Description:
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is currently seeking a Program Specialist to support the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project, and NESST, the Network for Emergent Socio-Scientific Thinking. This person will report to the Assistant Division Director of Professional Services and will be primarily responsible for developing and organizing programming for students, educators, and general audiences that model and promote high quality, inquiry-based STEM and STEM Education for Sustainability, including a commitment to decolonizing pedagogies and integrating diverse ways of knowing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Planning and implementing student exchanges, multigenerational network events, and professional development programs, including the development of new programs based on best practices and current educational research.
- Performs a variety of duties related to the selection, review, monitoring, and evaluation of projects carried out under grants or contracts to improve education opportunities for all students.
- Monitors projects to determine effectiveness in meeting the defined education objectives and to ensure the highest quality of programming.
- Works closely with international collaborators, other SSEC staff, and other Smithsonian Institution units to plan and organize in-person and virtual programming and professional development events for youth ages 13-19, K-12 educators and educational leaders.
- Develops online resources that support the implementation of STEM Education for Sustainability in the US and around the world.
- Works with curriculum developers within SSEC to develop services and courses that support our curriculum.
- Locates and contracts venues that include hotels, universities and schools. This may include organizing accommodation and catering.
- Tracks spending to ensure programs are within budget limits.
Supports the day-to-day administration of the Professional Services Division, including:
- Working with SSEC staff to inform proposals for grants and gifts to support the work of the Services Division.
- Gathering and analyzing program and evaluation data.
- Writing and editing reports to sponsors and the Smithsonian.
- Attending and contributing to meetings on behalf of the SSEC.
- Purchasing products and services as needed to support high quality educational programs.
- Provides administrative support to the Division Director of Professional Services.
- Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will be expected to travel to venues nationwide and internationally and provide on-site assistance at SSEC events with audiences that include leaders in education, district science specialists, non-profit/NGO staff, classroom teachers, and students ages 13-19. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide exemplary virtual programming for these audiences. The content of these programs will include:
- Extended workshops that promote and support users Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum and instructional materials
- Workshops that deepen content knowledge and pedagogical practices for STEM and STEM4SD teachers
- Supporting the development and management of an international network of STEM and sustainability education stakeholders
- Representing the Professional Services Division and the SSEC at conferences and functions