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