SUMMARY: The Education Programs Facilitator at the Soulsville Foundation plays a vital organizational role in supporting the educational mission of the Soulsville campus, including the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (SMASM), as it continues to evolve from a tourist destination to an engaged, dynamic, and collaborative site focused on Stax Records history and arts-enhanced education. This role serves as the frontline educator and public face of the Education Department, focusing primarily on delivering high-energy tours at SMASM, facilitating youth development classes, leading Family Day activities, and directly engaging K-12 students and museum visitors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Tour & Workshop Facilitation: Serve as the lead facilitator for both guided and self-guided tour experiences at SMASM; deliver engaging, interactive tour opportunities for local school groups, afterschool programs, and neighborhood students.
- Instructional Delivery: Plan and deliver dynamic instruction for Soul Enrichment classes, Youth Development workshops, the Soular Women Fellowship program, and other specialized educational offerings at the Stax Music Academy (SMA).
- Curriculum & Lesson Design: Plan, create, and refine Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Stax history-focused lessons, interactive activities, and study guides that bring the rich legacy of Stax Records and American Soul music to life for young learners.
- Family Day Engagement: Directly facilitate youth-centric activities and hands-on programming during SMASM’s monthly Family Days, promoting character development and youth leadership through the arts.
- Youth Leadership Support: Implement core components of SEL in daily programming, mentoring youth and supporting student-led initiatives and events at SMA to build confidence and leadership skills.
- Storytelling & Advocacy: Work closely with education staff to bring the history of Memphis, the Civil Rights Movement, and Soul music to new, diverse audiences, sparking inspiration through live education.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Perform other reasonable instructional, facilitation, and program delivery duties as assigned by the Director of Education and Youth Development or other senior staff.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Museum Studies, Music Education, Arts Education, Theater/Performance, or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of paid, relevant experience facilitating programming, teaching, or leading informal learning opportunities for K-12 youth in school settings, museums, non-profits, or arts organizations.
- A strong, demonstrable working knowledge of the history of Stax Records, Soul music, American popular music, Memphis history, and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Proven experience managing large groups of children/teenagers and maintaining an engaging, positive learning environment.
Computer Skills:
- Proficiency with PC or Mac platforms; basic comfort using digital classroom technology, audio/visual presentation equipment, and standard office applications (Microsoft Office/Google Workspace).
Skills, Abilities, and Attributes:
- Dynamic Presentation Skills: Outstanding public speaking and oral communication skills; ability to captivate, educate, and interact enthusiastically with an ethnically and generationally diverse museum audience.
- Passion for Arts Education: A genuine, demonstrable passion for using music, history, and storytelling as vital tools to educate and empower young learners.
- Adaptability & Energy: Ability to thrive in a high-energy, ever-changing classroom or museum floor environment, keeping students motivated and focused.
- Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including specific weekends and evenings for Family Days, student showcases, concerts, and special events.
- High Emotional Intelligence: Strong self-awareness, cultural competence, and sensitivity; exceptional ability to connect authentically with youth from diverse backgrounds.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Physical Demands: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while leading tours, project a clear speaking voice in large spaces, climb stairs, and lift program/activity materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Work Environment: Fast-paced, high-energy museum and educational academy campus environment.
Soulsville Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.