Department: SSPI Program Operations
Reporting to: Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Schedule: Full-time, exempt
Location: Remote
Travel required: 25-30 days per year
Salary: $150,000 annually
Summary
Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer, the Managing Director of Summer Science Program will oversee the strategic development and implementation of SSPI’s Summer Science Program, managing program operations, fostering partnerships, and ensuring alignment with SSPI’s mission and goals.
Success Criteria
- Consistent delivery of efficient operations with successful student outcomes across all Summer Science Program departments.
- Sustained and continued growth of strategic partnerships.
- Advancement of initiatives that increase access for first‑generation students.
- Continuous improvement of program design through data‑informed evaluation.
- Responsible stewardship of budgets, grants, and resources.
- Timely preparation of accurate and insightful reporting to the Board of Directors.
Essential Responsibilities
Program Operation Leadership
- Oversee operational aspects of the program, including financial and resource allocation.
- Directly supervise senior directors and indirectly supervise their teams.
- Lead innovation and continuous improvement based on research and data.
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact.
- Play a role in fundraising and external relationship building.
- Oversee professional development and mentorship of directors and staff.
- Represent SSPI at national conferences, board meetings, and in the media.
Program Development
- Advise the Executive Leadership team on expanding the program without compromising quality.
- Develop strategies for target student populations.
- Coordinate acquisition of laboratory, dormitory, office, and technical facilities.
- Prepare ad‑hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports.
Program Performance & Risk Management
- Oversee annual review of research projects for rigor and alignment.
- Provide strategic guidance based on evaluation outcomes.
- Review operations against goals and KPIs, and report to the Board.
- Serve as adjudicating reviewer on admissions and policy matters.
- Assess site suitability for scientific facilities and partnership potential.
Partnership Development
- Establish partnerships with external organizations and academic institutions.
- Develop and review MOUs and cultivate relationships with university administration.
Staff Development & Management
- Recruit, evaluate, hire, and supervise faculty, staff, and guest lecturers.
- Manage training criteria, materials, and faculty/staff effectiveness.
Qualifications
- Minimum ten years of progressive experience in nonprofit or foundations, including five years in senior education program management.
- Proven track record managing personnel, logistics, and program portfolios.
- Experience leading teams of at least ten full‑time professionals and impacting 700+ students.
- Expertise in strategic planning, development, and operational management.
- Experience in grant funding, budget oversight, and resource allocation.
- Understanding of STEM education principles and program evaluation.
- Familiarity with access and equity issues for underrepresented populations in STEM.
- Exceptional leadership abilities to manage academic programs, especially in remote settings.
- Ability to create and implement strategic plans for expanding academic programs.
- Experience developing and executing processes and protocols.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with educational, governmental, and community organizations.
- Willingness to travel (approximately 10–15% nationwide, about 5–6 weeks per year).
- Strong self‑motivation and capability to work independently in a fully remote environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to SSPI’s Mission and Values in daily work and interactions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Constantly operates a computer.
- Needs to observe details at a close range and adjust focus.
- Must communicate information effectively.
- Travel to in‑person meetings occasionally, totaling roughly 5–6 weeks per year.
Clearance Requirements
- Authorization to work in the United States.
- Background clearance.