What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of New Program Development position at SSP International, Inc.?

Job Description

Department : SSPI Program Development

Reporting to : VP of Research and Evaluation

Schedule : Full-time year-round

Location : Remote

Salary Range : $80,000 - $90,000 annually

Travel required : Approximately 15 days per year

Summary

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress. To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a global network of over 3,700 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.summerscience.org.

With the recent receipt of a transformational estate gift by an early alum, SSPI has completed a new strategic plan and now has the financial resources to broaden our impact in STEM education. The 10-year vision of our plan is to reach 10,000 students each year in a variety of STEM programs, with at least 50% coming from historically underserved communities, with challenging, engaging, and transformative science experiences.

Under the direction of the VP of Research and Evaluation, the Director of New Program Development will be responsible for developing and implementing new and innovative STEM education programs. The position is essential to aligning SSPIs Strategic Framework with actionable initiatives to address the evolving needs of students, educators, and their communities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in STEM education, program development, and project management. This candidate would be both a strategic leader and an active participant in the organization’s programs, ensuring their successful development and implementation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Strategy

Identify and analyze emerging trends in science education, assessment, workforce needs, and community interests to identify opportunities for new initiatives.
Develop comprehensive, high-quality STEM educational programs that align with SSPI’s mission and strategic goals and meet the needs of diverse audiences, including K-12 students, educators, and community members.
Develop and support initiatives in curriculum and instructional materials development, instructional practices and curriculum alignment, professional development and coaching, and instructional design.
Collaborate with educators, researchers, and industry experts to design programs that are evidence-based, pedagogically sound, and culturally relevant.
Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps in SSPI’s current offerings and opportunities for new programs.

Project Management

Working collaboratively with the others, lead all phases of new program development, including conceptualization, design, implementation, evaluation, and scaling.

Establish and manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring financial sustainability and resource allocation for maximum impact.

Manage IRB and protocol development with VP of Research and Evaluation.

Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, using data and feedback to refine and enhance future offerings.

Coordinate program teams of internal and external stakeholders guiding and maintaining program alignment with SSPI’s strategic goals.

Work closely with the program operations and marketing teams to ensure successful program implementation and outreach.

Prepare and present reports to management, staff, and other key stakeholders.

Collaboration and Partnership Building

Cultivate and maintain relationships with schools, school districts, research institutions, and other educational or scientific organizations to foster collaboration and maximize program reach.

Together with the VP of Research and Evaluation, and the External Affairs team, identify funding opportunities, write or edit grant proposals, and cultivate relationships with funders to secure financial support or other resources for program development and sustainability.

Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that can contribute to enhancing program offerings and reach.

Outreach and Advocacy

Together with the External Affairs team, assist in developing marketing and communication strategies to promote new programs to target audiences and stakeholders.

Represent the organization in conferences, workshops, media opportunities, and community events as a thought leader in science education.

Advocate for policies and initiatives that a science education and equitable access and inclusion for all students.

Team Leadership

Lead and mentor a team of educators, program coordinators, and volunteers in program development and implementation.

Foster a culture of challenge, collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement within the programming team.

Education / Experience

Advanced Degree in Education, STEM, Non-profit management, or related field preferred.

5-7 years of experience in program development with a focus on education preferably within the non-profit or education sectors.

Experience developing STEM programs for youth for grades 7-12 and / or early undergraduate student bodies.

Strong background in building partnerships and engaging with community stakeholders.

Strong understanding of current trends in science education, curriculum and instructional materials development, instructional practices and professional development.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to think strategically, develop a vision, and translate it into actionable plans.

Ability to collaborate with staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.

Ability to identify the efficacy and feasibility of new initiatives.

Ability to analyze data associated with program implementations and evaluations.

Ability to create detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables.

Proficiency in communicating project plans to diverse audiences.

Ability to align program development with the organization's strategic goals and mission.

Ability to develop and facilitate presentations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Skill in coordinating and leading program / project teams.

Skill in identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.

Skill in planning, developing, and implementing policies, processes, and procedures.

Ability to monitor budget expenditures and project resources.

Ability to plan and actively participate in program management meetings.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Conduct site visits for programs.

Ensure research staff maintain complete and accurate research sensitive data, are well prepared for auditing and monitoring, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Understanding of access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in STEM education

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Constantly operates a computer.

The ability to observe details at a close range and the ability to adjust focus.

The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Travel to twice yearly in-person staff meetings plus occasional travel to SSPI partner sites.

Clearance Requirements

Authorization to work in the United States

Background clearance

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. SSPI values a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

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Salary : $80,000 - $90,000

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