financial data management; maintains excellent donor, volunteer and member relations;
• Responsible for annual meeting and exhibit opening hospitality;
• Communicates with Board of Directors, fundraising committees and staff to ensure internal and external efficiency and effectiveness;
• Participates in development of Museum newsletter, donor brochures and other promotional materials; ensures Museum's strong, positive public image;
• Contributes to the development team toward adoption of best practices; co-supervises an assistant; manages student interns; and remains current on development issues.

Qualifications: Bachelors degree.  Minimum of three years of fundraising experience; proven track record in special event and volunteer management. Energetic motivator.  Excellent writing, verbal communications and interpersonal skills.  Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel and FileMaker Pro.  Must have references.

Salary: Low thirties

Benefits: Medical, dental insurance; paid vacation, holiday and personal days

Providence Children’s Museum is an equal opportunity employer. 

Please send resume and cover letter to Director of Development, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence, RI  02903 or laurelli@childrenmuseum.org by May 27, 2008.

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Position: Families Together Clinician
Reports to: Families Together Director

Open: Full-time Family Clinician needed Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 to 5:30.

Summary: Primarily responsible for guiding therapeutic visits for court separated families.

Responsibilities:
• Supervise family visits at Providence Children’s Museum
• Assess family strengths and needs
• Develop visitation plan and goals with parents
• Assist parents and children to acquire effective communication and problem solving skills
• Teach/model positive parenting strategies, skills, developmental stages
• Teach/model ways to play and interact
• Document visit observations
• Work collaboratively with DCYF caseworker and other community providers
• Write reports as requested by Family Court or DCYF caseworkers
• Carry a caseload of ten to fifteen families

Qualifications:
• Creative team player with experience in the fields of social work, human development or human services with a BSW or related degree (Masters level preferred)
• Compassionate, flexible individual with experience/knowledge of child welfare systems and familiarity with current practices in substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, early childhood development, childhood trauma, bonding and attachment.
• Background in play/recreation therapy and clinical experience with children/families at risk is extremely helpful.
• Bi-lingual a plus.

Salary: $28,000 - $30,000. Health plan, vacation and personal time
This full-time position is available immediately

Direct letter of interest and qualifications to: brinig@childrenmuseum.org or Heidi Brinig, Program Director for Families Together, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. Providence, RI 02903

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Position: Experience Coordinator
Reports to: Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager
Supervises: Visitor Services Volunteers and interns

Responsibilities: The Experience Coordinators are a team of managers, primarily responsible for the quality of the visitor experience at Providence Children's Museum. As a team, the Experience Coordinators ensure the smooth daily operation of the Museum and coordinate and implement educational programs.  Their collective responsibilities are:

• Train, schedule and manage exhibit and admissions staff;
• Oversee the operation of the admissions desk including cash register accuracy, consistent data collection and quality customer service;
• Keep visitors well informed about Museum programs and functions and resolve visitor questions and concerns;
• Prepare and present or supervise the presentation of educational programs for the general public, school classes and other audiences;
•  Manage children's birthday parties;
• Assist visitors in exhibits as needed;
• Ensure adequate supplies for programs, birthday parties and scout nights;
• Ensure the security of the Museum building and grounds daily;
• Ensure the cleanliness of the Museum's public areas;
• Participate in biweekly Experience Coordinator team meetings;
• Contribute to development of Education Department plans and procedures;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Responsible team player, interested in how children and families learn. Solid interpersonal skills, flexible, detail oriented, able to handle multiple tasks at same time and solve problems creatively. Experience working with children required. Must be able to go up and down stairs and perform frequent lifting up to 25 pounds.  CPR certification required (will train). Bilingual English/Spanish desired. Customer service and supervisory experience preferred. Minimum of associate's degree, bachelor's degree preferred. EOE

• Part time position, 20-25 hrs/wk
• Monday through Friday and weekends
  

Pay: $10/hour. $11/hour bilingual English/Spanish.

To Apply: Send letter of interest and resume to: Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence, RI 02903 or email to fenton@childrenmuseum.org

PCM is an equal opportunity employer.  Members of racial/ethnic minorities encouraged to apply.

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Position: Admissions Clerk
Reports to: Visitor Services & Volunteer Manager

Responsibilities:
The Admissions Clerk is primarily responsible for ensuring a welcoming and helpful experience for all visitors to the Museum by:

• Providing friendly welcome and quality customer
service to all Museum visitors
• Assisting visitors with admissions, membership, program, and birthday party payments using cash register (cash, check, VISA/MC)
• Maintaining efficient operation of admissions desk including opening and closing cash register and counting register drawer daily
• Having in depth knowledge of Museum pricing structure, membership, special promotions, and discount opportunities
• Increasing membership sales by ensuring visitors know the value of a Museum membership
• Informing visitors, both through Museum brochures and through conversation in person and on the phone, about Museum programs and functions
• Resolving visitor concerns and inquiries
• Keeping Museum brochure racks tidily stocked with current information

Qualifications:

• Organized, confident, patient, friendly, and outgoing
• Comfortable interacting with children and adults
• Able to communicate clearly with tact and patience
• Works well under pressure
• Retail experience and knowledge of a cash register helpful
• Spanish-speaking desirable

Part-time position, Shifts are available weekdays and weekends between 8:30am and 6:00pm, including holidays, and Friday evenings until 8:00pm.

Pay: $7.40 per hour.

To Apply: Send letter of interest and resume to: Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager, Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence, RI 02903 or email to fenton@childrenmuseum.org

PCM is an equal opportunity employer.  Members of racial/ethnic minorities encouraged to apply.

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Volunteering and Internships

Join Providence Children's Museum's fun and creative team of dedicated volunteers and interns! Volunteers and interns work closely with Museum professionals and gain experience with many aspects of Museum work, from day to day operations, to education in exhibits and programs, to exhibit research.

AmeriCorps Museum Educators
Internships
Volunteer Opportunities
Fundraising and Special Events

For more information on any volunteer opportunity, contact Kelly Fenton, Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager, at (401) 273-5437 ext. 133 or volunteer@childrenmuseum.org

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Internships

Providence Children's Museum interns have the opportunity to work with Museum professionals while becoming familiar with various aspects of Museum work, from day to day operations to exhibit research.

Interns work directly with Museum staff, volunteers and visitors in areas such as:

• Exhibit interpretation and education
• Exhibit research, development, maintenance and evaluation
• Public relations, marketing, and membership
• Fundraising and special event planning
• Graphic design
• Information technology
• Merchandising and retail

Interns work on specific projects, depending on individual strengths and talents and the Museum's needs. As they become more familiar with Museum operations, interns may have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities in more than one department.

We are seeking interns who are interested in children and the ways they learn and who may be interested in careers in museums or similar organizations. The ideal intern is well-organized, responsible, friendly, flexible, independent, cooperative, and creative. Internships are available in the summer, fall, and spring.

For more information about internship opportunities, contact Kelly Fenton, Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager, at (401) 273-5437 ext. 133 or volunteer@childrenmuseum.org

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Volunteer Opportunities

Join Providence Children's Museum's fun and creative team of dedicated volunteers! You can get involved in working with children, visitor services, creative services and support services.

Working with Children

Exhibit Educator

• Engage children and adults in hands-on exhibits
• Play, explore, and facilitate positive learning experiences
• Gain experience working with children of all ages
• Learn about child development and informal education

Program Assistant

• Lead or assist with the Museum's hands-on programs, including Girl Scout and Cub Scout activity evenings, birthday parties, Preschool Friday, and daily programs
• Help prepare materials for programs

Visitor Services

Admissions Clerk

• Welcome visitors and provide quality customer service
• Provide visitors with information about Museum programs and events

Gift Shop Assistant

• Assist customers with gift shop purchases
• Learn about the daily operation of a small store

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Creative Services

Graphic Design Assistant

• Help with the design and production of print materials, exhibit labels and signage
• Design experience and knowledge of QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe PhotoShop are required

Illustrator

• Create artwork for various printed or exhibit materials
• Must be able to adapt to the Museum's graphic identity

Exhibit Repair Assistant

• Help repair and maintain existing exhibits
• Assist with fabrication of exhibit components
• Must have basic knowledge of shop tools, carpentry, & electrical wiring and experience with building and repairs

Gift Shop Window Assistant

• Assist in design and creation of window displays, using themes that relate to seasons, programs, and merchandise promotions
• Previous design experience preferred
  

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Support Services

Membership Assistant

• Process membership applications
• Prepare renewal reminders and financial reports
• Assist with marketing of memberships
• Address members' concerns and resolve problems

Special Events Assistant

• Support special events such as the Phonathon, Golf Tournament, and Gala Ball
• Assist with general clerical work in the Development Office
• Work with special event committees

Public Relations/Marketing Assistant

• Assist with media relations by writing press releases and newsletter article
• Compile media clippings
• Assist with data entry

IT Assistant

• Work with the Systems Administrator to maintain computer systems
• Maintain/modify current databases
  
• Assist with design/implementation of new databases and interfaces

We are always looking for energetic volunteers who can make a commitment of at least 3 months and who want to work - and PLAY! - in a fun environment.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Kelly Fenton, Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager, at (401) 273-5437 x133 or or volunteer@childrenmuseum.org

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Volunteering for Fundraising and Special Events

Throughout the year, the Museum needs volunteers to help with fundraising events.

Time commitments range from several weeks prior to an event to simply lending a hand on the day or evening of the function. Regular Museum fundraisers include:

• A black tie gala (spring/summer)
• An annual raffle
• An annual golf tournament (August)
• An annual phonathon (October)

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