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
 
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; 4, 10-hour days.
• The schedule for this position will be Sunday - Wednesday.
• 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 include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• 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: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

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 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Lift up to 30 pounds  
• Sit 
• Stand 
• Stoop 
• Walk 
• Climb stairs 
• Spend the majority of the day on one’s feet 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

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: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• 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. 

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.