Public Programs Coordinator| Apply by April 29, 2025
POSITION SUMMARY
The Public Programs Coordinator works closely with the Public Programs Manager to assist in the planning, organization, and execution of public programs at the First Americans Museum. This position supports the development and facilitation of engaging educational experiences that aim to foster a deeper understanding of the First American Nations, with a focus on the diverse cultural traditions and histories that continue to shape the community today.
The Public Programs Coordinator will assist in program logistics, outreach, and collaboration with partners to ensure that events are accessible, culturally sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with the museum’s mission.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATIONAL INTEGRITY
- Ensure the educational quality of public programs by creating a safe and engaging environment for learning that reflects the histories and cultures of First Americans.
- Ensure all program content is accurate, culturally sensitive, and appropriate for the diverse audiences served by the museum.
- Provide consistent feedback on program content, interpretive approaches, and methods to foster continuous improvement, emphasizing cultural relevance and respect for First American traditions.
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Assist in executing public programs, FAMcamp, and hands-on activities, ensuring smooth logistics, proper materials, and timely delivery.
- Collect feedback and data to identify opportunities for program improvement, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
- Work collaboratively with FAM volunteers, colleagues, committees, and other departments to align public programs with the museum’s goals, fostering a unified approach to cultural engagement and education.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Participates in required FAM trainings.
- Stay current with trends in museum education and cultural programming to incorporate innovative teaching practices.
- Support additional museum initiatives to promote curiosity, diversity, and discovery learning experiences.
- Professionally represents the museum and its mission during events and interactions. Respects and observes First American cultural protocols as required.
- Other duties as relevant to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Associate’s degree in Business (with non-profit management coursework), Arts Management, Early Childhood Development, Education, History, Native American Studies, Museum Studies, or other relevant field preferred.
- Two or more years of experience working or volunteering in a professional environment related to education, tourism, youth development or similar context.
- Minimum of two years of experience working or volunteering within a tribal community, Indigenous organization, or in a similar cultural setting, demonstrating general knowledge of relevant traditions, protocols, and community engagement practices.
- Knowledge of the histories and cultures of 39 tribal nations in Oklahoma today
- Strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to work within a team and stick to a strict timeline
- Problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage difficult or emotional situations.
- Proficiency with office equipment, computers, Canva, and phones.
- Confidence in public speaking, including to audiences of over 100.
- Must meet and adhere to all guidelines and regulations set forth by FAM.
SUPERVISION:
The Public Program Coordinator reports to the Public Programs Manager, or any other individual as directed by the Executive Director or Director of Learning & Community Engagement.
GUIDELINES:
The Public Program Coordinator is to adhere to the policies and ethics of FAM at all times. Employee asks for assistance on any matters or answers to any questions not covered by this job description.
SERVICE:
The Public Programs Coordinator will assist in program logistics, outreach, and collaboration with partners to ensure that programs are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with the museum’s mission.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT:
Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
ETHICS:
Treats people with respect. Keeps commitments. Inspires the trust of others. Works with integrity and ethically. Upholds organizational values.
JUDGEMENT:
Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. Includes appropriate people in the decision-making process. Makes timely decisions.
PLANNING/ORGANIZING:
Prioritizes and plans work activities. Uses time efficiently. Plans for additional resources. Sets goals and objectives. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks. Develops realistic action plans.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check.
We Are FAM
One Place, Many Nations
In one place, visitors experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. First Americans Museum shares the cultural diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans.
FAM Land and Peoples Acknowledgement
First Americans Museum (FAM) honors the ancestors who lived here before it was Oklahoma.
We honor the indigenous people who inhabited these lands before the United States was established. They include the Apache, Caddo, Tonkawa, and Wichita. We also honor those tribes who have a historical relationship to this region, including the Comanche, Kiowa, Osage and Quapaw. We acknowledge the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole who were once assigned the land upon which FAM resides.
Today, 39 distinct tribal nations reside in Oklahoma. We are as diverse culturally and linguistically as the nations on the European continent.
We are not in Oklahoma by choice. Many of our peoples were forcibly removed and relocated from the far reaches of the contiguous United States. After nearly 200 years, our histories and cultural lifeways are now interwoven into this landscape.
The Choctaw people call this land Okla Homma. Okla Homma means “red people”, the place we now call home.
Our National Story
Only a few tribal Nations were indigenous to what is now the State of Oklahoma. All others were removed from homelands across the contiguous U.S. to Indian Territory. In 1907 Oklahoma became the 46th state to enter the union. The state’s name comes from two Choctaw words “Okla” and “Homma” meaning Red People.
Our Mission
To serve as a dynamic center promoting awareness and educating the broader public about the unique cultures, diversity, history, contributions, and resilience of the First American Nations in Oklahoma today.
Our Core Values
RESPECT
Acknowledge and celebrate the worth of all peoples.
RECIPROCITY
Promotes the mutual exchange of knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.
RELATIONSHIPS
Strengthen connections with our local, regional, and global communities.
RESPONSIBILITY
Educate the broader public and foster truth-telling.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
First Americans Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.