Employment

Classification: Exempt 
Reports To: President/CEO 
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO the Vice President Science Learning is an integral part of the leadership for SCI and will play a key role in defining the future of the organization and advancing STEM learning programs for all audiences.

The VP Science Learning will oversee all aspects of planning and operations for the educational programs and the participant experience at the Science Center of Iowa. The position is charged with building on the organization’s history and accomplishments to establish SCI as Iowa’s leader in free- choice science learning. SCI serves a diverse range of lifelong learners and is committed to meaningful partnerships with PK-12 schools, academia and business partners to advance science learning throughout Iowa. The position has broad responsibility for the oversight of the planning, research, development, implementation and evaluation of all education programs, outreach and participant programs.

SCI has an active science demonstration program and is in the early planning stages for significant improvements and updates to all of its exhibit and programming areas. SCI also operates a science- based preschool with enrollment of over 120 students. Staff work closely with statewide efforts to improve STEM education and is positioned as a leader in these efforts. The VP will oversee, grow and improve these areas of the operations.

Responsibilities

• As a member of the executive team, proactively manage the institution with SCI’s Core Values of Copassion, Innovation, Integrity and
• Provide leadership for SCI's educational mission through a strong understanding of effective approaches in STEM education and learning
• Responsible for planning, developing and implementing programs and projects in support of the Strategic Plan and fulfilling the goals of the annual operating plan
• Oversee the development of annual business plans and budgets, and manage their successful implementation to ensure the timely, cost-effective and high-quality execution of projects and programs
• Provide ongoing leadership and development of SCI's educational mission through a strong understanding of effective approaches in STEM education and learning
• Cultivate relationships with other regional cultural institutions, colleges/universities, school districts and community partners to promote collaboration and engagement
• Work in close partnership with schools, districts and educators to develop programs that align with the needs of Iowa students
• Oversee the development and implementation of teacher professional development programs
• Oversee the SCI Preschool
• Oversee the exhibits department
• Work closely with the Communications Department to develop promotion and public relations strategies for all SCI programs
• Work closely with the Community Engagement Team to support fundraising and grant application efforts
• Promotes and supports professional development of team members through effective coaching and performance management
• Directs research regarding exhibition and programs as it relates to STEM and informal learning
• Represent SCI as needed in cultivating relationships with national organizations such as NSTA, NASA, NSF, AAAS, ASTC, AAM,
• Represent SCI before other museum organizations, museum Boards, funding agencies, businesses, government agencies and general public as necessary

Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree required, in educational field with STEM background; nonprofit or museum field highly desirable; advanced degree preferred or equivalent 7-10 years’ related experience
• Minimum five years in a supervisory and management position
• Demonstrated leadership ability and ability to manage multiple departments/units and staff
• Proven ability to direct large and extensive projects; direct multi-team efforts on creative projects
• Demonstrated understanding of fiscal management
• Experience with the development and implementation of informal science learning programs
• Proven ability to incorporate informal learning methods into exhibits and programs
• Minimum three to five years’ experience in operational and strategic budget development and management
• Exemplary oral and written communication skills; proven ability to translate and communicate complex scientific and inquiry-based information
• Must excel in a team oriented, cross-functional environment with an emphasis on pursuing a shared vision

Working Hours

This position is regular full-time hours including some occasional weekends. Must be able to attend meetings and events on nights and weekends as needed.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to brendav@sciowa.org.

Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To:  Director of Early Childhood

Position Purpose

A Master Teacher recognizes that the education process is about much more than sharing content. It's about creating independent learners who have the critical thinking skills to grow and thrive. These educators put their students first and adapt the curriculum to their learners' needs. Master teachers hold their students to the highest expectations. They conduct regular progress monitoring, adjust their teaching approach as needed, and empower their students to take ownership of their education.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Plan and carry out lesson plans each day in the classroom in alignment with Teaching Strategies GOLD or Iowa Early Learning Standards
• Provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use, including general cleaning duties and notifying proper staff of additional cleaning needs
• Meet with co-teacher to develop daily plans and prepare materials for use in the classroom
• Create and design classroom activities and investigations as needed
• Communicate regularly with parents through a variety of ways (email, newsletter, website, verbal)
• Write and compile individual assessments of each child's development; complete daily inventories, child attendance, and related reports; communicate with students’ families about ongoing progress
• Prepare and conduct parent/teacher conferences twice a year
• Meet with preschool staff regularly for professional development and collaboration on center-wide events
• Mentor less experienced teachers and student employees; model expert teaching practices, and provide feedback for improving teaching and enhancing parent and student relationships
• Attend and assist with all parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Follow DHS, NAEYC, and ECERS regulations for ratio, environment, and safety
• Attend training and carry out PBIS in classroom
• Attend training and carry out The Project Approach in classroom
• Accommodate schedule changes and cover other staff when needed
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• Current certification from the State of Iowa Board of Education
• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Acquire 10 continuing education hours each year
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Creative, curious, innovative and is passionate about learning
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Obtain and maintain a Chauffeur’s License
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

 Preferred:

• Teaching experience in the public school systems and/or preschool teaching experience
• Deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally life and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule:

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily a Monday through Friday schedule. Occasional travel will be required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Exempt
Reports To: VP of Science Learning
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Purpose:

The Director of Sales and Visitor Services manages the commercial operations including the food service to visitors, A-Ha(!) Store, school/group sales and birthday parties.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop strategies, implement tactics, and manage SCI’s retail operations to reach established revenue and sales goals
• Develop and maintain the retail operations budget; works to prepare a budget for the department and reviews financial reports to address any variances
• Strengthen and oversee a unified visitor services team to include sales office, box office, gift store and other visitor service offerings
• Responsible for food service operations and staff; ensures the best quality is maintained and contract responsibilities are upheld by both parties
• Maintain SCI branding standards throughout all visitor services areas
• Help resolve issues or problems with visitors regarding their experiences at SCI
• Make sure customer service standards are maintained through all retail operations
• Oversees purchasing of merchandise for the A-Ha! Gift Store to ensure merchandise available meets or exceeds visitor expectations for their retail experience
• Assist in coordination of SCI events
• Lead and provide general guidance to volunteers on a day-to-day basis when they are serving in the same functional area to proactively support creating an effective and engaging experience for all volunteers, team members and participants
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position supervises employees in the Sales & Visitor Services departments. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, assigning and directing daily work, conducting performance reviews and providing developmental feedback, facilitating conflict resolution and taking corrective action with employees when deemed appropriate based on performance or conduct.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or 5 years of experience in related field
• Minimum 3 years of management/leadership experience
• Retail or purchasing background
• Customer centric approach to engaging participants, members, donors and team members
• Effective problem solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexible in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
• Experience with data-driven sales and matrix for financial measurement
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the success of SCI
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred:

• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The role is active and requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. This position also will also have periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hours & Work Schedule:

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional local travel may be needed.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Reports To: Retail Coordinator
Direct Reports: No

Position Purpose: 

The Visitor Services Associate is a part-time position responsible for assisting the Visitor Services leadership team with sales, operations, and problem solving. The successful candidate or candidates will perform front line admissions and retail sales duties while engaging and supporting visitors to ensure outstanding customer experiences. 

SCI is open to consider full time employment in this position for a highly qualified candidate.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Greet all customers in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones and directing customer inquiries
• Must be knowledgeable and well prepared to offer all products, services and programs SCI can offer
• Responsible for ensuring complete follow-through for all stages of reservations or sales; making the sale or reservation that best suits the participant
• Keep accurate and detailed records of all incoming and outgoing calls and messages, and effectively communicating them to their applicable departments
• Assist as needed in all areas including, but not limited to Box Office, A-ha(!) Gift Store and the floor experience
• Maintain and demonstrate an adequate working knowledge and use of all required SCI software and databases
• Must uphold SCI’s values, commitment to excellence and diversity and inclusion
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
• Must uphold SCI’s values as well as our commitment to excellence, diversity and inclusion.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required:

• Effective problem solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Must be able to multitask and work with great attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must maintain a professional demeanor
• Ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Deliver superior customer service experiences that “WOW” and delight customers
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Successfully pass a background check Preferred:
• Previous customer service experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The role is active and requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. This position also will also have periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hours & Work Schedule:

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Service Location: Science Center of Iowa
Reports To: Director of Innovative STEM Teaching

Position Overview:

Meet with host site supervisor to determine program content needs in order to design activities that respond to organizational goals. Implement and develop a new binder of STEM curriculums for host site creating new and fun strategies for learning. Plan and facilitate day-to-day STEM activities for youth to explore STEM learning. Plan and lead monthly 3-hour STEM family engagement workshops. Conduct pre- and post- assessments provided by the Program with youth to collect data on STEM interests and confidence. Promote the program and conduct outreach to BIPOC youth to encourage participation. Facilitate history workshops about BIPOC trailblazers in STEM, plan a field trip off site, and yearly science fair to inspire youth to pursue STEM careers. Recruit or manage volunteers to support the STEM activities in the out-of-school time program.

Service Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director of Innovative STEM Teaching to develop visitor making/innovation experiences facilitated & unguided experiences both onsite & offsite. This includes intergenerational groups, corporate groups, camps, teacher professional development, and youth.
• Collaborate with other staff members on the execution of maker/innovation experiences and projects at various time including nights, weekends, and some holidays
• Participate in reflection, evaluation and documentation of the Innovation Lab and mobile SPARK Lab
• Purchase and manage organization and storage of materials as necessary
• Supervise volunteers as needed
• Travel may be required

Qualifications:

• At minimum members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working on attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service, or the program must be an approved Youth Corps program.
• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must pass a three-part Criminal History Background Check due to recurring access to vulnerable populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College coursework in education or related field.
• Experience with youth in an educational or child care setting.

Benefits and Evaluation Requirements:

• $3,247.50 Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
• $8,600 Living Allowance
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments, if the member qualifies
• Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term

Service Hours:

Wednesday through Sunday – 20 hours per week with occasional evenings. Holidays, sick, or personal days are allowed, but members lose possible days to earn the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.