EDUCATION STAFF-PT

About ESPHS:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.
Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.
 

Job Summary:  

Part Time Educators are responsible for implementing educational programming and activities to engage visitors of all ages both at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and virtually. This role involves facilitating dynamic, learning experiences that enhance understanding and dialogue about criminal justice reform. Part Time Educators play a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment at the historic site, including providing general museum visitor service when needed. 

This role will direct and support an environment of diversity and inclusion where staff of varying backgrounds can thrive, and assist other employees in the performance of their job duties as described below:  

Duties & Responsibilities:  

1. Facilitation 

• Lead educational programs including guided tours, interactive workshops and hands on activities  

•  Ensure engaging, informative, and dialogue driven experiences for visitors both in person and virtually. 

2. Audience Engagement 

• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment by encouraging questions, dialogue, and critical thinking among diverse groups of visitors. 

•  Incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles into audience engagement. 

  3. Customer Service 

• Assist visitors in general museum needs as assigned 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• An interest in education, teaching, public history, or related fields.  

• Strong communication, presentation and facilitation skills.  

• Able to listen to conflicting perspectives, and create a positive group dynamic even with the most difficult subject matter.   

• Ability to work with diverse audiences, including children, adults and special needs groups.  

• Creativity and adaptability to lead engaging and innovative programs.  

• Able to work well on your own with minimal supervision but also enjoy collaboration and supporting your coworkers.  

• Able to work weekends 

Physical Requirements:   

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.   

• Ability to work in space where temperatures may vary to cold and hot      

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds  

• Able to move through crowded spaces easily   

Wage: $16.50 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.