Director of Educational Programming - Reading Science Center

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Director of Educational Programming

Location: Reading, PA

Job Type: Full Time

Work model: In-Person

Schedule: Monday to Friday, after school

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Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated educator to lead our programming team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education and a commitment to fostering an engaging learning environment for students. The Director will play a vital role in shaping the future of our science programs through innovative teaching methods and effective educational administration.

Position Summary

The Director of Educational Programming provides direction and oversight for the Reading Science Center’s educational programs, both on and off-site, including planning, executing and evaluating all aspects of educational programs, from field trips and after school outreach programs to our signature Sisters in STEM girls’ science program, Investigation Stations on Open to the Public days, Science Storytime, Science Camp, scout outings and birthday parties, and support science activities for special events. The Director contributes to grant writing efforts for education programs, provides program documentation, collects data, and does background research on key initiatives, including alignment with state science standards and career development. The position also includes hiring and supervising the education staff to fulfill the scheduled instructional programs and create a positive and welcoming STEM learning environment.

Essential Functions

Educational Program Development

Research, plan, budget, execute, source materials and train educators on investigations to be used in all classroom activities.
Develop annual programming plan
Plan logistics around daily STEM education programs
Design, plan, budget and execute annual programming for Sisters in STEM including classroom investigations, female science speakers, field trips and completion ceremony.
Document programs/lessons for staff
Strategize ways to increase educational programming outreach.
Track and report data related to all educational programs including supplies and salaries associated with these activities.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise Assistant Program Director who will assist in resource acquisition, prepping supplies, and set-ups for instructional events as well as booking birthday parties, and acting as floor supervisor when Director is not present.
Recruit, hire, train, and coach a team of educators as needed to fulfill the staffing needed for all educational programs including field trips, Investigation Stations on Open to the Public days, Sisters in STEM, after school and summer school programs.
Keep inventory of and maintain educational equipment, materials, and supplies.
Conduct annual reviews for employees under their supervision.
Take active role as educator and model for others under their supervision
Assure employees under their supervision have the required clearances on file and remain current.
Recommend and manage annual education programming budget.
Commitment to science and education.
Ability to articulate science concepts.
Availability to work one Saturday a month.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Program Growth

Lead the team to implement strategies that meet annual attendance goals for educational programs.
Establish and maintain relationships with public, private, and home school administrators and educators in our market area in order to increase field trips coming to the Reading Science Center and grow external outreach programs.

Grant Support

Collaborate on development efforts to identify, write, and report on grants and sponsorships that support education initiatives and programs.
Write cases for support that identify priority community needs.

Exhibits

Collaborate with the Exhibits Committee to inform exhibit development, including research and educational alignment.

Competencies

Demonstrated experience in science lesson planning.
Previous employee supervision.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Possess organizational and strong project management skills.
Ability to plan and track budgets.

Supervisory responsibilities

Asst. Dir. Of Programming
Educators
Educator/Docents
Education Interns

Travel

Occasionally as needed for projects

Qualifications

Experience

3 years supervisory experience
3 years science lesson planning
3 years as a teacher in elementary or middle school
Passion for STEM education

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or related field

Certifications

Child Abuse Clearance
FBI Clearance
Clear PA Criminal Record
Valid driver’s license
PA Teaching Certification

Skills

Ability to relate to children and customize age-appropriate lessons.
Expertise in effective teaching methods for elementary and middle school children.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer service ethic.
Proficiency with or ability to learn Google suite of office applications including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drive, Meet, and Calendar.
Familiarity with employee scheduling systems such as Connecteam
Proficiency with invoicing/point of sale applications such as Square

Physical Demands of the Job

Regularly required to talk and hear.
Frequently required to be standing/walking for several hours at a time.
Frequent bending, kneeling, or stooping.
Occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds.

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