If you’ve ever opened an e-mail from the Museum, taken home a flyer after visiting, received a letter with the CMEE logo on it, or followed us Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, there’s a good chance that Paul A. Johnson has had a hand in it. Since joining the Museum in 2014, he’s been heading up the Museum’s marketing efforts. And, while his official title of “Marketing Coordinator,” he’ll be the first to admit that his role is hard to define.
Can you tell us a little about your role at the Museum?
It’s a little difficult to offer a succinct description of exactly what I do. When I was interviewing for the position, the Museum’s Director of Operations stressed that “we all wear many hats.” Little did I know just how many hats I’d be wearing! During any given day, I can find myself working on e-mail correspondence, sending out traditional mailings, updating our social media accounts, speaking with members of the local press, designing exhibit signage, figuring out strategies to increase membership, creating brochures, running focus groups…the list goes on and on.
Essentially…everything I do comes down to making sure as many people as possible know about what this amazing place has to offer.
What’s your favorite part about working for the Children’s Museum?
I get to work with an amazing group of people in an amazing environment in a role that I truly enjoy. Other than my co-workers, I don’t know anyone who is greeted by a bunny every morning or has the ability to take a break from work by playing a few rounds of mini golf. Plus, I get to wear silly costumes during events like Peconic Family Fun Day or Pet Appreciation Day. In fact, it’s not only allowed…it’s encouraged! I’ve often tell people that working here is the best experience of my professional career and I sincerely mean that.
Is there anything you think the Museum can do more of?
There are two big goals that immediately come to mind.
The first is that I’d like to build more awareness for the amazing work we do throughout the East End, especially with underserved families. Many people don’t realize that, in addition to offering exhibits that promote learning through play, we’re actively engaged in the community. We have the great privilege to work with some truly amazing partners throughout the area:
- Through our “Creating in the Community” initiative, which is funded in part through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, we bring programming directly to the Family Service League’s Homeless Shelter, Riverside Rediscovered, the Shinnecock Reservation’s Preschool, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and many more.
- In partnership with Long Island Head Start, we’re one of only two museums in the entire country to serve as a Head Start center.
- Katy’s Courage holds a bi-monthly bereavement program at the Museum.
- The Museum collaborates with the Retreat to help families affected by domestic violence. While moms receive job skills training in our classroom, their children are actively engaged in the Museum’s exhibits.
My second goal is that I’d like to make the Museum’s signage completely bilingual, offering it in both English and Spanish. The Spanish-speaking population is a vital and often marginalized part of the East End community. When those families visit the Children’s Museum, I want to make sure that they feel considered, comfortable, and welcome.