Colby Ernest is the Executive Director of The Explorium of Lexington and has dedicated his professional career to supporting children and families. Ernest has a strong background and history of almost 10 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining The Explorium in 2021, Ernest was the Associate Executive Director of The Hearing & Speech Center. Ernest’s experience includes a broad array of areas including fundraising, major gifts and grants, operations, human resources, and community outreach.
Ernest practiced law from 2010 – 2013, primarily within family law. It was this experience that led Ernest to aspire to support children and families in a different capacity outside the legal system. The Explorium’s goal to light a creative spark for discovery and lifelong learning, while creating an environment where families connect in meaningful ways, drives Ernest’s passion every day to lead a children’s museum that will make a lasting impact for generations to come.
Contact Colby at cernest@explorium.com for inquiries regarding: Development and Fundraising, Accounts Payable, HR, Operations, and Exhibits.
Abby joined The Explorium in 2022 with over 15 years of non-profit experience and has a passion for learning through play. Thompson’s professional experience is vast in early childhood education development, family education engagement, community partnership engagement, social media marketing, and staff management. She is a native of Mt. Sterling and graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Thompson is responsible for all programming and events at The Explorium, including community outreach events, and Explorium marketing.
Contact Abby at athompson@explorium.com for inquiries regarding: programming and events, community outreach activities/events, and marketing inquiries.
Mary joined The Explorium in 2022. She brings with her 8+ years of working with kids through play and learning. Her passion lies with watching kids discover how the world around them works. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration. Mary is responsible for all education-based programming at The Explorium, including Field Trips and Traveling Trunks.
Contact Mary at mfraney@explorium.com for inquiries regarding: Mobile Play & Learning Lab, STEAMer Trunks, Field Trip Enrichments, Activity Kits, and all other matters Play & Learning related!
Reports To: Visitor Services Manager
Part-Time, Hourly
Position Summary:
The Explorium of Lexington seeks a Visitor Services Specialist. The ideal candidate will display passion for The Explorium mission and the impact they will have on their community; an enthusiastic and creative person with strong organizational and communication skills; quick-thinker; self-motivated; a desire to work with a team of staff and volunteers; and exceptional abilities to work with the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
Candidate should have reliable transportation. Candidate should also be able to work weekends and some evenings.
Interested candidates can email a cover letter/resume to: explore@explorium.com