External Relations/Volunteer Strategist

If you are a current University employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.

Job Description

This posting is for a full-time, 12-month, exempt position.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mazza Museum and Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Center External Relations Specialist

This role connects people with creativity, curiosity, and community. The External Relations Specialist is the spark that brings the Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center to life beyond our walls-representing us at festivals, fairs, schools, libraries, and partner events across the region. This position blends storytelling, relationship‑building, and hands‑on program support, from crafting engaging social media content to coordinating volunteers, supporting educational programs, and helping secure the funding that fuels our mission. Ideal candidates are energized by fast‑paced days, diverse audiences, and the chance to help shape unforgettable experiences that inspire imagination and lifelong learning.

Essential Functions

Represent the museum at community events and partner venues (Engage the community at large in the mission of the Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center)

Events such as, but not limited to, Festivals, Fairs, Healthy Kids Days, Sauder's Village, Lakeside, Millstream, Tell-a-Tale Awards, traveling Mazza, Community Reads, and more

Assist with school art displays, McNish Galleria Display, and Annual Art Contest

Chamber of Commerce (Arts & Culture) meetings as a Mazza liaison

Serves as the premier contact for the recruitment and management of volunteers, graduate assistants, and student workers. Schedule volunteers - Museum Hosts, Docents, Bookstore Volunteers, Student staff/volunteers, and staff for Museum and Gift Shop hours, tours, and special events. (Gift shop volunteers and workers will be managed by the Gift shop Manager when present) Coordinate external marketing and social media Facebook/Instagram, website, promote events, share educational resources, and grow audience engagement

Take photos for social media posts

Responsible for tour mate audio museum tours (update, charge, have out)

Manage marketing budget to ensure responsible spending on effective promotion. Build relationships with local schools, libraries, organizations, and UF departments Provide cultivation of museum patrons and secure museum funding, including but not limited to grant writing, personal solicitation, and external funding initiatives Be a part of on-site programs (tours, Funday Sunday, STEAM Club, Steam Camp, Art Camp)

Schedule tours

Engage tour leadership and be present to assist with said tours, aiding in programming where appropriate.

Maintains data collection and analysis for the Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center Promote the use of, distribute, and collect Teacher Resource Kits Secure participants, sponsors, speakers, nonprofit partners for Mazza events, including but not limited to Funday Sunday (Such as Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, 50 North), and UF staff. Secure and manage external funding by fundraising and securing sponsorship & grants

Collaborate with the Annual Giving Director for mail appeals, giving days, and special projects

Support and work closely with Internal Education Manager

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

1. Relationship Building

2. Strong Communication/Management Skills.

3. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.

4. Technical Marketing and Social Media Skills.

5. Collaboration Skills.

6. Flexibility.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position will assist the Museum Director in supervisory responsibilities for volunteers, patrons, and docents.

• Mazza/STEAM Center Graduate Assistants
• Student workers and High School volunteers
• Mazza volunteers
• Museum Patrons
• Illustrators and Authors

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, year-round position. The role requires the employee to be in the office, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm with some evening and weekend responsibilities expected.

Physical Demands

While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to be on their feet for up to five (5) hours at a time; stand; walk; sit; reach with arms and hands; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; move or lift at least 25 pounds. This position also requires the ability to lift, move, and organize bins of art supplies throughout the museum, STEAM Center, Art room, Malcolm Dining Hall, Great Hall, and within indoor and outdoor storage. The employee must be able to lift files and open filing cabinets while bending or standing, as necessary.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time 12-month position, and general hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including evening and weekend responsibilities.

Work Environment of this Job

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions; and required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including a lab coat, safety glasses/goggles, and/or gloves. Employee may be required to use various chemicals with Material Safety Data Sheets provided. Employee may be required to use high voltage electricity. Employee may need to use very hot or very cold liquids. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel

Some travel is required for this position. Off-site educational events, presentations, speaking events, and many community outreach events. A valid US Drivers' license with a safe driving record is required.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree. Prior experience working with volunteers and/or supervising staff. The Specialist must be a "self-starter" and work with little supervision. Experience in marketing or promotion of programs or projects.

Preferred Education and Experience

Master's degree. Active engagement in the arts and education sectors. Familiarity with museum-based programming.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None required for this position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) fingerprint background check.

AAP/EEO Statement

The University of Findlay is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, Male/Female/Disabled/Vet.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

For optimal consideration of your applicant file, faculty applications must include a cover letter; current Resume or Curriculum Vitae; a statement of teaching philosophy; and the contact information for three professional references with your application. Staff applications must include a current Resume or Curriculum Vitae and cover letter with your application.

The University of Findlay is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. It is the university's policy to prohibit discrimination and provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to their race, sex (including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military or sexual orientation.