Arizona Science Center
Manager of STEM Competitions & Outreach
Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003
Job Title: Manager of STEM Competitions & Outreach
Department: Academics
Reports to:
Chief Academic Officer
FLSA Status:
Exempt
About Arizona Science Center
Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults' Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your location-get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you'll never forget.
JOB SUMMARY
The Manager of STEM Competitions & Outreach will lead the expansion of AzSEF and related programs across Arizona and will require frequent travel. Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer, the Manager of STEM Competitions & Outreach will collaborate with others to provide increased access to needed resources and opportunities to engage in authentic research and innovative practices for K-12 students and teachers. Existing STEM Competitions include the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF), the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
The Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) is the state science fair for Arizona. AzSEF brings together first-place winners from school, homeschool, district, county, and regional science fairs across Arizona to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. The Grand Award winners in the Senior Division from the state-level fair will be selected to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (RISEF).The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) is the world's largest international pre-college science competition. Each year, ISEF brings over 1,800 high school students from 75 countries to exhibit and demonstrate ingenuity and innovation through science projects of their own design. Only students who won at their local affiliated fair are invited to participate.Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is the premier middle school science competition in the nation. Formerly known as the Broadcom Masters program, finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their projects in Washington D.C. and vie for more than $100,000 in awards.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Arizona Science Center maintains a strong policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and dismiss Employees on the basis of such factors as experience, character, ability, and skill, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or heritage, age, marital or veteran status, disability, citizenship, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following:
Lead
Lead outreach efforts across the state to increase student participation in science fairs and other STEM competitions.Lead the planning and implementation of the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF).Lead the planning, travel, and student preparation for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).Lead the planning and facilitation of additional STEM competitions as determined by Arizona Science Center leadership and Board of Trustees.Facilitate
Facilitate awareness of science fairs and the benefits of engaging in authentic research and innovation on students' personal and academic success to school and district leaders.Develop/facilitate workshops that provide information and support to teachers, students, and families when engaging in science, engineering, and innovation projects.Facilitate classroom lessons that model best practices for teachers that center on engaging students in authentic research.Communicate
Oversee the communications with all stakeholders including, advisory board members, educators, students, parents, judges, volunteers, and vendors.Ensure timely information is provided to appropriate stakeholders.Maintain up-to-date information on the AzSEF website.Communicate with award organizations, ensuring all required reports are submitted on time.Collaborate
Collaborate with the AzSEF Advisory Board to ensure AzSEF follows the Society for Science's rules & regulations, and to ensure a positive and successful event for all participants.Collaborate with Arizona Science Center team members to ensure the coordination and smooth execution of departmental responsibilities throughout the planning and execution of AzSEF and other STEM competitions.Collaborate with school, district, and regional fair directors across Arizona to ensure alignment between feeder fairs, AzSEF, and the Society for Science which manages the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and ISEF.Evaluate
Conduct an annual evaluation of AzSEF and report the results to Arizona Science Center leadership and the AzSEF Advisory Board.Utilize surveys or another form of evaluation to gather feedback from participants of workshops and other outreach efforts. Analyze and report results to Arizona Science Center leadership and the AzSEF Advisory Board.Provide recommendations to Arizona Science Center leadership and the AzSEF Advisory Board based on stakeholder feedback.Research
Identify potential STEM events/competitions that will heighten student interest in STEM, support STEM workforce skills, and/or develop a more STEM-literate society.Remain current on best practices for engaging students in opportunities that enable them to develop an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree or equivalent experience in science education, or 5+ years related experience and/or training is preferred.Experience with K-12 education, including working with school and distinct leaders.Detail-oriented; excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking required. Individuals proficient in English and Spanish preferred.Proficient in Microsoft and GoogleExperience with science fairs or STEM competitions preferred.BENEFITS
include, but are not limited to:
21 paid days off annually including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days15 days of accrued sick timeProfessional Development OpportunitiesMedical, Dental, and Vision insuranceLife and Long Term Disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program401(k) retirement planFamily membership to Arizona Science Center and 600+ Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)Admission Exchange Program - Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, etc.
Department: Academics
Reports to:
Chief Academic Officer
FLSA Status:
Exempt
About Arizona Science Center
Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults' Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your location-get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you'll never forget.
JOB SUMMARY
The Manager of STEM Competitions & Outreach will lead the expansion of AzSEF and related programs across Arizona and will require frequent travel. Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer, the Manager of STEM Competitions & Outreach will collaborate with others to provide increased access to needed resources and opportunities to engage in authentic research and innovative practices for K-12 students and teachers. Existing STEM Competitions include the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF), the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
The Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) is the state science fair for Arizona. AzSEF brings together first-place winners from school, homeschool, district, county, and regional science fairs across Arizona to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. The Grand Award winners in the Senior Division from the state-level fair will be selected to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (RISEF).The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) is the world's largest international pre-college science competition. Each year, ISEF brings over 1,800 high school students from 75 countries to exhibit and demonstrate ingenuity and innovation through science projects of their own design. Only students who won at their local affiliated fair are invited to participate.Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is the premier middle school science competition in the nation. Formerly known as the Broadcom Masters program, finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their projects in Washington D.C. and vie for more than $100,000 in awards.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Arizona Science Center maintains a strong policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and dismiss Employees on the basis of such factors as experience, character, ability, and skill, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or heritage, age, marital or veteran status, disability, citizenship, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following:
Lead
Lead outreach efforts across the state to increase student participation in science fairs and other STEM competitions.Lead the planning and implementation of the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF).Lead the planning, travel, and student preparation for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).Lead the planning and facilitation of additional STEM competitions as determined by Arizona Science Center leadership and Board of Trustees.Facilitate
Facilitate awareness of science fairs and the benefits of engaging in authentic research and innovation on students' personal and academic success to school and district leaders.Develop/facilitate workshops that provide information and support to teachers, students, and families when engaging in science, engineering, and innovation projects.Facilitate classroom lessons that model best practices for teachers that center on engaging students in authentic research.Communicate
Oversee the communications with all stakeholders including, advisory board members, educators, students, parents, judges, volunteers, and vendors.Ensure timely information is provided to appropriate stakeholders.Maintain up-to-date information on the AzSEF website.Communicate with award organizations, ensuring all required reports are submitted on time.Collaborate
Collaborate with the AzSEF Advisory Board to ensure AzSEF follows the Society for Science's rules & regulations, and to ensure a positive and successful event for all participants.Collaborate with Arizona Science Center team members to ensure the coordination and smooth execution of departmental responsibilities throughout the planning and execution of AzSEF and other STEM competitions.Collaborate with school, district, and regional fair directors across Arizona to ensure alignment between feeder fairs, AzSEF, and the Society for Science which manages the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and ISEF.Evaluate
Conduct an annual evaluation of AzSEF and report the results to Arizona Science Center leadership and the AzSEF Advisory Board.Utilize surveys or another form of evaluation to gather feedback from participants of workshops and other outreach efforts. Analyze and report results to Arizona Science Center leadership and the AzSEF Advisory Board.Provide recommendations to Arizona Science Center leadership and the AzSEF Advisory Board based on stakeholder feedback.Research
Identify potential STEM events/competitions that will heighten student interest in STEM, support STEM workforce skills, and/or develop a more STEM-literate society.Remain current on best practices for engaging students in opportunities that enable them to develop an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree or equivalent experience in science education, or 5+ years related experience and/or training is preferred.Experience with K-12 education, including working with school and distinct leaders.Detail-oriented; excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking required. Individuals proficient in English and Spanish preferred.Proficient in Microsoft and GoogleExperience with science fairs or STEM competitions preferred.BENEFITS
include, but are not limited to:
21 paid days off annually including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days15 days of accrued sick timeProfessional Development OpportunitiesMedical, Dental, and Vision insuranceLife and Long Term Disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program401(k) retirement planFamily membership to Arizona Science Center and 600+ Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)Admission Exchange Program - Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, etc.