[CLOSED] In-School Program Manager

To inspire the next generation of science leaders, Ocean Discovery Institute creates learning experiences for young people traditionally excluded from science due to race, income status, and educational opportunity. Our students will join high-paying fields, break generational poverty, and change the future of science. Founded in 1999 and through the ongoing support of all our stakeholders, Ocean Discovery students increase their belief that they can become scientists, and our partnering schools demonstrate statistically significant higher achievement on state standardized tests. Through our leadership programs, 90% of participants earn a college degree within six years. Among these students, 77% earned science and related degrees, and 42% attained science and related careers. Because of this, we received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, our nation’s highest honor for advancing the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM. Today, we have a $2.8 million annual operating budget, with ~25 employees serving 6,500 young people each year. We are growing to serve over 10,000 annually and operate from our Living Lab in City Heights. For a look at our programs and impacts, please view our video: Organizational Video - YouTube. 

Ocean Discovery is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and deeply understands that diversity, inclusion, and belonging among our teammates are essential to our success. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the community serve. 

Position Summary

As a Program Manager, you will manage our in-school education initiatives. By partnering with every school in our ‘school-shed’ (11 elementary schools that feed into 2 middle schools and then 1 high school), our in-school programs ensure that every student in our community has the opportunity to believe that science is something they can do and a scientist is someone they can be. The Program Manager will lead all aspects of in-school programming, collaborate with the program team in the design and development of initiatives, and grow the program from serving 6,500 students to all 10,000 in the school shed over the next 2 years. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop annual strategic objectives and key results that will increase impact.
• Scale programs over 2 years to reach all K-12 students in the Hoover High Cluster (from ~6,500 to 10,000).
• Supervise and provide regular training and coaching to a team of 1 full-time coordinator, ~8 part-time instructors, and ~8 AmeriCorps Fellows who assist in programs.
• Maintain and improve organizational systems to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of work.
• Participate in obtaining and stewarding funds (e.g., write grants and reports, facilitate program visits).
• Provide leadership for organizational events and serve as an ambassador at external events.
• Serve as “Manager on Duty” to daily support in identification and addressing of potential hazards, responding to issues before they escalate, and being an initial point of contact in emergency response.
• Because of the organization’s size and nature, other duties will be required on an ad hoc basis.

Management of Program Activities

• Develop and maintain highly positive relationships with classroom teachers and administrators.
• Manage partnerships with other non-profits, academic institutions, and government agencies.
• Manage the schedule and budget for in-school programs.
• Conduct timely program evaluation, review evaluation reports and communicate results.
• Develop and coordinate and/or lead professional development for instructional staff.
• Work collaboratively with the team to contribute to program design and curriculum development.
• Support staffing efforts, including recruitment, orientation, evaluation, and transition.
• Engage volunteers in order to generate ideas and facilitate needed activities. 

Position Qualifications & Requirements

• 5-10 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated commitment to and passion for advancing equity in education
• Lived or learned experienced working with young people historically excluded from science opportunities such as because of race, income status, and education opportunity
• Experience working in or partnering with formal K-12 learning environments
• A skilled educator with education or experience in developing student’s science and math identity
• Strong project and people management skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with diverse colleagues and external audiences
• Bilingual in a language spoken in the City Heights community (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese) is highly preferred
• Excellent computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Pass a fingerprinting / background check and complete a Tuberculosis assessment
• CPR and 1st Aid certified (if not, will need to obtain upon hire)
• Valid Driver’s License, vehicle insurance, clean driving record, and reliable transportation

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office setting with time regularly spent in the classroom, outdoor, and natural settings. The schedule is generally Monday-Friday. Weekends, evenings, or early mornings may be required for periodic programs and events, and/or to coordinate program logistics (e.g., rain cancellation), and during off-hours alarms (intrusion and/or fire). Ability to remain stationary at the desk and operate a computer/electronic equipment 6-8 hours per day; occasionally lift, carry, and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds; move around indoor and outdoor education spaces, including uneven surfaces for up to 6-8 hours; occasionally move around the office to access files, office equipment; answer phone calls to coordinate programs and answer questions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

How to apply:

Submit resume, cover letter, and 2-3 professional references to [email protected].