Summer 2012 Launch Zone Intern

The National Children's Museum (NCM) Launch Zone Intern is responsible for ensuring that the Launch Zone is (1) physically prepared for visitors and (2) to interact with visitors through programmatic and concierge roles. The position reports to the Museum Without Walls Team Leader and Manager of Museum Without Walls. The department is overseen by the Director of Museum Without Walls and is part of the Exhibit and Public Programs division of NCM. This is an unpaid internship.

Internship Duration & Time Commitments

    Begin mid-May 2012 \ End mid-August 2012
    Work 4 days (24-32 hours) per week at the NCM Launch Zone

Of the 4 days each week, 3 must be on program days [Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday]. Saturday and occasional Sunday hours will be required.

The Launch Zone Intern will work with the Launch Zone Team to develop family-friendly programs and hands-on interactives. The intern will order and prepare supplies and other associated materials for each program, as well as deliver programs and represent the Museum.

Duties:

1. Deliver Museum Without Walls programming in the NCM Launch Zone and at other National Harbor locations.
2. Assist in the preparation, maintenance, and inventory of Museum Without Walls program supplies and materials.
3. Maintain a physical presence at the reception desk, greet visitors and provide information about NCM, the NCM Launch Zone, and NCM programs.
4. Answer multi-line telephone and provide information about NCM, the NCM Launch Zone, and NCM programs to callers.
5. Collect visitor data when necessary and report results to appropriate staff members.
6. Monitor NCM Launch Zone exhibits during open hours to ensure that they are available and operable for visitors.
7. Monitor the cleanliness of the NCM Launch Zone and conduct light cleaning as necessary, including restrooms.
8. Notify appropriate staff members of necessary maintenance of the NCM Launch Zone, equipment, and exhibits.
9. Other duties as required.

Requirements:

1. Self-starter who can work independently with minimal direct supervision.
2. Energetic, creative, friendly demeanor with a positive attitude when working with the public.
3. Dependable, professional behavior with a responsible work ethic.
4. Experience working with children and families with a proven interest in early childhood development, elementary education, or family studies.
5. Excellent communication skills.
6. Ability to multi-task.
7. Ability to maintain the integrity of sensitive and confidential information.
8. Fluency in Spanish or other foreign language a bonus.
9. Functional knowledge of Windows Office Suite.
10. Valid driver's license.

Qualified applicants should send their resume and cover letter by Monday, March 19, 2012 to:

            Jenny Huh
            Museum Without Walls Team Leader
            NCM Launch Zone
            112 Waterfront Street | National Harbor, MD 20745
            jhuh@ncm.museum

About the National Children's Museum
Designated by Congress in 2003, the National Children's Museum is a nationally recognized cultural and educational institution serving children and families onsite, online, and through national partners and programs. The Museum's mission is to inspire children to care about and improve the world.

The new National Children's Museum experience for children and families, A Place for Being Me, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2013 at Prince George's County's National Harbor - a 300-acre, mixed-use waterfront development - to transform the banks of the Potomac into a gateway to the Washington region for kids and families.  A Place for Being Me will use an innovative combination of indoor and outdoor spaces to open 75,000 square feet of entertaining and educational experiences.

As a Museum Without Walls, the National Children's Museum inspires children from the Washington, DC region and across the country through traveling exhibits, programs, and workshops. Opportunities for inspiration, learning, growth, and engagement reach far beyond the walls of the Museum and are involving children and families today.

NCM opened the Launch Zone in 2009, a 2,700 square-foot space at National Harbor where kids and families can explore various exhibit and program concepts.