Lead STEM educator

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine lead STEM educator is a hands-on innovative leader who believes in and facilitates the delivery of high-quality STEM education programming for Maine students, grades K-12. The Director functions both autonomously and as part of a team to ensure the smooth operations of the Challenger Learning Center of Maine.

GENERAL ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

· Recruit and facilitate simulated space missions for student and adult programs which highlight STEM careers, NASA technology, effective communication and problem-solving skills. (In-person & virtual)

· Organize and deliver high quality summer learning experiences for students of all ages.

· Design and execute developmentally appropriate, hands-on, authentic STEM activities aligned with standards for informal and formal education settings for pre-K to adult.

· Provide support for new and returning teachers for Challenger programming.

· Responsible for coordination of National Challenger program updates.

· Schedule staff for program development, program prep, and facilitation of camps, missions, and events.

· Oversee development and updating of training procedures.

· Facilitate training of new flight directors and camp staff.

· Provide on-going support and training to hourly staff.

· Design, advertise, and facilitate public outreach on and off-site bringing all types of science to a broad audience.

· Stay current with latest standards, initiatives, and terminology in education.

· Attend conferences and workshops to represent Challenger.

· Exercise sound decision making for meaningful decisions on behalf of the Challenger center.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum Bachelor’s Degree required. Preference Education or STEM related fields preferred.

· Must have experience with coordinating and planning events, activities and programs related to student populations. Preference for experience coordinating and planning educational summer camps.

· Preference three to five years of training, education and experience in education or STEM related fields.

· Prior leadership experience required.

· Interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn about space science education required.

SKILLS:

· Demonstrated high level communicator to varied audiences, including staff members, leadership teams, teachers/educators, parents and of course, students!

· Demonstrated ability to in work in both an in-person & virtual work environment with the ability to flex from one to the other seamlessly.

· Ability to problem solve “in the moment” to ensure a positive experience for students and other participants.

· Clear organizational and planning skills

· Familiar with office software products such as Google Suite, MS products etc.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

· Plan and facilitate teacher workshops for Challenger Center.

· Arrange presentations by local and regional experts.

· Serve as direct contact for teachers from nearly 100+ annually participating schools.

· Exhibit and/or present at various science and education conferences promoting STEM

DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS:

· Oversee hourly staff.

· Recruit for programs /contact schools, allocate donor funds, maintain records.

· Assist to create and execute Challenger program calendar.

· Order basic supplies and approve activity plans for camps and public programs.

· Assist with planning and running of large-scale events Challenger events, as needed.

· Work directly with off-site tech support for mission hardware/software upgrades and repairs.

· Handle minor behavioral issues in camp, contacting parents, if needed for concerns, issues, or medical circumstances.

· Assist in development and updating of policies in regard to medical issues, building safety, good educational practice, volunteers, funding, and confidentiality.

REPORTING / GRANT WRITING:

· Submit itemized receipts to bookkeeper.

· Provide monthly updates to executive director / board of directors regarding program registrations, donor funds allocated, mission income, and projected programming.

Pay:

$47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person