School Partnerships Manager

School Partnerships Manager

Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Reports to: Head of Learning Innovation  
Status:  Full Time

Position Summary:  

The School Partnerships Manager has primary oversight of Nature Museum programming designed for ongoing, school-wide partnerships with teachers, administrators, and students. This includes the Nature Museum’s largest school-wide program, School Science Partnerships. Along with the Teacher Programs Manager, it also includes custom professional development workshops as requested and support for pre-service programs with university partners. The School Partnerships Manager co-leads the Science Teaching Network summer program with the Teacher Programs Manager. 

Minimum Education Required:

• Degree in science and/or education related field or equivalent leadership experience.
• Teaching Certification preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:

• Three years experience working in a formal (classroom) or informal (museum, zoo, nature preserve) educational setting strongly preferred.
• Experience teaching or training adults. Experience with teachers preferred.
• Formal evaluation experience or training a plus.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a wide variety of programs for teachers, with a primary emphasis on School Science Partnerships & a significant role supporting other CAS/PNNM school partnership programs (e.g. Science Teacher Network, Science on the Go). 
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop teacher professional development and to create and revise curriculum units.
• Research and communicate (to Nature Museum educators) information about relevant best practices in science teaching pedagogy, learning standards, and other research around teacher professional development.
• Guide and support Nature Museum educators on program development, operations, and implementation for school-focused professional development programs.
• Support revenue goals by securing funding and new partners for school partnership programs. 
• In collaboration with Education leadership, lead evaluation practices for school partnership programs with staff and in partnership with external evaluation partners.
• Work with external partners to develop and implement collaborative programs.
• Seek out new opportunities and partnerships that promote the Nature Museum’s mission and reach new audiences.
• Support all regular functions of the Education Department, including programs at the Museum and in schools and communities for students and teachers.
• Act as Instructor of Record for the Illinois State Board of Education for administering PD Clock Hours for teacher programs. 
• Maintain all administrative operations and records related to school partnerships including program budgets, attendance, program metrics, teacher stipends, PD Clock Hours, etc.
• Complete animal handling training.
• Some weekends and evenings are required.
• Participate in special Museum-wide events, initiatives, and committees when appropriate.

Brief List of Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards, K-12 Framework for Science Education, and Common Core.
• Knowledge and ability to teach science, nature, and environmental education content to a diverse population of learners, especially teachers.
• Ability to lead, organize, and manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other educators, school administrators, outside partners, volunteers, and Nature Museum staff. 
• Ability to support, lead, and guide other educators with diverse working styles and experience levels.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, Google suite of apps (G Suite), and Windows XP.
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the Museum.
• Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Comfort handling live animals and non-living specimens.
• Daily travel to schools and community sites throughout city of Chicago and Chicagoland region is required.

Compensation: $49,200/ year

How To Apply: 

Email resume and cover letter to: HR-EduPrograms@naturemuseum.org 
Please include “School Partnerships Manager” in the subject line.

No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.