Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To create, develop and coordinate delivery of marketable and profitable programs within the Recreational and Family Learning Experiences unit for children, youth and families. To contribute to the achievement of established revenue and attendance targets for the Recreational and Family Learning Experiences unit and the Science Education Branch.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1.Assists Manager with the development of new ideas for marketable and profitable science programs for children, youth and family by:

-brainstorming opportunities for new markets, audiences and educational scientific/technological products for recreational programs and new themes for existing programs including OSCamp and Sleepovers,
-participating in the development of short and long range business plans for recreational and family programs
-fostering and maintaining a network of contacts in the general public, academic, recreational, cultural, museum and business communities: to promote the OSC, to determine market niches and opportunities; to gain competitive knowledge, to keep abreast of current developments in science/technology and recreational fields.
-conducting research of family and recreational programs offered at other science centres, museums and tourist attractions to recommend to Manager if similar offerings should be made at the OSC.
-gathering information – for training and policy manuals; future marketing efforts; and competitive analysis.
-representing the OSC at trade shows, conferences and conventions.

2.Conceives and develops workshop content/activities for established programs such as Day Camps (summer, PA, etc); Sleepovers; Birthday Parties; etc by:
-writing initial copy for marketing and promotional purposes such as the Summer Camp and Sleepover brochures, referring with Marketing department; proofreading and editing subsequent drafts; generating concepts and ideas for creative brief to be shared with Marketing
-conceptualizing workshop content, interactive activities and games; specifying deliverables; identifying related resources, e.g. speakers, technical resources, staff development and delivery specialists, supplies, etc.;
-contributing and/or critiquing content/delivery development from a scientific, educational, and market appeal/promotion point of view
-recommending content changes based on own observations and participants' feedback

3.Trains and supervises counsellors by:

-assisting Manager as technical advisor in the selection of program delivery staff (20-40 fixed-term staff) and participates fully in the recruitment and selection of youth volunteers (up to 150 people)
-delivering thorough training program for program delivery staff and volunteers (including program activity specifics, OSC background, customer service, required OPS training, child development, special needs, etc.)
-developing a strong, cohesive team of program delivery staff and volunteers
-assigning and monitoring work of program delivery staff and volunteers, providing feedback to Manager on staff presentations and other aspects of their performance
-ensuring adherence to workplace and laboratory safety standards
-completing administrative paperwork for new hires

4.Provides logistical planning and front-line coordination of all Recreational Programs including Summer Camp (260+ campers per week) and Sleepovers (up to 700 participants per event) programs by:

-planning and coordinating programs and events including establishing project schedules and work plans, determining and arranging required resources – scheduling staff/volunteers, coordinating with Educational Sales and Support Services, Marketing, Science Experience, Building Operations, etc to ensure all components of program delivery are met
-coordinating the purchase of all necessary program equipment and supplies adhering to a set budget and OPS procurement policies by identifying suppliers, identifying specifications, collecting quotes, etc., maintaining accurate stock inventory of program supplies and equipment (also ensuring that supplies and equipment are left in good working order and securely stored for the next event)
-tracking project(s) to ensure program components are in place as planned
-serving as point person for program participants, customers and parents, ensuring satisfaction and expectations met; resolving problems and referring only those matters that cannot be resolved directly;
-acting as supervisor- in-charge when Manager is not present i.e. ensuring customers are secure and adhere to rules – sleeping times, no smoking, etc.
-as required or assigned

Knowledge :

This position requires knowledge of the recreational programs/camp industry (other recreational programs' offerings, standards, options and benchmarks) and community group services to assist Manager in the evaluation of strategies, pricing and demand (competitive analysis), to recommend developments for new and profitable programs for the OSC and to contribute to the promotion of OSC programs to prospective clients and markets such as Girl Guides of Canada/Boy Scouts of Canada. Knowledge of general science and technology topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, psychology, etc., topical issues, trends, directions along with the creative planning process to develop relevant, understandable, profitable and marketable workshops, activities and interactive games for a diverse client group of children, youth and families. Knowledge of OSC exhibits and demonstrations, the Challenger Learning Centre, the OMNIMAX theatre and its current films, etc. to compliment the recreational programs developed for children, youth and families/groups. Knowledge of presentation and drama techniques to ensure programs appeal to diverse audiences, to train and evaluate staff counsellors who present the workshops, activities and interactive games.

Knowledge of public relations and marketing concepts to participate in the promotion of programs. Knowledge of project management principles and practices to plan logistics and coordinate day-to-day activities of camp programs and sleepover events. Knowledge of OSC policies and procedures they apply to recreational programs, staff and participants such as Emergency Response, Fire Safety Plan, health and safety, purchasing and procurement policies, etc. Knowledge of suppliers for related product options (t-shirts, badges, glow-sticks) to supplement the experience of the participants and the revenue for the program.

Skills :

This position requires entrepreneurial skills and creativity for input into the development of ideas and concepts for new programs, related marketing and promotional materials. Solid time management skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment. Organization, logistical planning and project management skills are required to manage a number of concurrent projects under pressure of fixed deadlines (e.g. planning for OSCamp while organizing logistics for Sleepovers - coordinating with contracted caterers for food service, reserving seats for OMNIMAX film, ensuring supplies on hand, establishing staff and participant's schedules). Oral communication and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with a wide variety of interest groups and technical specialists to obtain information about program content that would appeal to clients; effectively liaise with a diverse range of internal and external contacts (often across departmental lines) in a positive, professional and tactful manner; to train and motivate staff. Writing, proofreading and editing skills to assist in the research and preparation of business cases, project plans, and copy for material promoting creative learning events offered by the Science Education Branch. Evaluation and research skills to evaluate competitive market, and research new program ideas. Leadership, motivation and team building skills to build a strong, cohesive staff team, foster enthusiasm, gain support and commitment. Troubleshooting and problem solving skills to quickly identify problems and provide on the spot decisions in relation to customer satisfaction, health and/or safety issues. Sound judgement to deal effectively, efficiently and diplomatically with group leaders, parents, and participants. Cash handling and reconciliation skills. Proficiency with internet research, email, PC word processing, spreadsheets, databases to maintain/analyze data, access information and prepare reports.

Freedom of Action :

Work is carried out under the general supervision of the Manager who is accountable for overall department/program planning, organization, supervision, control of resources and budget to meet revenue targets. However, the position identifies and contributes ideas for new program opportunities, is accountable for smooth operations of camps/events by means of staff scheduling and deployment, technical/staff resources arrangements, purchase of supplies and equipment (within budget allocation) and serves as point person to resolve customer service, participant and day-to-day work problems. Work is performed within the policies, procedures and standards of the Ontario Science Centre.

Freedom exists to develop workshop content (on an array of science and technology topics under broad themes), to put together project plans, to set own daily priorities, adjusting as necessary to deal with conflicting demands and to meet overall operational requirements for the program/event or project, to coordinate with other departments to ensure required resources are on hand for the program or event. As point person, freedom exists to make on the spot assessments and take action on immediate requests for assistance/information from clients/participants exercising significant judgement and tact to ensure the OSC is represented positively and appropriately at all times. For weekend after-hours events freedom exists to collaborate with Protective Services Officer to assess the need to initiate emergency communications protocol police, fire, ambulance) and Manager is also on call. Position's contributions to workshop content, staff training and operations have a direct affect on program appeal and client satisfaction. Failure to effectively carry out duties, errors in program coordination and/or client service could negatively affect participants' evaluation of the program/event and in turn affect potential future business including failure to reach established revenue targets; affect the reputation of the OSC generally as well as the Recreational and Family Learning Experiences Unit in the recreational and cultural industry.