Assistant Director, Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning

Company Description:

Framingham State University is a vibrant comprehensive liberal arts institution located in the MetroWest suburbs of Boston, which integrates an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs. Founded in 1839, FSU enrolls about 4,000 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate and professional students. FSU offers 35 bachelor's degrees with 55 specialized concentrations, 63 minors, and 26 master's degree programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our community takes pride in empowering student success by providing a superior education, leading research and innovation opportunities, and a strong first-year experience.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence, encouraging a supportive, diverse and collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity and that we are the only public institution in Massachusetts recognized in 2018, 2019, and 2020. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Principal Bagnall found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

The vision of the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning is to foster a community of lifelong learners by providing innovative, integrated STEM pedagogies, practices, and programs that are accessible to all audiences. Our mission is to lead the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in K-16 integrated STEM learning through the sharing of resources, building of partnerships, and advancement of educational practices. The McAuliffe Center team is devoted to promoting and increasing diversity and equity in STEM education by sharing its resources and building collaborations with organizations that serve audiences historically underrepresented in STEM.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Reporting directly to the Director of the McAuliffe Center, the Assistant Director / Program Manager is a strategic leader and effective manager, responsible for the coordination, facilitation, and delivery of a range of educational activities offered through the McAuliffe Center.

The Assistant Director manages operation of all K-12 activities and informal science education programs offered by the McAuliffe Center including the Challenger Learning Center (CLC) program, out-of-school time programs (OST), professional development workshops for teachers, STEM Week, Science on State Street and several informal science education projects in collaboration with national partners. The Assistant Director / Program Manager works closely with Framingham State University and Center staff to ensure that the McAuliffe Center meets its goals while evolving in its offerings to address ever changing educational needs of the learners the Center serves.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Part-Time Contractors

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Director

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development & Implementation

• Supervise the Education Team to ensure that curriculum of activities offered in the Challenger Learning Center (CLC) and stand-alone programs is aligned with state education standards, and meets the needs of visiting groups.
• Supervise and provide support to the design, launch, and implementation of summer academic programs for students and professional development programs for pre- & in-service teachers.
• Supervise and provide support for the development of effective programs for FSU undergraduate and graduate students.
• Lead the development and implementation of program enhancements focused on accessibility.
• Represent McAuliffe Center on the MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN).
• Work collaboratively with the MSEN on program development and implementation.
• Provide supervision and support to the MSEN on program design and implementation.
• Manage activities and coordinate volunteers for FSU's Science on State Street Festival.
• Manage undergraduate internship opportunities offered at the McAuliffe Center.
• Collaborate with Center staff in the planning, design, and realization of a future large-scale capital improvement project.
• Assist the McAuliffe Center Director in the submission of grant applications.

Human, Physical and Financial Responsibilities

• Manage the CLC including: selection, hiring, and training of staff and student workers
• Supervise the Education Team, comprising 2-4 contractors and 4-6 interns or student workers.
• Manage educational technology equipment purchases, upgrades and maintenance
• Act as primary interface between McAuliffe Center and FSU Facilities and IT Services departments.
• Supervise and provide support to the management of the McAuliffe Center's website
• Act as the primary liaison with Challenger Center Headquarters.
• Provide supervision to McAuliffe Center staff on: Scheduling of educational programs; Development of new educational materials; Programming logistics on McAuliffe Center special events
• Work closely with McAuliffe Center Director in the development and management of McAuliffe Center budget in regards to program development, CLC operations budget and part time staff salaries.
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

Community Building

• Represent the CLC & Christa McAuliffe Center at the annual Challenger Conference.
• Foster a community of subject matter experts who can assist in the development of new programming offered at the McAuliffe Center
• Connect with members of the teaching community by attending educational conferences.
• Identify, initiate and deepen relationships with Massachusetts's school districts to increase the Center's reach.
• Attend and represent McAuliffe Center & FSU at community events.
• Manage and further develop a mutually beneficial relationship with the Framingham Public Schools, and other MetroWest school districts
• Work collaboratively with the MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN) and its partners to position MSEN as a hub for STEM education resources for the MetroWest community

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional work on evening and weekends

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree
• Experience in Mac and Windows operating systems
• Demonstrated management skills for educational and outreach programs
• Strong presentation, communication and organization skills
• Familiarity with national network of Challenger Learning Centers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Comfortable working with and troubleshooting technology issues on the fly
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the needs of diverse audiences representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Teaching experience in formal or informal learning setting
• Demonstrated capacity to articulate themes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in the work environment, work successfully both as a part of a team and independently

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a title of Assistant Director. The salary range is $55,000 - 60,000.

It is the policy of Framingham State University that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by FSU, to be verified after a verbal offer of employment has been accepted, and before employment begins. Prospective employees may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to Human Resources. Furthermore, FSU employees must wear a mask inside certain campus spaces.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For best consideration, application materials must be received by June 22, 2022. Applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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