Student Outreach & Events Assistant

The KU Natural History Museum seeks a friendly and organized university student to serve as Student Outreach & Events Assistant. This position reports directly to the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, and indirectly to the Associate Director of Informal Science Education. The Student O&E Assistant helps deliver themed programs to groups (scouts, after-school science nights, etc.) and helps to plan and facilitate museum public events like Discovery Days and Pop Up Science programs.

The role of the Student Outreach & Events Assistant includes:

• Helping to facilitate outreach programs and events, such as: scout badge workshops, visits to community groups (e.g., Lawrence Public Library), and museum programs like Discovery Days.
• Assisting in planning and development of outreach programs and events.
• Helping the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator to cultivate relationships with a wide range of individuals, community organizations, and other entities.
• Representing the museum in a friendly and professional manner.
• Being an enthusiastic, flexible, and supportive member of the KU Natural History Museum team, with an ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Applicants must have some weekday, evening, and weekend availability. This position requires a valid driver's license. This position requires the ability to stand for long periods, lift objects up to 30 lbs., and spend time outdoors during spring, summer, and fall weather, with or without reasonable accommodations. 50% - Facilitating hands-on activities; managing groups of visitors (children, parents, KU students, etc.); moving and setting up activities, specimens, tables, & chairs; communicating information and answering questions effectively; interacting with the public in a professional manner; ensuring safety of visitors at events and programs.

35% - Generating new and creative ideas for programs and events.

10% - Clear communications with the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator about programs needs and planning, as well as work schedule availability and changes.

5% - Assisting with observation and documentation of event/program participation and feedback.

1. Demonstrated ability to speak with ease in front of large or small groups of people, as evidenced by application materials.
2. Demonstrated ability to interact with people of all ages – especially children – with enthusiasm and patience, as evidenced by application materials.
3. Strong communication and organizational skills, as evidenced by applications materials.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, as evidenced by application materials.
5. Ability to work up to 10 hours per week, with flexible availability during normal work hours, some evenings, and some weekends, as evidenced by application materials.

1. Previous experience working in informal science settings, as evidenced by application materials.
2. At least two years left at KU.
3. Able to travel for events throughout the state of Kansas.

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Must have some weekday, evening, and weekend availability.

Must have valid driver’s license.

Must be able to stand for long periods, lift objects up to 30 lbs., and spend time outdoors during spring, summer, and fall weather, with or without reasonable accommodations.

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter addressing position interest & qualifications
• Resume
• Fall class schedule
• Contact info for 3 professional references

NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To ensure consideration, apply before the application review starts on Friday, 9/25/2026. A review of applications will continue and is ongoing until a pool of qualified candidates is identified.
 

Eleanor Gardner
eleanor.gardner@ku.edu
785-864-2380

6-10 hours per week. At least 6 office hours per week working with the Outreach & Engagement Coordinator. Additional 4 hours per week (as needed) on weekends and evenings, and possibly semester breaks assisting with museum events and programs. Hours are flexible and will vary depending on events schedule. MUST be flexible on weekends for events and programs.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.