Program Specialist
Project Exploration, Chicago, IL, United States
Position Summary: The Program Specialist is responsible for the high-quality execution of STEM programming across assigned sites including a designated STEM Learning Center, Chicago Public Schools locations, and additional partner sites serving K-12 students through Project Exploration's portfolio of youth science programs.
In this role, the Program Specialist directly supervises a small team of STEM facilitators who lead program sessions and provide administrative support, and coordinates with partners and volunteers who contribute subject-matter expertise, support curriculum development and delivery, and facilitate field trip experiences.
The Program Specialist maintains a regular physical presence at all assigned sites to coach and support facilitators, build meaningful relationships with students, families, and community partners, and conduct ongoing program quality evaluations. Using these observations, the Specialist continuously identifies and implements improvements across areas including facilitator professional development and program instruction. Work Schedule ExpectationsThe Program Specialist is expected to maintain a standard work schedule but will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends to attend meetings, events, or support program activities. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet program and partner needs.Responsibilities: Leadership Development & External RelationsManage and cultivate relationships with school and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality programmingIdentify partnership opportunities that strengthen programs, and collaborate with PE leadership to maximize the impact of partners and key stakeholdersRepresent Project Exploration at partner meetings and community eventsContribute regularly to the organization's blog and websiteProgram OversightSupport the Program Director in planning and facilitating the STEAMbassador and Facilitator Training SeriesCollect supply requests from
Facilitators, STEAMbassadors and communicate needs to the Program Operations Manager in a timely manner; coordinate ordering and delivery of food and beverages in accordance with PE protocolSupervise Facilitators, STEAMbassadors, Junior STEAMbassadors, Liaisons and volunteers across all assigned sites, ensuring punctual arrival, structured program delivery, and full youth engagementBuild positive, trust-based relationships with students and families through regular communication via in-person conversations, phone calls, and written correspondenceSupport Facilitators and STEAMbassadors in establishing program culture including co-creating codes of conduct, maintaining structure, and applying consistent, fair, and trauma-informed approaches to student behavior managementCollaborate with Facilitators and STEAMbassadors to plan and lead local field trips and identify and engage STEM volunteersFacilitate the distribution and collection of student interest surveysLead special projects, Reflections of Knowledge, and events for program sitesEnsure program sessions are documented through digital photography, video, social media, and blog postsConduct daily debriefs with Facilitators and STEAMbassadors; oversee accurate documentation and proper handling of incident reports, elevating concerns to PE leadership as appropriateReport any suspicion of child abuse or neglect immediately, in accordance with PE policies and Illinois lawLead program recruitment efforts and assist in developing and documenting organizational best practicesProgram EvaluationPartner with the Training and Evaluation team to conduct regular program evaluations using pre/post surveys, the STEM Youth Quality Assessment, ILQPSA, and Dimensions of Success frameworksSupport the collection and management of student data, including attendance, enrollment demographics, and post-program follow-upConduct weekly site visits to programs.Strategic Vision & PlanningContribute input to the strategic framework and implementation of all programs and the program department's infrastructure and training systemsExecute recruitment and retention strategies to maximize participation and organizational impactProvide program updates to support grant writing and proposal submissionsQualificationsDemonstrated commitment to social justice and the mission of Project ExplorationBachelor's degree preferred in science, education, or a related field35 years of experience in youth development and/or out-of-school-time (OST) programmingExperience teaching science education programs; familiarity with Chicago Public Schools preferredStrong STEM content knowledge and science instruction skillsProven ability to manage students effectively in non-traditional classroom settingsProficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Slides)Comfort with data management systems for attendance tracking and survey data collectionExcellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detailAbility to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with self-motivation and resourcefulnessReliable access to a vehicle and ability to travel to designated program sitesCurrent CPR/First Aid and AED certification requiredAvailability for evening and occasional weekend programmingCompensation:Compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects Project Exploration's commitment to equitably valuing the skills and expertise this role requires. A comprehensive benefits package is included.
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In this role, the Program Specialist directly supervises a small team of STEM facilitators who lead program sessions and provide administrative support, and coordinates with partners and volunteers who contribute subject-matter expertise, support curriculum development and delivery, and facilitate field trip experiences.
The Program Specialist maintains a regular physical presence at all assigned sites to coach and support facilitators, build meaningful relationships with students, families, and community partners, and conduct ongoing program quality evaluations. Using these observations, the Specialist continuously identifies and implements improvements across areas including facilitator professional development and program instruction. Work Schedule ExpectationsThe Program Specialist is expected to maintain a standard work schedule but will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends to attend meetings, events, or support program activities. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet program and partner needs.Responsibilities: Leadership Development & External RelationsManage and cultivate relationships with school and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality programmingIdentify partnership opportunities that strengthen programs, and collaborate with PE leadership to maximize the impact of partners and key stakeholdersRepresent Project Exploration at partner meetings and community eventsContribute regularly to the organization's blog and websiteProgram OversightSupport the Program Director in planning and facilitating the STEAMbassador and Facilitator Training SeriesCollect supply requests from
Facilitators, STEAMbassadors and communicate needs to the Program Operations Manager in a timely manner; coordinate ordering and delivery of food and beverages in accordance with PE protocolSupervise Facilitators, STEAMbassadors, Junior STEAMbassadors, Liaisons and volunteers across all assigned sites, ensuring punctual arrival, structured program delivery, and full youth engagementBuild positive, trust-based relationships with students and families through regular communication via in-person conversations, phone calls, and written correspondenceSupport Facilitators and STEAMbassadors in establishing program culture including co-creating codes of conduct, maintaining structure, and applying consistent, fair, and trauma-informed approaches to student behavior managementCollaborate with Facilitators and STEAMbassadors to plan and lead local field trips and identify and engage STEM volunteersFacilitate the distribution and collection of student interest surveysLead special projects, Reflections of Knowledge, and events for program sitesEnsure program sessions are documented through digital photography, video, social media, and blog postsConduct daily debriefs with Facilitators and STEAMbassadors; oversee accurate documentation and proper handling of incident reports, elevating concerns to PE leadership as appropriateReport any suspicion of child abuse or neglect immediately, in accordance with PE policies and Illinois lawLead program recruitment efforts and assist in developing and documenting organizational best practicesProgram EvaluationPartner with the Training and Evaluation team to conduct regular program evaluations using pre/post surveys, the STEM Youth Quality Assessment, ILQPSA, and Dimensions of Success frameworksSupport the collection and management of student data, including attendance, enrollment demographics, and post-program follow-upConduct weekly site visits to programs.Strategic Vision & PlanningContribute input to the strategic framework and implementation of all programs and the program department's infrastructure and training systemsExecute recruitment and retention strategies to maximize participation and organizational impactProvide program updates to support grant writing and proposal submissionsQualificationsDemonstrated commitment to social justice and the mission of Project ExplorationBachelor's degree preferred in science, education, or a related field35 years of experience in youth development and/or out-of-school-time (OST) programmingExperience teaching science education programs; familiarity with Chicago Public Schools preferredStrong STEM content knowledge and science instruction skillsProven ability to manage students effectively in non-traditional classroom settingsProficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Slides)Comfort with data management systems for attendance tracking and survey data collectionExcellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detailAbility to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with self-motivation and resourcefulnessReliable access to a vehicle and ability to travel to designated program sitesCurrent CPR/First Aid and AED certification requiredAvailability for evening and occasional weekend programmingCompensation:Compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects Project Exploration's commitment to equitably valuing the skills and expertise this role requires. A comprehensive benefits package is included.
recblid ysu8yoil0brfima0s092mw0fs00eeu