Director of Programs

Project Exploration is a nonprofit science education organization that works to ensure communities traditionally overlooked by science - particularly minority youth and girls - have access to personalized experiences with science and scientists. Founded in 1999 by paleontologist Paul Sereno and educator Gabrielle Lyon, Project Exploration seeks to expand access to science. Project Exploration youth programs impact the lives of hundreds of students each year by fostering a long-term involvement in science, and are supported by public programs that provide a window into science in action through exhibits, online initiatives, and contributions to the field of science in out-of-school time.

Position Overview:

The Director of Programs is a key member of Project Exploration's leadership team, responsible for the development and implementation of short-term and long-term plans to grow, refine and evaluate programs, with a particular emphasis on programs serving middle and high school youth from populations historically underrepresented in science. This position is responsible for overseeing Project Exploration's work to develop and support long-term relationships with students, implement Project Exploration's personalized approach to science, and provide engaging, high-caliber, authentic experiences with science and scientists.

The Director of Programs supervises a diverse educator team of program staff, consultants, and occasional external partners through direct oversight, assessment, and ongoing professional development. Schedule includes evenings and weekends during the school year; travel and week-long overnight field trips each summer. The position reports to the Co-Executive Director and supervises 3 full-time and 1 part-time staff, and occasional program interns.

Responsibilities:

Organization Leadership:

• Participate in organization-wide strategic and evaluation planning and lead annual program development.
• Develop and manage department budget.
• Represent the organization at local, regional and national events.
• Support external relationships including collaborative regional, city, and community partnerships; cultivate and support relationships with a wide range of regional scientists who can deliver programs in partnership with Project Exploration.
• Identify program development opportunities, funding, professional development and program infrastructure needs.
• Steward and support relationships with designated funders; participate in grant and report development and funder site visits.
• Ensure grant- and funder-mandated program deliverables are met.

Program Department Responsibilities:

• Design and supervise high-caliber, personalized science programming across all program efforts, including youth development, teacher professional development, public and field programs.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and associated materials for youth programs, teacher professional development, and public outreach, including fee-based programs and web initiatives.
• Supervise the development of departmental systems and infrastructure and organize educational materials and intellectual resources.
• Direct staff professional development to ensure best practices in youth development, and ensure compliance with state and federal youth development policies and mandates.
• Supervise department infrastructure including procedure manuals, data collection, reporting, and student files.

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate is able to plan, create, and evaluate compelling, personalized experiences with science and discovery that engage youth and families traditionally overlooked by science.
• Must have a strong desire to work in a fast-paced, growing institution serving urban youth.
• BA/BS degree required; MA or MS degree in science, education, or related field encouraged.
• Minimum 5 years experience in teaching, delivering, and managing educational or youth programs.
• Minimum of 3 years direct supervisory experience.
• Experience traveling with youth and adult program participants; comfortable providing programs in the field.
• Experience designing programs, curriculum and evaluation, and reporting on grant-funded projects.
• Excellent writing, communication, and computing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel; knowledge of YouthServices.Net database software a plus.
• Advancing Youth Development Certificate and Youth Worker Certification Levels I and/or II; familiarity with the Chicago Public School system; Spanish language skills are considered assets for this position.

Compensation: Salary is in the $60,000s; commensurate with experience. Employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance. Excellent benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Closing Date: January 18, 2010   The position is available immediately.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, résumé, references, salary requirement and past salary history (required). Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No telephone calls, please.