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Science Museum Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Museum of Science and Industry

Manager, Events

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ...

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How much do science museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for science museum in Chicago, IL is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a science museum?

Science museums are institutions dedicated to educating the public about science and technology through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs. These museums often feature displays on topics such as physics, biology, chemistry, and earth sciences, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. Science museums play a crucial role in inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the scientific world.

What are the qualifications to work in a science museum?

The qualifications to work in a science museum depend largely on your specific responsibilities. If you are a curator or researcher, you need to have a background in science and training or an advanced degree in museum studies to coordinate exhibits properly. Development aids and associates should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a closely related field. Security guards and tour guides may only need a high school diploma. Jobs at science museums also require strong verbal communication skills and an interest in science and education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science museum educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Museum Educator, you need a strong background in science education, public engagement, and often a degree in a scientific field or education. Familiarity with educational technology, exhibit design software, and museum management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning help educators engage diverse audiences and foster curiosity. These skills ensure effective science communication, memorable visitor experiences, and the promotion of lifelong learning.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a science museum, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in science museums often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse audiences, keeping exhibits up-to-date with current scientific advances, and balancing educational goals with visitor entertainment. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing professional development, collaborating closely with educators and scientists, and actively seeking visitor feedback to improve exhibit design and programming. Teamwork and adaptability are key, as museum staff frequently work cross-functionally to create interactive, accessible, and impactful experiences for all visitors.

What is the difference between Science Museum vs Science Educator?

AspectScience MuseumScience Educator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, education, or museum studiesRequires a background in science or education, often with teaching certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic museums, exhibits, and interactive displaysClassrooms, workshops, and outreach programs within or outside museums
Employer & IndustryMuseums, science centers, cultural institutionsEducational institutions, museums, science centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving public engagement and exhibit managementCompared for roles focused on education delivery and visitor interaction

The main difference is that a Science Museum is an institution that houses exhibits and collections, while a Science Educator is a professional who teaches and engages visitors or students about science within or outside such institutions. Both roles require science knowledge, but the museum focuses on curation and display, whereas the educator emphasizes teaching and outreach.

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What job categories do people searching Science Museum jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Science Museum jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Science Museum job openings:

Science Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Museum job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,393 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Corporate Partnerships Officer, New Business

Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI's mission - to inspire the inventive genius in everyone - is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI's garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Corporate Partnerships Officer, New Business is an entrepreneurial fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing new corporate partnerships, with a focus on high-touch portfolio management, sponsorship and strategic engagement opportunities. This is a highly external-facing role for someone who thrives on identifying new partners, building authentic relationships, and creating innovative partnerships. This role manages a developing portfolio of new, lapsed, and early-stage corporate partners and prospects, while supporting the execution of sponsorship packages and partnership activations across the Museum's exhibitions, programs, and events.
Responsibilities
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
  • Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective corporate partners through research, networking, referrals, market intelligence, and creative prospecting strategies.
  • Initiate and lead proactive outreach, including cold and warm prospecting, networking, and leveraging existing relationships to generate new partnership and funding opportunities.
  • Design and execute cultivation and solicitation strategies for new corporate donors and sponsors, including preparing outreach materials, proposals, and pitch decks.
  • Understand prospective partners' business objectives and develop customized partnership opportunities that create shared value.
  • Partner with senior team members to advance and close new business opportunities.
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for the Museum, actively building relationships throughout Chicagoland's corporate community and identifying new opportunities to expand the Museum's network

Corporate Portfolio Management
  • Manage and grow an assigned portfolio of 50-75 corporate partners, serving as the primary day-to-day relationship manager.
  • Execute all stages of the donor lifecycle, with a focus on qualification, cultivation, onboarding, and early-stage stewardship.
  • Maintain regular communication with corporate partners to ensure strong engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
  • Monitor progress toward individual and team revenue goals, ensuring accountability and timely follow-up.

Sponsorship & Marketing Partnerships
  • Develop and execute creative corporate sponsorship opportunities tied to exhibitions, public programs, and events.
  • Think beyond traditional sponsorships to identify innovative opportunities for employee engagement, thought leadership, customer experiences, community impact, and brand visibility.
  • Assist in creating and packaging sponsorship assets, ensuring alignment with marketing, brand, and audience engagement goals.
  • Collaborate with Marketing & Communications and Events teams to deliver high-quality sponsor activations and visibility opportunities.
  • Ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits, including brand placement, recognition, and experiential engagement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Development Support
  • Track and maintain accurate records of pipeline, proposals, agreements, and correspondence in the CRM system.
  • Assist in preparing donor-facing materials, including proposals, reports, and presentations.
  • Coordinate logistics for corporate meetings, site visits, tours, and events, including ticketing and catering needs.
  • Support donor cultivation and recognition events, including sponsor activations and receptions.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure coordinated outreach and consistent partner experience.

Additional Duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 5-7 years of relevant experience in fundraising, business development, corporate partnerships, marketing partnerships, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated success identifying new opportunities, building relationships with decision-makers, and generating revenue through consultative business development
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills with the ability to inspire prospective partners and articulate compelling value propositions.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%
  • Demonstrated confidence initiating conversations with senior executives, cultivating relationships from cold outreach through close, and building long-term partnerships.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Curious, resourceful, and energized by building relationships from scratch.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and creating structure where none exists..
  • Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and networking.
Language:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, standard operating procedures, etc.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
  • Mathematical:
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, turnover rates, retention rates, etc.
  • Reasoning:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Physical:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000.
This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking
This position was posted on 8/13/2026
Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.
Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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