Christopher Berg Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Chicago, Illinois, United States

I manage the planning and execution of special events at the Museum, overseeing logistics for events including budgets, contracts, schedules, vendors, communication plans, promotion, on-site execution, post-event analysis, and follow-up engagement. I maintain daily schedules and event calendars and timelines to ensure all logistics are executed in a timely manner. I develop and grow strong working relationships with all staff, volunteers, vendors, and other key stakeholders. I collaborate with the marketing team to create plans and timelines for the promotion of each event. I hire, coordinate schedules, and deliver performance management reviews of guest experience facilitators. I serve as the manager on duty, responding to all guest inquiries in facilitation, point-of-sale services, and museum programming and offerings. • I direct Play programming, allowing kids to make new discoveries, share experiences, and see the world in new exciting ways, and a new exhibit, The Questioneers Read. Question. Think. PLAY!, allowing children to be inspired to solve everyday mysteries and think critically about the world.• I lead professional development workshops for school partners and staff.• I utilize a high level of project management and staff management skills to present successful programs.

Dupage County, Illinois, United States

I put conversation, storytelling, and personal interactions at the center of the visitor experience. I developed and implemented the Museum's visitor experience strategy, leading guest experience facilitators and volunteers to ensure that visitors and audiences received consistently high standards of customer care. I increased revenue and donations through sales of guides, exhibition tickets, and promotion of events and donations throughout museum. I planned and implemented initiatives to develop the visitor experience for priority audience groups including families, young people, and national audiences. I led the Guest Experience team to deliver day-to-day operations, including building presentation standards, visitor flow, visitor assistance, welcome and wayfinding, access, and health and safety.• I provided effective leadership and the motivation of guest experience facilitators to ensure maximum performance, including recruitment, induction, performance, training, and personal development.• I contributed to the creation of a new guest experience department during the museum re-opening.• I was proactive in maximizing volunteer involvement across all areas of the visitor experience, ensuring they felt fully integrated into the team and enhanced the core offer.

Racine, Wisconsin, United States

I provided direct services to the Racine Zoo AmeriCorps program participants via educational interpretive programming as well as effective delivery of pre- and post-lesson assessments. I hired and mentored AmeriCorps members. I created and delivered educational interpretive programming as well as animal handling for all animal ambassadors. I facilitated volunteer recruitment and training to students in the Racine Zoo AmeriCorps program. I oversaw AmeriCorps member grant reporting, writing, hiring, evaluation, and onboarding.• I wrote, facilitated, and evaluated a series of programs called Empathy Explorers, a four-lesson series with kindergartners combining socioemotional learning with wildlife interpretation supported by ACE grant, with delivery to 400+ kindergarten students.• I planned and implemented 2021’s Party for the Planet events and programs.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

I coached, trained, and counseled 80+ staff facilitators, utilizing my exceptional creativity to ensure playful learning at the center of exhibit facilitation. I ensured a mission-centered approach to visitor engagement and demonstrated a commitment to the Museum’s brand identity. I implemented and trained the staff on guest policies and protocols ensuring optimal customer service. I monitored guest activity to ensure safety, studied what engaged guests, and provided feedback on guests’ Museum experiences. I compiled financial reports and maintained program budgets. I researched, developed, and implemented digital and in-person community programming.• I introduced educational programming for Wired to Wear, a traveling exhibit viewed by over one million guests, and Video Game Get Down exhibits.• I oversaw the Museum’s ‘Low Sensory Morning Program’, allowing families with sensory needs to visit the museum at no charge; I collaborated with various departments to alter exhibits to increase “sensory friendliness”.• I co-designed community programming for Chicago’s south side residents with local school partners.• I launched three major exhibits in collaboration with cross-functional departments.

Santa Rosa, California, United States

I led 3-hour safaris across nearly 400 acres in oak woodlands of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, including exhibit interpretation and driving 1950 Ford Power Wagons into open range animal enclosures. I conducted tours including a walking trek and game drive component to share our diverse collection of over 100 animal species from Africa and beyond. I tailored tours to guest interests while engaging in conversations about zoology, ecology, anthropology, conservation, and other topics. I ensured guests were safe, comfortable, and entertained while teaching about wildlife.• I led bus-driven school treks for groups of 30+ children.• I contributed to summer camp development.

Santa Rosa, California, United States

I facilitated and implemented activities associated with all on grounds programming, training Playologists in program delivery. I served as the lead implementer and coordinator of museum programming and collaborated closely with stakeholders to ensure thorough documentation and effective communications. I led the team in achieving goals and measurable outcomes identified for our programming. I built and nurtured long-term relationships with key regional partners. I recruited, supervised, and mentored Playologists to carry out a range of programs.• I organized a Halloween costume drive for victims of the Tubbs fire at the Museum.• I managed social media posts and hosted a Facebook Live children’s show.• I coordinated community speakers for the Science Speakers Series and founded an Ambassador Animal Program.

Toledo, Ohio, United States

I directed all activities associated with Nature’s Neighborhood, a children’s zoo and naturalized play space, training staff and volunteers, developing programs, volunteer scheduling, marketing, program registration, and developing marketing efforts. I managed the Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Tour and interpretive programs such as community outreach citizen science programming highlighting all of the zoo grounds. I provided public information services, including orientation to the public regarding nature programs. I offered external and internal customer service. I maintained office and program standards and the calendar. I developed and monitored the budget for all on grounds programming. I developed and produced the Programs and Events Guide.• I founded Play Naturally Toledo, a nature play club serving over 200 families, bringing together the efforts of major outside organizations (The Toledo Zoo, Toledo Metro Parks, and 577 Foundation).• I spearheaded the re-opening of the zoo’s historic 75-year-old aquarium, renovated in 2015, overseeing the development of a daily dive show, live animal touch tank, outreach program involving marine invertebrates, and interpretive signage throughout the aquarium.• I doubled BTS tour program revenue in first year in position.• I collaborated with the staff zoo-wide to implement play and inquiry-based competency training and professional development.• I trained full time staff on the use of a new zoo-wide registration system and best interpretive practices and the handling of 30+ program animals.

I delivered programming to the Zoo’s Education Department, including school and outreach programs, overnights, family programs, camps, tours, and interpretive programs. I supported every program type and all educational programming, serving as the curriculum writer for program areas, performing animal demonstrations, and utilizing various types of equipment and machinery. I trained the staff on how to handle over 30 program animals.• I developed outreach, family, and camp curriculum for on-grounds educational programs.

I celebrated the natural world by creating Zoo-wide opportunities for guests to connect with animals, mission, nature, and conservation methods. I engaged guests throughout the Zoo at exhibits and through scheduled interpretive programs. I facilitated safe and fun encounters with zoo animals, using props such as bio-facts and costumes in combination with interpretive training and on-going support.• I led Behind-the-Scenes tours, Overnight Safari Snoozes, and a narrated Africa! Safari train.

Toledo, Ohio, United States

I lead education programming for museum guests, offering them a unique opportunity for learning in a creative, informal environment, using age-appropriate interpretation and hands-on interaction and opportunities. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines science and history with creative activities.• I earned certification on all floor programs.

Bowling Green, Ohio, United States

• I supervised staff of 20+ employee's

Bachelor'S Degree, Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education

Education record