Associate Specialist, Science Education Programs

Society for Science is dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research for more than 100 years. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, our mission promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. We are best known for our award-winning magazine, Science News, our world class science research competitions and our outreach and equity STEM Programs making sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist. 

The Society is looking for an Associate Specialist to support the Science Education Programs team. 

We value strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute to a fast-paced environment as an individual and as part of a team. The Associate Specialist is someone who takes the initiative to seek out information, knowledge, and development proactively. This person will support the multiple education competitions and outreach programs in managing processes and tasks to successful completion. 

This is a non-exempt position. This position will report to the Director of Outreach & Equity Programs, working 50% on Outreach & Equity Programs and 50% on student competitions. Outreach & Equity work will likely focus on our Research Teachers Conferences and Education Outreach Day at Regeneron ISEF. 

Core Competencies 

  • Shares the Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) 
  • Outstanding and effective interpersonal skills; along with strong communication skills both verbal and written. 
  • Self-motivated, organized, efficient and process oriented. 
  • Strong work ethic with the ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic environment. 
  • Understanding of and interest in systems and system development. 
  • Strong business acumen and in-depth analytical skills. 
  • Familiarity with data management and data gathering. 

Job Responsibilities 

  • Provides administrative support for the Science Education Programs department. This includes responding to phone and e-mail inquiries, supporting mailings and data management needs, assisting in administrative and accounting processes and developing and proofreading various materials for students, parents, educators and Science Education Programs publications. 
  • Supports customer service and communications with educators, parents and middle and high school students. 
  • Supports the organization, planning, and execution of the outreach programs and STEM competitions by promoting online applications, managing data, and developing and proofreading correspondence and program publications. 
  • Supports accounting documentation and tracking for student awardees, grantees and evaluators and judges for timely and accurate payments. 
  • Aids in the processing of online applications for the Society’s programs throughout the year. 
  • Attends all education programs, which requires at least 3 weeks of travel annually. 
  • Assists in making programmatic updates when needed to meet the Society’s goals. 
  • Completes other projects and duties as assigned. 
  • Those possessing desirable qualifications below may have additional job responsibilities related to the specialized areas mentioned. 

Qualifications 

*Required Qualifications 

  • Affinity for the mission of the Society for Science 
  • Exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal 
  • Ability to develop rapport with colleagues and external clients 
  • Knowledge and experience in Microsoft Suite – Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. 

*Desirable Qualifications 

  • A degree in education or a STEM field 
  • Interest or experience with event management, volunteer management and/or non-profit management 
  • Experience with online application and evaluation systems 
  • Interest or experience in education program evaluation 
  • Interest or experience in accounting processes or grant management 
  • Interest or experience with outreach and equity programs for students and teachers 
  • Multilingual, especially in Spanish, or having a lived experience similar to groups underrepresented in STEM 

Required Education and Experience 

BA/BS degree in any discipline 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

None 

Supervisory Responsibility 

No supervisory responsibility. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, D.C. near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. Due to the pandemic, the Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule. This position requires the employee to reside in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area after hiring. 

Position Type and Expected Hours 

The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST. This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours/week. 

Salary

$50,000 – $60,000; salary commensurate with experience

Physical Requirements 

This role’s work involves remaining in a stationary position most of the time in front of a computer, using a keyboard, mouse, and telephone. It also involves regularly operating a computer and other office equipment, occasionally moving about the work site to access file cabinets office equipment and communicating or exchanging information with co-workers and other individuals in person or electronically. 

Additional Information 

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. 

How to Apply 

Submit a professional resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Please apply through Applicant Pro:
 https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/societyforscience/jobs/3103545-560473


EEO Statement 

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

Society for Science & the Public is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.