Education Programs Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Job Responsibilities The South Carolina State Museum is seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic Education Programs Specialist to support the museum's informal learning experiences through camps, accessibility initiatives, scout programs, educational events, and special projects. Working under the direction of the Manager of Education & Experiences, this position helps coordinate and deliver engaging educational experiences that inspire wonder, foster creativity, and create welcoming learning environments for audiences of all ages. The Education Programs Specialist serves as a key member of the Audience Engagement team by supporting camp curricula, accessibility initiatives, special events, family learning experiences, and educational partnerships while helping ensure programs remain innovative, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.

Responsibilities and Duties Programs & Special Events: Coordinate and facilitate educational programs including family learning events, scout workshops, Teacher Appreciation Day, Accessibility Mornings, Disability Celebration Day, along with any other activities needed for special museum events. Develop and deliver engaging STEAM, history, natural history, and other educational programs for school groups, camps, public audiences, and special events as assigned. Support K-12 school visitation by teaching educational programs and helping ensure high-quality learning experiences for visiting students and teachers.

Assist with outreach programs, educator events, and conferences as needed to support departmental priorities. Maintain proficiency across multiple museum education content areas and instructional formats to provide flexible support throughout the Audience Engagement team. Camps & Informal Learning: Assist with the development, preparation, and implementation of camp curriculum.

Teach camp programs and provide guidance and mentorship to seasonal educators. Assist with coordinating camp materials, classroom preparation, caregiver communication, and daily logistics as assigned. Assist with camper support and help maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.

Support family learning opportunities, homeschool programs, and other informal educational experiences as needed. Accessibility: Serve as a museum representative at accessibility-focused conferences, professional development opportunities, community meetings, and resource fairs to strengthen partnerships and promote the museum's accessibility initiatives and learning opportunities. Build and maintain relationships with disability organizations, educators, service providers, and community partners to support accessible programming and identify opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Serve as the primary point of contact for accessibility accommodations related to school groups, collaborating with Group Visits, educators, teachers, and caregivers to anticipate needs and support successful museum experiences. Operations and Resource Management: Lead the organization, inventory, and maintenance of educational materials, camp supplies, accessibility resources, and special program equipment. Conduct weekly inventory checks of classrooms, storage areas, and accessibility resources to ensure materials are stocked, organized, safe, and ready for use.

Monitor supply levels and coordinate the replacement of consumable materials while providing purchasing recommendations to support efficient budget stewardship. Maintain organized storage systems and assist with preparing, transporting, and setting up materials for educational programs and events. Minimum and Additional Requirements High school diploma required.

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Education, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education or relevant professional experience. Experience working with educators, schools, museums, nonprofits, or educational organizations. Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple events, schedules, and deadlines simultaneously.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to confidently represent the museum to diverse audiences. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook (particularly calendar management), Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Ability to develop and maintain organized digital systems, calendars, contact lists, and project documentation.

Valid South Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Preferred Qualifications Experience presenting at educational conferences or professional development events. Knowledge of South Carolina Academic Standards and K-12 educational systems.

Experience coordinating events, conferences, outreach initiatives, or educator engagement activities. Experience with museum education or informal learning environments. Additional Comments ADA Requirements: Must be comfortable driving long distances, including early morning and evening travel.

Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 pounds. Requires extended periods of standing, walking, and transporting educational materials. Requires evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Requires frequent travel throughout South Carolina.