Public Engagement Facilitator Job at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

Title Public Engagement Facilitator Department Public Engagement Reports To Public Engagement Manager of Training & Development Status Full-time, Non-Exempt Pay Rate $20.00/hr. Location Chicago, Onsite Union Information The job for which you have applied is now a union job. All non-supervisory jobs in Learning & Community are included in the unit of employees represented by Shedd Workers United, AFSCME Council 31. The union was elected in November 2024, and, at this time, Shedd and the union do not yet have a ratified collective bargaining agreement in place. Position Overview The Public Engagement Team is responsible for delivering participatory, audience-driven experiences to achieve Shedd’s mission of sparking compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic animal world. The Public Engagement Facilitator delivers high quality guest engagements, interacting daily with Shedd guests, youth learners, donors and other stakeholders. Facilitators deliver a wide variety of experiences, ranging from small-scale, unscripted conversations in the galleries to small-group tours behind-the-scenes to large-scale presentations on microphone for 1,000-person audiences in the Oceanarium amphitheater. There is a strong performance element in this role. This position requires learning multiple program outlines, aquatic world content and information related to taking action for animals. The position requires a strong ability to apply improvisational techniques and dynamically engage audiences off-script. Tailoring content to various audiences and rapidly adapting and evolving to guest and aquarium needs are important skills, as is the ability to connect with diverse audiences with cultural competency. Time Commitment Approximately 40 hours per week The schedule for this position will be Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday - Saturday This position may require work on evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays. This position must be able to work at Shedd Aquarium and in off-site locations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values Proactively interact with guests and animal care team members Learn and facilitate multiple scripts and outlines featuring a variety of Shedd’s 32,000 animals, tailoring content to a variety of audiences Learn script and outline revisions, blocking adjustments, and ongoing program content updates Dynamically engage guests about the aquatic world throughout the aquarium Communicate ways to take action to protect animals and our planet Tailor content to various audiences, adapting key messages based on audience Demonstrate cultural competence through interactions and approach to engagement Improvise and facilitate content based on audience responses, interest, and knowledge Include the audience voice and participation elements in experiences Work near animals, strictly adhering to all established protocols Serve as a role model to staff and volunteers for guest interactions and knowledge Attend training workshops as scheduled Demonstrate continued growth in content knowledge and increased aptitude in program delivery/facilitation Collaborate closely with leaders to set goals, develop skills, and integrate feedback for professional growth Assist in orienting and onboarding new hires Serve on interdepartmental teams Other duties as needed or assigned Qualifications Education High School diploma, GED, or equivalent required. Some college preferred. Experience 1+ year of experience in a role that requires daily communication with the public is required. Experience in education, public speaking, theater, and or improvisation preferred. Experience delivering programs to a variety of audiences in a museum, zoo, or aquarium setting is preferred. Experience in aquatic science and/or biology preferred. Ability to effectively present information to and collaborate with colleagues and guests alike. Ability to execute excellent public speaking skills and science teaching aptitude. Ability to maintain good vocal control with the ability to speak publicly for many hours each day without loss of voice. Ability to comfortably interact with the public and animal care staff. Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions given from written and oral sources. Ability to identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution. Ability to improvise due to variable animal activities and guest needs. Knowledge of educational messages and content. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred. Physical Demands Lift up to 30 pounds Sit Stand Stoop Walk Climb stairs Spend the majority of the day on one’s feet Work Environment This person may be exposed to: Water Heat Cold Air particles (or potential allergens) Low noise Moderate Noise Loud Noise Benefits of Working at Shedd Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options Vision and Dental Insurance Accrued Paid Time Off Up to 12 Paid Holidays Life Insurance Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance 401(k) Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies Employee Assistance Program Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive Employee Discounts Employee Tickets Reasonable Accommodations Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. #J-18808-Ljbffr