Position Overview
The Innovative STEM Teaching Manager advances the Science Center of Iowa’s mission by supporting both formal and informal learning environments with hands-on, engaging STEM experiences. This role oversees the development and facilitation of interactive programs delivered in classrooms, SCI’s onsite Innovation Lab, and the mobile Spark Lab, as well as through dynamic presentations to a variety of audiences.
The Innovation Lab and Spark Lab are designed to spark creativity, innovation, and problem-solving by providing visitors of all ages opportunities to engage in the making process. This position is responsible for managing these maker-centered experiences, including program design for schools and community groups, staffing and volunteer coordination, and facilitation of public and private workshops both onsite and offsite.
SCI is deeply committed to equity and access in all aspects of its work. The Innovative STEM Teaching Manager plays a key role in ensuring that all programs, spaces, and experiences are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to every learner.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development & Teaching
- Design and lead STEM activities for classrooms, workshops, labs, and outreach programs
- Write and adapt curriculum and plan lessons for both onsite and offsite programs
- Provide training and co-teaching opportunities for educators
- Help create new programs that reach a wide range of learners
Lab Operations
- Keep lab tools, equipment, and supplies organized and ready to use
- Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming learning spaces
- Follow and promote safety procedures
Team & Leadership
- Work closely with staff and volunteers to deliver great programs
- Lead by example with professionalism and a positive attitude
- Take turns serving as Manager on Duty
Community Engagement
- Speak about SCI programs at events and in the community
- Help plan and support events like Girls in Science and Maker Faire
- Represent SCI with enthusiasm and a spirit of collaboration
- Build relationships with schools and community groups
Innovation & Equity
- Share creative ideas to grow and improve our programs
- Support inclusive, equitable learning for all participants
- Take on additional tasks that support SCI’s mission
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- Experience teaching in a classroom
- Experience managing youth and adult programs
- Strong communication and public speaking skills
- Organized and self-motivated; able to juggle multiple projects
- Team player who is flexible, dependable, and creative
- Professional, energetic, and committed to making learning fun
- Strong planning and problem-solving skills
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in science, education, arts, or related fields
- Experience writing and evaluating curriculum
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 to high.
Hours & Work Schedule: Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Generally, no overnight travel will be required but could be possible. This is a Tuesday through Saturday position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
