STEAM Program Coordinator - Outreach

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Da Vinci Science Center is seeking a creative and passionate, educator, scientist, or engineer who loves learning about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), teaching diverse learners, and making a difference in their community.

The STEAM Program Coordinator will lead and support a dynamic team of educators that brings science to lives and lives to science. This is achieved by delivering extraordinary, memorable, and fun learning experiences that integrate STEAM subjects. The coordinator will oversee learning experiences and programs that take place off-site and on-site for students, teachers, families, public visitors, and members across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Specific responsibilities include leading the day-to-day operations of the outreach department, administrative duties, staff supervision, program development and training, and program delivery.

The coordinator works closely with part time staff, interns, and volunteers as a supervisor, mentor, and trainer. The coordinator will always demonstrate quality and excellence in their own work and set an example for other team members. The coordinator delivers exemplary customer service by effectively collaborating with internal colleagues and external community partners. The coordinator will display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of their work. Creativity, complex problem solving, initiative, and a productive relationship with team members are key to the coordinator’s success. The flexible schedule includes some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leader Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations and logistics of all STEAM team and event programs by communicating with and assisting staff to meet customer needs and expectations

• Provide a leading administrative role by keeping up to date with ongoing programs and communicating internally with the STEAM team, reservations department, operations, and events staff, and externally with customers when necessary.

• Help the STEAM team meet budgetary goals by finding and recruiting new potential customers and assist with the scheduling, training, logistics, and execution of grant sponsored programs.

• Support Da Vinci Science Center’s earned revenue goals and strategic initiatives • Create and execute a schedule for daily outreach and event operations • Promote exemplary communication by actively participating in STEAM Team meetings and represent the STEAM Team in other cross-departmental teams.

• Actively promote the mission of the science center by being responsible for nurturing a culture of belonging, positivity, and professionalism. Encourage problem-solving and prevent disruptive behaviors and miscommunication. Display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging in all aspects of your work.

• Support the Science Center’s mission and values statement, support the mission to bring science to life and lives to science, and display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging in all aspects of your work.

Staff Supervision:

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support for part-time staff, including consistent coaching, feedback, and employee observation.

• Hire, orient, train, schedule, and sign time sheets for part-time staff.

• Provide daily supervision of part-time staff.

• Lead team meetings and training sessions.

• Lead the employee review process for part-time staff, including setting employee goals and tracking progress.

• Identify professional development opportunities for part-time staff.

  
  

Administrative:

• Purchase materials following all budget and finance guidelines and policies.

• Create and maintain a cost-effective inventory of supplies, and complete orders for education needs.

• Make safety a priority. Complete all safety training and follow all safety guidelines. Ensure customers follow safety routines and wear personal safety equipment. Alert management of any safety issues.

• Provide any requested feedback about programs including participation data and reflection forms for internal use and grant reports.

• Participate in evaluation of the impact of programs as needed. Incorporate feedback into future programs.

Program Development and Training:

• Attend and actively participate in training sessions to understand and implement the Da Vinci Science Center’s inquiry-based approach, Next Generation Science teaching and learning, and effective presentation techniques.

• Lead teams to develop and implement outreach lessons that are engaging and relevant to participants and standards-aligned.

• Assist in the development of other types of programs, activities, media, and marketing materials occasionally.

• Train staff, interns, and volunteers on effective education programs, Next Generation Science teaching, inquiry-based pedagogy, exemplary customer service, and positive demeanor.

• Train staff, interns, and volunteers and other team leaders in new education programs.

• Lead teams to develop and implement lessons that are engaging and relevant to participants and standards-aligned.

Program Delivery:

Occasionally, in case of absences or other staffing conflicts, the STEAM program coordinator will deliver educational programs.

• Learn the program you will be teaching and be able to answer questions about the topic (training materials will be provided).

• Drive to and from the site where your program will take place, occasionally using a company vehicle (travel is usually within 25 miles of Da Vinci Science Center, but occasionally travel is between 25 and 150 miles from Da Vinci Science Center). Travel in personal vehicles is reimbursed at the federal IRS mileage rate.

• Arrive at the site on time, with a strict adherence to program punctuality. Set up classroom and teach educational programs.

• Exhibit positive youth development in classroom management strategies that are appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of diverse guests.

• Follow the established schedule for the daily events.

• Actively engage all guests in learning experiences.

• Represent the science center professionally to school and community contacts.

• Clean classrooms after each program (put supplies away, wash goggles, wipe tables, sweep floor if needed).

• Carry totes with materials (up to 50 pounds) from place to place.

• Proactively provide guests with information about the Center and its offerings.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or equal experience in Science, Engineering, Science Communication, Museum Education, Art Education, or Science Education. International diplomas are welcome.

  • Minimum of two years’ experience in a similar education environment or experience working with the public and with children of all ages.

  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Calendar, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Publisher) required.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

  • Highly organized and self-motivated individual.

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus, and includes additional compensation.