New Opportunity Alert!!!
Director of Development
Amazement Square seeks a successful development professional with progressive experience in diverse development programs and in a supervisory role. The ideal candidate will be a goal oriented natural leader who is passionate and committed to Amazement Square’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development will collaborate with and support the board of directors in building engagement, identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors annually and will direct fundraising initiatives to support the museum’s programs and exhibitions. As an integral member of senior management team, the Development Director will be a critical thinker in conceptualizing and implementing the museum’s philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other granting agencies as well as through Amazement Square’s annual Gala event.
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum 3 years experience with database where financial reports, statistics and information management have been required, preferably in a nonprofit environment. Experience in Development Services, higher education or related field is preferred.
Demonstrated organizational, time management and leadership skills.
Strong working knowledge of development and accounting business procedures and processes, a familiarity with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel in a P.C. environment.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines and the capacity to supervise staff. Attention to detail is a must.
Strong communication skills including ability to write and speak persuasively about the museum.
Preferred qualifications:
Graduate Degree in the humanities, education, or business
Experience working in a museum or non-profit cultural organization.
Demonstrated success in activities to coordinate, attract, and close major gift funding support for a cultural or other non-profit organization.
Duties Include:
Developing and implementing strategic plans for the museum Development department.
Providing leadership and guidance for the department’s professional personnel; planning and administering the department's annual operating budget.
Planning, developing, and executing strategies for obtaining private donations; identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects (individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants).
Prepare and track development campaign materials and correspondence, including tracking of solicitations, gifts, and pledges. Provide minutes of all development meetings for tracking purposes.
Collaborate with the Museum’s VP & COO and Marketing Coordinator in the planning for the museum’s Annual Fundraising events.
Providing stewardship in recognition of donor philanthropy.
Reports to the President and assists in strategic planning for communication activities that support relationships between the museum and its constituents, the board, donors, and friends.
Performs other duties as assigned by the President.
Salary ranges $70,000 to $80,000, with generous health plan/PTO/Retirement benefits and commensurate with experience. EOE
To apply, please email a cover letter and a detailed resume, with a list of 3 professional references to ms@amazementsquare.org.
+ Donor Relations & Grant Coordinator
Amazement Square is seeking a creative individual with exceptional organizational, writing, communication, analytical and research skills for the position of Donor Relations & Grant Coordinator. The position’s main responsibilities are to pursue grant opportunities from various agencies, corporations, foundations, assist the CEO and the museum’s Marketing /Development team with donor relation programs. The ideal candidate will have a BA in Creative Writing/English/Humanities and experience in education/senior administrative position. Knowledge of database, financial reports, statistics, and information management are highly desirable. This is a FT salaried position with comprehensive health, PTO, and retirement benefits. (Salary commensurate with experience). EOE To apply, please email a letter of interest and a detailed resume, with a list of 3 professional references to ms@amazementsquare.org.
+ Accountant
Amazement Square is looking for a detailed oriented, organized, and self-motivated Accountant to join the museum’s financial department. In this role, the ideal candidate plays an important role in the museum’s financial operations, ensuring accuracy in accounting and compliance with the law and managing personnel information. This position will work with the museum’s Fiscal Officer, with the goal for the selected candidate to succeed the museum’s retiring Fiscal Officer after an orientation period of 3-6 months. Required skills & qualification are experience with accounting software, data entry and QuickBooks; excellent understanding of accounting procedures including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); knowledge and experience of spreadsheets; and ability to work independently. This is a FT position with a comprehensive health, generous PTO plan, and retirement benefits with a starting salary range of $23-$25 per hour based on experience. A bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting is highly desirable, or any other related experience in the field.
To apply, please email a cover letter and a detailed resume, with a list of at least 3 references to ms@amazementsquare.org. EOE
+ Exhibit Maintenance & Fabricator
Amazement Square is seeking a creative and talented individual to assist with exhibition maintenance and fabrication. The ideal candidate will have experience constructing 3-dimensional objects, familiarity with construction standards and tools, preferably, a background in woodworking or metal work, and familiarity with ordering of materials, maintaining tool condition, internal inventory, shop organization, and shop safety. This position requires strong organizational skills and effective communication that foster collaboration with other team members, vendors, and valued partners in a manner consistent with the Museum's core values. BA in three-dimensional art, construction management, theater production or related field is required. Previous museum fabrication experience is highly desirable. This is a FT position with comprehensive health, PTO, and retirement benefits with a starting salary range of $28-$30 per hour. EOE To apply, please email a letter of interest and a detailed resume, with professional references to ms@amazementsquare.org or Amazement Square, 27 9th St. Lynchburg, VA 24504
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+ Exhibit Artist/Preperator
Amazement Square is seeking a creative, organized, and artistic individual to serve as Exhibit Artist/Preperator. The ideal candidate will have a studio arts background, with preference given to painting, fabrication, basic knowledge of tools and design. Responsibilities include day-to-day maintenance and repair of museum exhibits, assist with exhibition research and design, exhibit fabrication, and management of the museum’s exhibit inventory. A college degree, preferably in Studio Art or Stage Design is desirable, but not required.
This is a full-time hourly position, with health and retirement benefits, with potential for growth. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please send/email cover letter, resume and at least 3 professional references may be emailed to: director@amazementsquare.org
+ School Program Specialist
Amazement Square, a nationally recognized hands-on museum has opportunities for an energetic and creative educator to assist in facilitating museum school and special education programs. The candidates for this position must be able to go beyond the traditional classroom instruction learning by adapting to the museum’s multi-disciplinary approach to engaging students from public and private schools, pre-school and day-care centers. Primary responsibilities include assisting in the development, facilitation and evaluation of school programs; assist in the facilitation of the museum’s Early Learning and outreach programs. This is an entry level FT position with benefits.
A BA in Education, Humanities, Theatre or a related field is required. Amazement Square is an EOE organization and offers excellent benefits including medical/dental insurance.
Please send/email a resume with a cover letter and references to the Director Amazement Square, 27 Ninth St., Lynchburg, VA 24504 or director@amazementsquare.org.
+ Museum Educator
Amazement Square is seeking child-oriented, dynamic, and creative individuals to join our team, working up to 28 hours a week. Responsibilities include exhibition and program interpretation, assistance with museum events and special activities, community outreach, birthday party facilitation and more.
An ideal candidate will possess a true love of learning, and excellent communication skills. A college degree or active pursuit of a degree is required.
Please send/email a resume with a cover letter and references to [morgan@amazementsquare.org]
+ Summer Camp Counselor
Amazement Square’s summer camp programs are seeking energetic, accountable Camp Counselors to provide a safe and memorable experience for our campers. The Camp Counselor will be responsible for building relationships with campers and the delivery of camp curriculum. Duties include prepping materials, facilitation of group activities and lessons, monitoring meals and movement periods, overseeing transitions to and from scheduled events and lessons, and clean-up of activities and multi-use spaces. The ideal candidate will be an excellent multitasker with a genuine passion for working with and empowering young people, comfortable working with others in a team environment, and reliable in attendance. Applicants should be patient, fun-loving, and confident in their ability to motivate, teach, and assist campers.
Prior experience working with children ages 3-11 preferred. The Camp Counselor position is a seasonal summer position for May-August 2024.
Please send/email a resume with a cover letter and references to the Camp Coordinator at Amazement Square, 27 Ninth St., Lynchburg, VA 24504 or education@amazementsquare.org.
Internship Opportunities
Amazement Square offers unique experiential internship opportunities. Interns at Amazement Square have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and gain real-life experience in a dynamic museum environment. The internships listed below are unpaid and may count towards professional development/experiential learning credits.
Amazement Square is currently accepting applications 2024 internships.
+ Exhibits Intern
After an extensive introductory training and orientation period, the intern’s primary responsibility is to assist museum exhibition and fabrication staff with general maintenance needs of exhibits, as well as work in the galleries with children and adults to help them learn about exhibitions.
To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to morgan@amazementsquare.org1. No phone calls please.
The Exhibit/Education intern will also:
- help produce work samples of art projects and help with lesson preparation and clean-up in the museum’s Imagination Studio
- lead groups of children and adults in discussions in the galleries to help facilitate learning about exhibitions
- instruct and lead groups in art-making activities in the studio
- assist with the development of new lessons for the museum’s makers studio, The Hive.
- assist with facilitation of programs in The Hive
- assist with special programs and events as needed
- assist with studio and art inventory
+ Development Intern
The Development Intern will work directly with the museum’s Development Department to expand the intern’s knowledge in the fields of non-profit development, fundraising, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, have excellent written communication skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office, and the ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team. This internship would be ideal for anyone interested in working for a non-profit at any capacity, as they will receive exposure to program budgets, timelines, evaluation, and goals.
Qualifications: Undergraduate/graduate student interested in working in the non-profit sector.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to [morgan@amazementsquare.org]. No phone calls, please.
The intern will work with the development team on a variety of projects:
- Assist in the preparation of grants and learn how to research and develop proposals for grant programs
- Participate in the planning of the museum’s fundraising campaigns
- Work with development staff to further various initiatives as they arise
+ Sustainability Intern
The Sustainability Intern will work directly with Amazement Square’s Sustainability Committee to expand the intern’s knowledge in the fields of non-profit development, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, have excellent oral communication skills, and have the ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team. This internship would be ideal for anyone interested in the sustainability or environmental conservation fields.
Qualifications: Undergraduate/graduate student interested in working in the sustainability or environmental conservation sector.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to ms@amazementsquare.org. No phone calls, please.
The intern will have the opportunity to work with the sustainability committee on a variety of projects:
- Manage and enhance Amazement Square’s waste reduction efforts
- Perform a waste audit and assist in the formulation of a waste reduction strategy
- Develop and execute a composting program for the museum
- Work with Amazement Square’s Education Department to develop and facilitate a sustainability program for museum visitors/the larger community
- Assist in the creation of a Green Guide highlighting museum sustainability efforts to the public
- Assist in the upkeep and management of Amazement Square’s Educational Children’s Garden
+ Education Intern – WonderCamp – Summer 2024
Amazement Square seeks interns to assist with our WonderCamp programs in the Summer of 2024. WonderCamp Explorer and Adventurer are full day programs for campers who have completed Kindergarten-5th grade. WonderCamp Junior is a half day program for ages 3-5.
Every week features a new theme and new campers. Past themes have included: Space Camp, Mini Makers, Stop Motion Animation, and Big Messy Art. WonderCamp encourages deep exploration of topics and emphasizes STEAM based activities. Interns will work closely with our camp coordinators to help with facilitation of programming and program preparation. This is a great experience for students planning to work in education, museums, or non-profits!
To apply, please send a cover letter indicating your interest and applicable experience, as well as a resume and two references to the Camp Coordinator education@amazementsquare.org
Responsibilities include:
- Building relationships with campers.
- Managing camper behavior and implementing camp procedure.
- Aiding facilitators in material and food prep.
- Aiding campers in interactive activities.
- Working in a team environment.
+ Event Planning Intern
The Event Planning Intern’s primary responsibility is to assist in the day-to-day operation of the Event and Special Programs of Amazement Square. Ideal candidate will be creative, energetic, have excellent communication skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work in a team-oriented setting.
To apply, please email resume and cover letter to morgan@amazementsquare.org. No phone calls please.
Candidate must have strong interest in learning about the management and execution of special events and be able to represent Amazement Square in a professional manner.
- assist with the planning and execution of events
- work with museum staff and vendors in a variety of settings
- become familiar with Amazement Square’s Genworth Education Center and its rental programs, including regulations, scheduling and pricing associated with the center
- communicate this information in a clear manner to potential customers
- assist with the marketing of the space-rental program via the web, print material, etc.
+ Marketing Intern
The PR/Marketing Intern’s primary responsibility is to assist in the day-to-day operation of the Public Relations and Marketing Office.
To apply, please email resume and cover letter to morgan@amazementsquare.org. No phone calls please.
Intern will be mentored on how to develop and write bi-weekly press releases, writing calendar listings and media alerts, preparation of other press materials, and related office duties including:
- assist with research, special projects, events, and database management
- assist with activities that help promote AS, enhance public participation, and encourage community awareness
- assist in the concept creation, writing, editing, coordination, and production of program brochures, reception invitations, press releases, public-service announcements, program flyers, and other promotional materials
- assist the PR staff with media follow-up, including contacting media outlets and pitching story/feature ideas
- keep and update media log and media contact list
- post upcoming programs and events on local online community calendars
- work on special project assignments
- assist with mailings
- represent the PR and Marketing Office at special events, openings, corporate events, membership cultivation activities as requested
- perform administration duties as needed
- acquire and maintain a familiarity and knowledge of Amazement Square’s exhibitions and programs, both ongoing and upcoming
Mission Statement
Amazement Square cultivates an engaged community of lifelong learners by sparking imagination, creativity, and curiosity. Our team members enjoy working in a collaborative environment, facilitating hands-on learning, and engaging with our community.