Education Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine Education Director 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

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

· 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

· 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 preferred.

· 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.

· Write and distribute educator communications to promote use of NASA, Challenger, and other science resources. Update Challenger Facebook teacher group.

· 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, mission income, and projected program.

PARTNERSHIPS:

· Collaborate with outside groups and organizations

·Order, distribute NASA materials, promote opportunities, help identify guest speakers

MARKETING:

· Provide tours for prospective donors and administrators, as well as to the general public.

· Assist with materials for public communication and social media.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000