Discovery Center Educator

SFDC Educator

DEPARTMENT:   Discovery Center

 REPORTS TO:   SFDC - Program Manager

COMPENSATION: 45,000 - 48,000 (21.63-23.07/ hr )

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE: 

The Space Foundation Discovery Center Educator executes programming that supports space-inspired Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.  This position involves facilitating programs while integrating, program curriculum, technology, teaching strategies, implementation of 21st Century Essential Skills, and other cross-curricular collaboration efforts as directed by the Director-Education.  This position supports the educational efforts of Space Foundation’s Discovery Center. This position also supports all educational initiatives that arise out of the continued development and implementation of Space Foundation’s educational mission. We are transforming STEM education into a space-inspired curriculum and are looking for those who want to contribute to ushering Space Foundation into the future with the most exemplary and innovative programs available. The education department of Space Foundation is an example of the most engaging educational practices, and we are looking for those who stay current with those practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Responsibilities

The following briefly describes representative responsibilities of this job, but it is not intended to be a complete or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this position:

• In coordination with Educational Leadership and the team of Space Foundation Discovery Center Educators, facilitate and implement programming (both in-person and virtually) for the following Space Foundation programs:
• Space Foundation  Discovery Center
• Discover the Universe Field Trips
• Space Inspired Workshops and Programming
• Space to School Programs (travel to schools)
• Birthday Parties
• Space Symposium or other trade shows or conferences.
• In-Person and Virtual Programs to serve individuals, including formal and informal educators.

• Assume responsibility for coordinating educational programs as directed by Educational Leadership, which may include:
• Facilitate highly engaging lessons. 
• Partnering with Space Foundation teams to ensure the successful execution of educational programs.
• Requires the ability to travel locally without restrictions. 
• Attend conferences as directed and other events to promote Space Foundation educational programs and conduct workshops to promote space-inspired STEM education.
• Assist Educational Leadership and the team of Space Foundation Discovery Center Educators in the operation of labs, including:
• Northrop Grumman Science on a Sphere ®
• Lockheed Martin Educational Activity Center
• Mars Robotics Laboratory
• Space Missions Simulation Laboratory
• Any future labs that ma y be added
• Drone Zone
• Boeing Additive Manufacturing Laboratory
• May perform other duties as required or assigned.
  

Competencies

• A four-year degree in education or a related field; must be able to explain how you can implement educational programing with your related degree, or have a minimum of 1 year of experience implementing educational programming. 
• The candidate must be solutions-focused and solve problems to meet the demands of a space-inspired curriculum.
• Efficient at using Microsoft Office Suite programs and other educational technology.
• Working understanding of technology for the purposes of videoconferencing with teachers and students around the world, as well as video recording for various virtual programs.
• Strong time management skills. Organized and effective in managing multiple competing priorities.
• Forward-thinking, collaborative across departments, and innovative.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to compose written items for publication while conforming to the prescribed style and format used at Space Foundation. 
• Comfortable and effective in presenting information to public groups.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• K-12 classroom experience
• Experience running informal education programs ( i.e. museum education programs)
• Possesses an understanding of the  Next Generation Science Standards  and 21st Century Essential Skills. 
• Experience with project-based learning and high levels of inquiry
• Proven experience in STEM-related course facilitation 
• Familiarity in 3D printing design and fabrication
• Spanish-speaker or another foreign language
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Individuals in this position will generally work indoors and will have a workspace designated solely for him/her. Necessary office furnishings, equipment, and supplies will be provided by the Foundation.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee may periodically be required to work outdoors and would be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee may periodically be required to work in an offsite environment or at special events, and from time to time may be asked to travel on Foundation business, at the Foundation’s expense.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

JOB STATUS: 

• FLSA Classification :  This position is  non-exempt  according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position  is  eligible to receive overtime pay.  
• Full- or Part-Time :  This position is  full-time  in nature.  An individual in this position will regularly work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week.
• Work Location:  This position’s primary worksite is the headquarters location in Colorado Springs, CO.  The nature and responsibilities of this position are such that it is  not  eligible for alternative worksite arrangements, such as working from home or telecommuting, on a consistent or recurring basis.
• Regular Schedule :  Usual business days are Monday through Friday and will include some Saturdays, holidays excepted, and usual business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in the time zone in which the position is located .  Some programs, such as Family Star Parties, will occur after hours. The nature and responsibilities of this position are such that it is  not  eligible for flexible work scheduling, such as a 4-day workweek or alternate start/end times, on a consistent or recurring basis.