Camp & Youth Program Coordinator

Adventure Science Center

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Job Summary

Adventure Science Center’s purpose is to transform lives through extraordinary experiences in science and innovation, and our vision is to become a nationally renowned destination science center. Adventure Science Center (ASC) provides a wide range of science enrichment programs for all ages. Programs combine science, technology, engineering and math in ways that encourage youth and adults to actively discover and examine concepts for themselves. We inspire a life-long passion for learning and teach participants creative problem-solving skills, teamwork, persistence and follow-through in a fun learning environment.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Consistent with the mission and vision of the Adventure Science Center, and in cooperation with other ASC staff, under the direction of the Learning and Outreach Manager, the Program Coordinator is responsible for the development, management, and implementation of youth development programming including but not limited to camps, TWISTER conference, TN Rural Impact Project and FIRST LEGO League Regional Event. As part of the Learning and Outreach (L&O) team, the Program Coordinator organizes, facilitates, and coordinates school/group orientations and programs, staff schedules and communication, evaluations of learning and outreach programs, community partner engagement, and the development of various programs. Preference given to candidates with experience in camp development and facilitation, inquiry-based pedagogy and project-based learning, working with diverse audiences, and project management.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide every guest a safe, fun, memorable, and educational experience
• Encourage a positive and exciting learning environment, fostering passion for STEM and the Adventure Science Center for guests, staff, and volunteers
• Embrace and role model ASC’s mission to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us
• Detail and purchase program supply needs, while adhering to budgetary expectations
• Provide leadership, inspiration, training and coaching; serving as a professional resource/role model for internal staff and volunteers who will carry out L&O programs
• Maintain departmental responsibilities (meetings, email, phone, etc.)

Camp

• Develop, formulate, and facilitate activities and experiments in camp curriculum with a focus on STEM content, for all day and weeklong camps throughout the school year and summer
• Utilize creativity, innovation, and inspiration while developing and facilitating STEM activities
• Prepare and distribute weekly curriculum guidelines, staff schedules, and activity guides for Learning and Outreach staff
• Actively supervise and interact with camp counselors, campers, and volunteers
• Manage cohort of camp staff – coach, correct, encourage, and inspire them to be their best
• Identify the needs of campers, camp counselors, volunteers, and guests and work to make each experience a positive one
• Proactively engage campers, camp staff, volunteers and parents in personal, inspiring interactions
• Anticipate campers needs and solve guests issues with a positive, courteous and professional attitude
• Communicate with parents regarding camper behavior or issues, when needed
• Organize camper registration information and assist in parent emails/communication

TWISTER & First Lego League Event

• Work with Learning and Outreach Manager and L&O team, other ASC departments, community partners, and sponsors to develop event plans and implement events
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with marketing, development and external business partners on needs and project timelines
• Recruit presenters, organize and facilitate committee meetings, coordinate volunteers
• Meet regularly with external parties involved with sponsorship and participation in the event

TN Rural Impact Project (TRIP)

• In coordination with Learning and Outreach Manager:
• Work with other Science Alliance TRIP members on school outreach programs, professional development needs, and partner meetings
• Facilitate family and school programs as needed
• Represent Adventure Science Center as a Science Alliance member and TRIP contributor at various TRIP events and meetings
• Other duties as deemed necessary by program need and/or management

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Learning Sciences or related field. Background in informal STEM, education a plus
• Ability to manage large groups in a fun, educational environment
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation/facilitation skills
• Positive attitude required: strong desire to work with and inspire children, professionals, and other guests from diverse backgrounds in a fun, learning atmosphere
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends and holidays is required
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Must possess a valid TN driver’s license, the ability to drive to off-site locations, and maintain a satisfactory driving record

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Basic knowledge of customer service principles, techniques systems and standards
• Proactively engage guests, school groups, groups, parents, teachers, and campers in personal, inspiring interactions while showing genuine enthusiasm about ASC
• Anticipate guest needs and solve issues or concerns with positive, courteous, helpful, respectful, professional attitude, in person and during all communications, including electronically and telephone calls.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND TRAITS

• Enthusiasm for working with kids and education
• Must be willing to take initiative, be flexible and possess a “can-do” attitude
• Reliable, courteous and collaborative team player
• Capacity to execute time management and multi-task
• Ability to think in the abstract, solve problems, make decisions, instruct, evaluate, lead others
• Strong understanding of, and experience with, non-traditional learning environments and informal learning strategies
• Detail oriented; excellent planning and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google drive (docs, excel, etc)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.
• Typically, walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items (up to 20 pounds unassisted), and 50lbs assisted are required. At times, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. Also, the employee must have manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity.
• Work schedule and work hours are variable based on operation requirements. Availability to work peak days and hours, combination of weekdays, weekends and holidays.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to hr@adventuresci.org. Electronic submission is required for all materials. To expedite processing, please place “Program Coordinator” in the subject line of your message. No phone calls, please. Due to the volume of applications received, we will only contact candidates selected for interviews.

Adventure Science Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Details

• Date Posted: January 17, 2023
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Educator
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Start Date: 02/06/2023
• Working Hours: Primarily M-F, 8:30a-5:00p; Some evenings and weekends