The Business Manager (BM) is a reliable, self-starting professional responsible for both handling critical day-to-day financial and administrative management tasks and helping The Iowa Children’s Museum (The ICM) set and achieve long-range goals. This important work is carried out in tandem with the executive director (ED), finance/executive committee, board of directors (BOD) and fellow members of the staff leadership team. The BM handles all daily accounting work for an  organization with an annual budget of roughly $1.7M, completes month-end financial reports for board review and coordinates the organization’s annual financial audit. In coordination with the ED and other staff leaders, the BM also manages various administrative functions within the  organization, builds and maintains important external relationships and supports broader organizational initiatives as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting/Financial Management

• Completes/coordinates all daily and weekly accounting tasks, to include bank deposits, journal entries, etc.
• Manages accounts payable, accounts receivable and the creation of all financial reports for organization, in alignment with all generally accepted non-profit accounting principles. 
• Assists in the management of all banking relationships; reconciles bank statements monthly; coordinates monthly/quarterly reconciliation between accounting and donor management software.
• Provides critical input to BOD and ED on annual organizational budget; manages the process of drafting, approving and making mid-year adjustments to budget document.
• Coordinates all activities related to organization’s annual independent financial audit. 
• Ensures that The ICM remains transparent and fully compliant in all aspects of its financial “life” including, but not limited to, the organization’s use of restricted funds, various local and federal grant programs, and as the fiscal sponsor for certain mission-aligned initiatives.

HR/Administration

• Works with Director of Museum Operations (DMO) to on-board new employees; coordinates with third party payroll provider on bi-weekly payroll processing, pay rate changes, payroll taxes, etc.
• Assists ED and DMO in the management and regular review of employee benefits program, as well as employee handbook. 
• Manages key administrative office functions including, but not limited to, copier lease/maintenance, postage meter and general office supplies. 
• Ensures organizational compliance in a range of areas to include local, state and federal filings; updates to employment law; etc.

General Leadership

• Serves as a staff liaison to the ICM finance/executive committee; assists in the development of monthly meeting agenda; works regularly with board treasurer on various initiatives. 
• Provides input on long-term financial direction for the organization in alignment with three-year strategic plan, annual budget and operational work plans.
• Works to develop and nurture relationships with various stakeholders including, but not limited to, board members, donors, vendors, auditors and external program officers.
• Supports broader organizational initiatives including, but not limited to, in-museum celebration days, off-site special event fundraisers and community programs. 

Schedule 

Generally, weekdays (Monday-Friday) on-site at The ICM in Coralville, though some remote work is possible. Pre-planned evening and weekend work is required occasionally throughout the year, especially in connection with special event fundraisers, audit season, etc.

Salary & Benefits

Compensation is $50,000 annually. Full health/dental/vision benefits offered, as well as matching contributions to Simple IRA, paid holidays, PTO, free annual family museum membership, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, etc. 

Qualifications

• College degree in relevant field (or equivalent combination of experience/training which allows individual to perform key duties) is required.
• Minimum of 5 years in accounting/finance/business administration/HR or related field is required. Past experience in a non-profit environment is a plus, but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and lead.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills required.
• Detail-oriented, results-driven, self-motivated, responsible and dependable.
• Strong computer skills required. Substantial experience with QuickBooks (or other similar accounting software) required. Additional experience with database management is a plus.
• Highly organized and capable of juggling multiple priorities, projects and deadlines.

Physical requirements: Must be able to complete tasks with repeated motions that may include the wrists, hands and fingers; kneel, squat or stand and move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and/or confined spaces; communicate with others to exchange information

To Apply
Submit cover letter and resume to jcapps@theicm.org or apply online through Indeed.com. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled, and interviews will occur on a rolling basis.

The Iowa Children’s Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a mission-focused nonprofit, we recognize that we’re better when leveraging the collective strength and depth of our great community. As such, we value the opportunity to consider candidates for employment from diverse backgrounds and with a range of different experiences that go beyond a resume. If you’re someone with a combination of experience and education that’s similar to what is listed in this job description and have a passion for this kind of work, please apply. And if we can do anything to assist you along the way, please let us know.

Help spark curiosity and creativity in young learners! This unique opportunity allows you to work directly with children, providing hands-on experiences that bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life. Through playful, interactive programming, you’ll showcase the wonders of STEM and NASA’s work, making a lasting impact on the next generation of innovators. If you’re passionate about education and believe in the power of play, we’d love to see you apply!

This is an 8 week internship, requiring a total commitment of 320 hours (full-time). The start date and weekly schedule are flexible and will be determined collaboratively to fit the intern’s schedule and the museum’s programming.

About Space Consortium Internships

Five applicants will be selected for placement at one of the ISGC informal outreach affiliates. One student will be placed at each affiliate organization: Science Center of Iowa, Putnam Museum & Science Center, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, The Iowa Children’s Museum, or Grout Museum District. A stipend of $6,560 will be awarded to selected interns for the 8-week internship. Awards are contingent on selection and proof of enrollment at an ISGC core or academic affiliate and a minimum 3.0 GPA met with transcript verification from Fall 2024. Interns will participate in or lead programming showcasing NASA and NASA’s work and/or develop and deliver educational programming for the hosting outreach affiliate. Mentors will provide experiences to increase understanding and application of STEM education and science communication.

Selection

Internships are competitively awarded based on complete application information, including academic qualifications. Awardees must present a poster presentation at the ISGC Research Symposium in spring 2026 (date TBD). Awardees must agree to participate in a NASA longitudinal tracking process that surveys student progress and eventual employment outcomes to help assess the effectiveness of our program and STEM retention efforts. The undergraduate intern will create a final report for the ISGC Office and Executive Committee at the end of the internship. A report template will be provided. Please note that ISGC or the hosting affiliate will not provide housing accommodations for the 8-week internship.

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Full-time enrollment at DMACC, Drake, ISU, Loras, Morningside, UI, or UNI at the time of application*
• Graduation date no earlier than Spring of 2026
• Majoring in STEM or education disciplines
• Good academic standing (minimum 3.0/4/0 GPA)
• Physical requirements: Must be able to complete tasks with repeated motions that may include the wrists, hands and fingers; kneel, squat or stand and move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and/or confined spaces; communicate with others to exchange information

To Apply

•  Complete the application at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/9d473a57fe6643d6a255c985a16796e3 
• As part of the application, you will be asked to upload your most recent unofficial transcript (unprotected and unsecured PDF)
• Females, under-represented minorities, persons with disabilities, and U.S. military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Early Decision Deadline: February 28th, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.

Final Decision Deadline: March 10th, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.

PLAYologists are the front line staff at The Iowa Children’s Museum and provide the primary staff interaction with families and museum exhibits and programs.

Part-time, hourly employee. Schedule is flexible but evening and weekend availability is required. Starting wage is $12/hour

Summary

PLAYologists are the front line staff at The Iowa Children’s Museum and provide the primary staff interaction with families and museum exhibits and programs. PLAYologists exemplify outstanding customer service by working at our admissions desk, maintaining cleanliness in exhibits, assisting with special programs, and modeling learning through play. All PLAYologists must be self-motivated, friendly, energetic, collaborative and creative individuals who enjoy working in a family informal learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Exemplify outstanding customer service with museum guests and other staff.
• Engage with children and their adult caregivers actively through play in the exhibits.
• Work at the admission desk and greet every guest with a smile, take payment for general admission and gift store sales and answer questions about the museum, including special programs.
• Keep the museum a clean place to play by resetting exhibit props and performing daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks.
• Assist with museum opening and closing procedures, including sanitizing, resetting exhibits, restocking supplies and maintaining staff and guest restrooms.
• Abide by the FISH customer service philosophy

Qualifications

A PLAYologist is expected to:

• Create a positive work environment and foster the spirit of team work
• Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Have the physical ability & desire to work in an active and fast-paced environment
• Continually build skills with guidance from Managing PLAYologists
• Perform basic cash-handling skills with accuracy
• Have a family-friendly appearance and attitude
• Appreciate that The Iowa Children’s Museum provides a fun and safe place where unstructured and informal learning is nurtured through the Power of Play.

Physical requirements: Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 15 pounds; complete tasks with repeated motions that may include the wrists, hands and fingers; kneel, squat or stand and move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and/or confined spaces; communicate with others to exchange information

The Iowa Children’s Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested? Click here to apply online!
Please direct questions Gretchen Kemple-Taylor, Director of Museum Operations, at gkempletaylor@theicm.org

Guest Welcome Center Specialists are friendly individuals with excellent communication and people skills, customer service and cash handling experience, and knowledge of all things local. As a Guest Welcome Center Specialist, your position is threefold: part ambassador of The Iowa Children’s Museum, part “Concierge of Coralville,” and part visitor experience expert and customer support for Coral Ridge Mall.

Part-time, but could be a full-time position with benefits for the right person! Starting wage is $12/hour

Summary
This position is responsible for diverse aspects of managing the Guest Welcome Center at Coral Ridge Mall to support the mission and vision of The Iowa Children’s Museum. Areas of concentration include, but are not limited to implementing the museum marketing plan and fulfilling GWC obligations to Coral Ridge Mall and the City of Coralville.

Schedule
Must be able to work flexible hours, which may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Key Responsibilities

Implement the museum marketing plan to increase museum attendance, including:

• Promote museum news and events
• Promote museum collaborations and sponsors
• Playfully interact with children and families
• Promote and sell museum memberships
• Promote and display Think Tank store items and process inventory/sales

Greet, welcome, and provide excellent customer service to mall visitors, including:

• Promote and process Hills Bank VISA gift card program
• Address mall visitors’ questions
• Rent manual wheelchairs and Amigo electric scooters
• Process refunds for mall amenities
• Implement opening and closing procedures
• Promote and market the City of Coralville to mall visitors
• Act as a “Concierge of Coralville”
• Promote local events, including through giveaways and ticket sales

Physical requirements: Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 15 pounds; complete tasks with repeated motions that may include the wrists, hands and fingers; move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and/or confined spaces and returning mobility scooters/wheelchairs to their charging/storage stations; communicate with others to exchange information

The Iowa Children’s Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested? CLICK HERE to apply online!