1

Informal Science Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The strongest candidates will possess a passion for inquiry and demonstrate an enthusiastic interest in informal science education. Responsibilities: Development Practices * Foster a donor-centric ...

Education Manager

Draper, UT · On-site

$59K/yr

... or informal science (or STEM) education for K-12, with demonstrated experience in program ... development and evaluation. * Animal handling experience. Preferred Qualifications : * Bachelor ...

Drama or theater training/experience a plus Imagination Station's mission is to serve our community by providing informal science education and fun in order to spark a passion for the sciences by ...

Membership Coordinator

Toledo, OH · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Flexible schedule to include occasional evenings and weekends Imagination Station's mission is to serve our community by providing informal science education and fun in order to spark a passion for ...

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks efficiently Imagination Station's mission is to serve our community by providing informal science education and fun in order to ...

Camps Lead Educator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22.20/hr

... informal science education. Essential Duties & Responsibilities • Lead the facilitation of interactive STEM camps of various themes • Model safe, effective and equitable science facilitation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Informal Science Education information

See salary details

$14

$22

$42

How much do informal science education jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for informal science education in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Informal Science Education settings?

Professionals in Informal Science Education often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse audiences with varying levels of scientific literacy and maintaining visitor interest in non-traditional learning environments like museums or science centers. They must also adapt educational content to be accessible, interactive, and relevant to the public, which requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, collaborating with other educators, scientists, and community partners is essential for developing effective programs, but can be complex due to differing goals and resources.

What is informal science education?

Informal science education refers to learning about science outside of a traditional classroom setting. This can include experiences at museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, after-school programs, media, and even everyday life activities. The goal is to engage people of all ages in scientific exploration and discovery, often through hands-on and interactive activities. Informal science education helps make science accessible and relevant, encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning.

What is the difference between Informal Science Education vs Science Outreach Coordinator?

AspectInformal Science EducationScience Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, education, or related fieldOften requires similar degrees, with additional experience in event planning or community engagement
Work EnvironmentMuseums, science centers, parks, informal learning settingsCommunity centers, schools, museums, event venues
Employer & IndustryScience institutions, educational nonprofits, museumsEducational organizations, nonprofits, government agencies
Primary FocusDesigning and delivering informal science programs to the publicOrganizing science outreach events and programs to engage communities

Both roles involve engaging the public with science outside formal classroom settings. Informal Science Education focuses on creating educational experiences in museums or science centers, while Science Outreach Coordinators organize community events and outreach programs. While their work environments and credentials overlap, their primary activities differ in scope and setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Informal Science Education, and why are they important?

To thrive in Informal Science Education, you need a strong background in science, education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and experience in teaching or public engagement. Familiarity with educational technology, curriculum development tools, and museum or outreach management systems is valuable. Excellent communication, creativity, and adaptability help engage diverse audiences and facilitate interactive learning experiences. These skills ensure that complex scientific concepts are made accessible and engaging outside traditional classroom settings, fostering lifelong interest in science.
What cities are hiring for Informal Science Education jobs? Cities with the most Informal Science Education job openings:
What states have the most Informal Science Education jobs? States with the most job openings for Informal Science Education jobs include:
Infographic showing various Informal Science Education job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Advancement Manager

Imagination Station

Toledo, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Advancement Manager
Full Time
Description:
The Advancement Manager reports directly to the Director of Business Development. They will be responsible for the successful design and implementation of all activities to minimally secure $750,000 dollars in fundraising. The selected candidate should also be prepared to show a successful history of fundraising growth through donor and prospect research, acquisition and stewardship with emphasis on relationship building and sustenance. The strongest candidates will possess a passion for inquiry and demonstrate an enthusiastic interest in informal science education.
Responsibilities:
Development Practices
  • Foster a donor-centric approach in all development work across the organization
  • Gain familiarity and remain knowledgeable in Imagination Station programming and activities helping identification and alignment of donor interest and the science center's work
  • Exhibit a sincere desire and drive to see Imagination Station's success through building financial resources
  • Maintain a productive relationship cross-functionally with programs, experience, marketing and finance teams to advance development work
  • Excel in all development activities including effective proposal and impact report writing and cultivation and acquisition plan development that broadens and deepens donor base
  • Maintain active community relationships and networking opportunities during and outside work hours
  • Maintain an active meeting schedule with new and existing donors
  • Based on revenue budgets; set goals and objectives to achieve fundraising success
  • Maintain all donor information and activity in donor software system

Annual Fund
  • Successfully plan and execute all development strategies of the annual fund campaign (AF) including the planning and execution of a moves management plan for existing donors
  • Increase AF giving by 20% annually through retention and acquisition
  • Working with the membership manager, analyze members for prospective donors and develop a strategy and plan that creates a desire to support Imagination Station as a donor

Individual and Corporate Development
  • Work closely with the Director of Business Development in the strategic cultivation, recruitment and retention of new individuals and corporate donors
  • Identify and cultivate potential individual donors who exhibit an alignment with Imagination Station's work with intent to build individual donor base
  • Research and cultivate corporations/businesses new to Imagination Station, aligning their business interest with Imagination Station's work culminating in increased revenue for events, programs and exhibits

Fundraising Events
  • Plan and execute event sponsorship acquisition with increased revenue as primary goal while nurturing key relationships and event objectives

Grant Coordination
  • Assist grant writers for 40-plus grants from government and foundation sources.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree. Two to four years in successfully demonstrated fundraising.
  • Experience in membership-driven environments, cultural or educational institutions preferred.
  • Proven exceptional skill at cultivating and sustaining authentic relationships with donors and other key constituents.
  • Experience managing multiple projects.
  • Confident, personable and comfortable representing the institution to a variety of individuals and corporate stakeholders.
  • Proven track record in all facets of fundraising including annual campaigns, special events, data analysis and reporting, prospect research and cultivation and database management.
  • Outstanding written and spoken communication skills, exceptional conversationalist.
  • Positive, energetic big-picture individual with solid organization skills. Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful, flexible with a high degree of initiative.
  • Overall strategic agility, ability both to conceptualize and execute, and the capacity to articulate a visionary approach to initiatives that will enhance the long-term financial integrity of the Imagination Station.

Imagination Station's mission is to serve our community by providing informal science education and fun in order to spark a passion for the sciences by combining interactive exhibits and educational programming.
All applicants must apply on-line at imaginationstationtoledo.org and submit a detail resume outlining job history and experience. If you are unable to complete our on-line application due to a disability, contact us at 419-244-2674 to ask for an accommodation or alternative application process.
IMAGINATION STATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER