Early Childhood Community Engagement Specialist (Part-Time)

About the Role

Port Discovery Children's Museum is looking for a Community Engagement Specialist to lead the Communities At Play program. This role involves designing and delivering community-focused, play-based learning to families, caregivers, and community partners. The specialist fosters understanding and application of the science of play in everyday life while maintaining strong relationships with families and partners.

The position requires regular travel between the museum and community organizations, necessitating reliable personal transportation and the ability to lift, carry, and transport program materials daily to ensure effective session preparation and facilitation.

Core Duties

• Lead interactive, play-centered, and relationship-driven Communities At Play sessions designed for multigenerational family engagement.
• Create inclusive, welcoming environments that encourage participant involvement and value.
• Demonstrate playful learning techniques for families to apply in daily routines.
• Encourage positive group interactions, meaningful conversations, and reflection.
• Adapt facilitation methods to suit diverse audiences.
• Work collaboratively with the engagement team to uphold program quality and prepare materials and environments adequately for sessions.
• Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities.

Record Keeping & Communication

• Assist with storytelling and impact documentation.
• Collect and share participant feedback to promote continuous program improvements.
• Maintain attendance records and document sessions accurately.
• Communicate logistical needs regarding scheduling, supplies, and participants.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least one year of experience working with children, families, or community-based initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.
• Access to dependable transportation and capacity to travel within Maryland to various sites.
• Must be 18 years or older and pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications: Background in early childhood education, family or community engagement, play-based or informal education; bilingual/multilingual skills; group or workshop facilitation experience; relevant early childhood education credentials or college degree.

Benefits

• Convenient location near public transportation with free parking options.
• Complimentary museum admission for families.
• Earned sick leave.
• Retirement plan with museum matching contributions after six months.

Physical and Environmental Expectations

• Capacity to conduct active, movement-based facilitation sessions.
• Ability to handle materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Regular local travel to community locations.
• Availability during occasional evenings and weekends.

Why This Position is Important

This role extends playful learning opportunities directly into communities, helping families identify everyday learning moments. It strengthens community ties and broadens access to engaging educational experiences for children and their families.