In-School Field Study Program Manager

The Urban Ecology Institute (UEI) is a non-profit that helps urban communities build healthy and vibrant cities by education urban residents about the ecology of their environment, connection residents to each other, and engaging residents in the transformation of their uban communities into places where they want to live.

UEI currently operates two program, the Education Program and the Sustainable Cities Program. The Education Program aims to support teahcers and educators to inspire and empower students through relevant, inquiry-oriented science education and learning that fosters ecologically and socially responsible citizenship and engagement in the local community. Within the Education Program there are four areas: In-School Field Studies, Out of School Time Field Studies, Greentimes and the LEAH Mentorship program.

Position Description

The In-School Program Manager will work under the supervision of the Education Director to oversee the successful operation of UEI's In-School Field Studies program in its efforts to support urban public middle- and high-school science teachers in the implementation of long-term field studies in urban ecosystems.

The In-School Education Program Manager will be responsible for UEI's long-running science education professional development workshops, coordinate a teacher mentor network and manager teacher-written curriculum development projects. Efforts at teacher professional development are desiged to create a cadre of science teachers that are able to increase young peoples' interest in science, connect them to their local environment and enhance their knowledge of environmental science and urban ecology; such goals are vital to the mission of UEI.

Through this work with public school teachers and administrators, funders, community partners, and academics, s/he will direct UEI's efforts in creating and implementing a standards-based urban science edcuation program which can be shared nationally. Additionally, s/he will coordinate, design, manage and evaluate all aspects of the UEI Field Studies Program in collaboration with the Out of School Time Program Manager. S/he will oversee AmeriCorps* VISTA members, work-study students, employees, interns and other volunteers as they work with teachers to ensure ongoing progress toward the program goals.

Responsibilies

• Manage teacher professional development program, including monthly teacher professional development workshops, a Summer Institute, a Winter Institute and a teacher mentor network.
• Manage relationships with UEI teacher-partners, including coordination of logistical support to 40 educators at 30 public schools in Boston, Cambridge, Revere and Watertown.
• Supervise 3 full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers.
• Organize three citywide student research conferences each year.
• Work with the Education Director on program budget, program goals, and reporting on grant deliverables.
• Develop and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including Boston Public Schools OST department, district officials, local NGOs, Boston College and site coordinators.
• Recruit new teachers in the Boston, Cambridge and Revere public school districts.
• Work closely with Education Director and education team in program development and strategic planning.
• Oversee work of curriculum consultants to develop UEI curriculum materials, including protocols for new studies, lessons, and activities.
• Chair Teacher Advisory Council, facilitating monthly meetings.
• Manage program assessment, working with educational evaluation consultants from Boston College.
• Work with Education team to share program model through partnerships in other cities and non-profit organizations.
• Collaborate with professors and researchers at Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Arts and Sciences, Environmental Studies Program.

Qualifications

• Degree in Education (middle and secondary), Environmental Studies or related fields.
• Experience with teacher professional development, training and support.
• Candidates with experience in science teaching will be given first consideration, but direct teaching experience is not required.
• Demonstrated experience in a nonprofit organization, program management, education and outreach, especially in an urban setting.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to work under pressure, and to meet deadlines. Applicants must have superior ability to plan, organize, and manage diverse daily activities of the job.
• Superior written and oral communications skills and ability to present information to and work with educators, scientists, funders, and school administrators.
• Applicants must demonstrate flexibility, organization, and confidence, since the position will require a large range of tasks. A commitment to the values of a non-profit work environment as well as a willingness to make a specific and substantial commitment to urban science education and youth development in the Boston metro area.
• While interest in urban ecological issues is required, no specific past experience in urban ecology is necessary. Familiarity with the basics of field studies science and data collection is helpful.
• Understanding of, or ability and willingness to learn about, local, state, and national education standards.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for travel, meeting with out of town partners, and teacher training efforts.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience, competitive for program manager positions at comparable NGOs. Health insurance will be paid for by UEI.

To Apply:

Please send (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter providing more in-depth information on your academic and professional experience and stating your salary requirement, (3) a writing sample, and (4) contact information for at least three academic or professional references via postal mail or e-mail.

Deadline: May 27.
Start Date: July 1.   

Emily Hoffman
Director of Education
Urban Ecology Institute
355 Higgins Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

The Urban Ecology Institute is committed to the principles of environmental justice and fashions its programs to specifically address the needs of urban communities that are typically underrepresented because of race, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Accordingly, we welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of individuals. The Urban Ecology Institute, Inc. employs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other attribute not related to superior performance.