Career Opportunities

Working with the Director of External Affairs, will coordinate and implement annual appeal while maintaining membership duties and campaigns (mail, on-site and website) including but not limited to renewal, acquisition, acknowledgment, copywriting, and benefit fulfillment for all levels of Memberships. Other duties will include working with fellow team members on special fund-raising initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate production of all individual solicitation and membership materials.
• Track, report and maintain Altru database of all memberships and individual giving.
• Will provide training on database management software to peers and colleagues as requested.
• Produce lists from database as needed for Marketing & PR agency of record for mailings of newsletter, event cards and invitations.
• Manage relationships with outside vendors and help create/administer membership-level cultivation events and stewarding opportunities both on and off site.
• Collaborate with Executive Director on topics, themes, and organization of special projects related to key fundraising initiatives, marketing, and media relations.
• Communicate with and provide assistance to SM&NC Members, always offering the highest level of customer service with a 24 hour response time via phone or email.
• Provide assistance to the Director of External Affairs on fund-raising related projects, producing membership mailings, correspondence and telephone inquiries.
• Creates correspondence between the Director of External Affairs, Executive Director and current and prospective donors (corporations, foundations, individuals) including handling communication of contributions; annual appeal, corporate donations and special events as needed.
• Assists with the development of the annual fundraising work plan.
• Reports monthly to Finance and Executive Director on membership activities.
• Responsible for annual spring membership campaign.
• Represent the Development office in a sensitive and discreet manner that honors confidentiality. 
• Serves on institutional task forces as necessary.

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

While performing the duties of this job, the Membership Ambassador & Development Associate regularly operates in a lively work environment and must be able to focus on tasks, and sometimes multiple tasks, while being helpful to other departments. The work requires flexibility, and may include some non-traditional hours or work on weekends, but generally covers 35 hours per week.

• Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Trustees, Members, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence. Must be a good grammarian and a diligent proofreader.
• Ability to speak effectively before Members or employees.
• Ability to understand financial data.
• Must be able to take initiative on problem-solving by identifying problem, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Experience with database software, creating and pulling lists. Altru preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment.
• Knowledge of Excel, or comparable spreadsheet.
• Knowledge of fundraising software.
• Solid Internet and research skills.
• Ability to handle administrative finance issues.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, walk and/or run. 

CONTACT & RELATIONSHIPS:

Public: Provide information, get information.

Staff: Problem solving, planning, project management or implementation, support on events or other organizational initiatives, provide information.

Volunteers: Seek support for Museum initiatives, provide information or expertise.

Vendors: Seek professional services or expertise and manage as necessary.

Board, Donors & Members: Stewardship and gracious interface.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum B.A. in liberal arts or related fields or equivalent work experience in a customer service oriented position.
• Cultural arts or non-profit experience a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to innovate and initiate.
• Ability to define goals, meet urgent deadlines, organize, and prioritize projects.
• Must have own vehicle and valid driver's license.
• Must have flexibility to work evenings/weekends.
• Must be a “team player” with an excellent sense of humor willing to cross over and help colleagues.

To express interest in these positions: e-mail your resume to ksmith@stamfordmuseum.org or stop by the lobby reception desk and fill out an application.

This position is responsible for ensuring that our visitors and members have the best possible guest experience. You will manage a team of VS representatives, function and work closely with all departments to ensure that all operations and functions are coordinated efficiently and effectively. You will serve as a role model to others, be responsible, reliable, a good communicator, organized and use good judgment at all times. You must have superior customer service skills, management skills, be able to mentor, train and manage others and be an effective problem solver.

You will plan, implement and distribute weekly staff schedules and responsibilities, recruit, conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing feedback, monitor activities, handle emergencies.

Residing at the front desk, you are the frontline point person for all visitors to the Bendel Mansion’s art galleries. You will answer phones, field questions, process memberships, registrations for programs, manage the gift shop, handle ordering, serve as the program registrar and manage a database for summer camp, birthday parties, memberships and program registrations. You will process payments, refunds and credits using good judgment. You will create the weekly calendar and lead all VS staff meetings including providing training. You will approve time off for your team. You will participate in all staff meetings, safety committee, marketing and development staff meetings, visitor task forces and any other relevant meetings. You will proofread newsletters and marketing materials and communicate with and consistently support all departments as needed.

Successful candidates will have at least 5 years of customer service experience, 3 years of management experience and have strong data entry and computer skills. You must be able to work nights and/or weekends in support of our programs and activities.

To express interest in these positions: e-mail your resume to ksmith@stamfordmuseum.org or stop by the lobby reception desk and fill out an application.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is looking for Part Time employees for our Visitor Services staff.

Visitor Services responsibilities include: welcoming the public, providing information about the Museum's activities and exhibitions and directing visitors to locations, activities and events. You will become knowledgeable about the exhibitions and all other aspects of our offerings, engaging in conversation with the public in a positive, informed manner.

Responsibilities may include ensuring the care of museum exhibits; paying special attention to the objects that should not be touched by the public, taking admission fees or checking membership status, selling memberships, handling phone inquiries from the public and assisting with merchandise sales. Must be able to handle cash box and cash reconciliation.

May help with set-up for special events or receptions that involve the exhibition galleries or the Great Hall and must maintain order, cleanliness, and neatness of hands-on activity areas and lobby. A lively work environment, these positions requires flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation.

Part time hours available are primarily daytime weekdays and weekends to include Holidays, Family Days and Special Events generally covering less than 25 hours per week.

To express interest in these positions: e-mail your resume to ksmith@stamfordmuseum.org or stop by the lobby reception desk and fill out an application.

Title: Farm Curator of Heckscher Farm
Organization: Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Supervisor: Co-Manager of Heckscher Farm
Employment Status: Full time. Exempt.

BASIC FUNCTION:
Serves as the caretaker for farm livestock and other animals. Responsible for daily upkeep of farm buildings and grounds and maintenance projects as directed. Participate in educational programming and special events as required, and act as an on-site manager of farm when supervisor is not present. Works as scheduled by and reports directly to the Co-Manager of Heckscher Farm. This position will work Sunday-Wednesday from 8:00 am-6:00pm from March-November; and 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. November-February. 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Animal Care: Work with Farm Director to develop plans for on-going animal management including breeding, health care, dietary management, training and culling.  Maintains supply inventories. Oversee daily chores and routine animal management. Conduct routine animal medical care including vaccinations, birthing, parasite control, and medication administration. Maintain written and computer logs of all activities related to animal health and animal care.
• Maintenance: Assess and coordinate the maintenance of all farm buildings and grounds under the supervision of the Farm Managers. Carry out minor repairs and supervise routine maintenance projects. Maintain log of daily activities.
• Education: Participate in special programming and teach classes as requested.
• Interpretation: Learn the mission of the farm and actively interpret farm activities to visitors and volunteers.
• Volunteers: Work with, supervise and educate volunteers as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years relevant, professional related experience.
• Minimum B.S. in biology, environmental science, education or related field.
• Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Board, major donors, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
• The position requires excellent communications skills, oral and written, as well as the ability to multitask and think creatively on program development and implementation.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.

• Interest in variety of natural history, farm, and/or physical science topics
• Experience or comfortability with large farm animals
• Experience handling, caring for, and teaching with a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, and mammals
• Excellent interactions with the public and use of exhibits and components as a teaching tool
• Excellent Internet and research skills. Must be well-organized and detail-diligent with ability to perform your own administrative work

Position:  Outdoor Curriculum Assistant (Full Time)
Department: Art, Nature, & Me Preschool
Reports to: Outdoor Curriculum Specialist/Preschool Co-Director

The Outdoor Curriculum Assistant is a full-time, non-exempt position working primarily Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30 (35 hours), although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will include being involved in all parts of the Art, Nature & Me Preschool, including serving as an Assistant Teacher in classrooms both morning and afternoon, as scheduled.  The position will also assist with the development, organization, implementation, and evaluation of the outdoor curriculum activities throughout the year. This position will also serve as a Preschool Camp Educator for our summer camp program.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as an Assistant Teacher in a 3s or 4s classroom for morning and afternoon classrooms, as scheduled
• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor curriculum units led both by Outdoor Curriculum staff and by classroom teachers
• Aids in organization of curriculum resources, including children’s literature, dramatic play, themed manipulatives, and outdoor STEAM trail components
• Serves as a preschool camp educator for yearly summer camp program
• Oversee care of preschool animals
• Showcases new or existing curriculum resources to preschool staff at monthly staff meetings
• Completes all responsibilities in a timely manner
• Attends staff meetings
• Attends staff development workshops
• Reports to the Co-Directors of Early Childhood Education any concerns or challenges related to designated class
• Works SM&NC Festival Weekends and other special events as needed

Qualifications & Essential Skills

• Ability to interact effectively with parents and peers
• Takes initiative on developing age group appropriate curriculum for classes
• Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with parents, children and staff
• Must act with discretion and have a keen understanding of confidentiality
• Must be comfortable in the outdoor environment
• Must be able to enhance the experience of outdoor explorations for children
• Comfortable with animals and willingness to learn how to handle certain animals to enhance curriculum
• Ability to innovate and initiate
• Ability to define goals, meet urgent deadlines, organize, and prioritize classroom activities

Contacts & Relationships

• Provide information to Lead or Co-Teacher for families of children enrolled about classroom activities
• Maintain professional demeanor providing information to families concerning their child
• Confer with the Co-Directors of Early Childhood Education any concerns about children
• Work with lead and other assistant teachers both for preschool and summer camp
• Be aware of current happenings at the museum
• Support other staff members
• Professional resolution of issues with other staff members (either directly or with the Co-Directors of Early Childhood Education)

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors in Early Childhood or in related field
• 1+ Experience teaching preschool-aged children
• Experience teaching in outdoor settings a plus
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Must be a “team player”
• Must be comfortable in the outdoor environment and use the outdoor environment on a regular basis to support curriculum.
• Love and respect for the natural world
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites
• Comfortable with animals and willingness to learn how to handle certain animals to enhance curriculum and use both in the classroom and outdoors
• Certified in First Aid, CPR and Epi-pen
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish a plus

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: Lisa Combs, Preschool Co-Director, lcombs@stamfordmuseum.org. 

About the Stamford Museum & Nature Center

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 118-acre not-for-profit museum, working farm, and environmental educational facility situated on the former estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel.  The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.

About the position:

The Explorers Camp Educator is a full-time, seasonal position working approximately 32.5 hours per week with the schedule of Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with our Full Day Explorers camp for   

campers entering grades 2-6. The camp season is approximately July 1-August 9, 2019.  No camp on July 4 or 5.

Staff training will be held on June 25-26, 2019. The Explorers Full Day camp serves approximately 150 students in over a six week period. The goal of our camp programs is to provide quality and innovative environmental education experiences using the various resources of the SM&NC, within a camp atmosphere.   

Responsibilities:

• Co-teach and structure activities for a group of 15-24 campers within weekly camp theme
• Help to promote responsible environmental education and create activities that support SM&NC mission
• Help to ensure health and welfare of all campers

Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age
• experience with working with children in an outdoor setting is a plus
• creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility a must
• ability to commit to entire camp season
• experience working with plants/animals/farm also a plus
• must submit a current (within 3 years) physical form before the start of camp
• Candidate must pass a background check

Compensation: $13-$15/hour, depending on experience

Send letter, resume and 2 references to (e-mail preferred):

Lisa Monachelli
Director of Education
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org