March 10, 2008

Project Exploration Job Announcement

Title: Youth Development Coordinator

Reports to: Director of Programs

Supervises: Students and interns

Project Exploration Background: Cofounded in 1999 by paleontologist Paul Sereno and educator Gabrielle Lyon, Project Exploration is a nonprofit science education organization that works to make science accessible to the public– especially minority youth and girls–through personalized experiences with science and scientists. Project Exploration meets its mission through youth development programs, services for schools and teachers, and public programs such as exhibits and online initiatives.

Summary of the Position: By utilizing personalized experiences and support, the youth development coordinator is responsible for recruiting and retaining students to Project Exploration's core youth programs, developing and implementing youth programs, and encouraging and supporting students to participate in science leadership opportunities within and outside of the organization.

Core Programs Management:

Junior Paleontologists Program

• Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement all aspects of a three-week classroom and field program for high school students on the topics of geology, anatomy, and paleontology.
• Recruit, interview, and select students and train team leaders for the program.

• Revise and create documents for recruitment, curriculum, evaluation, and wrap-up as necessary.
• Provide various year-round supportive services for participants

Dinosaur Giants Program

• Coordinate and implement an interpretive training program for high school students to earn community service learning hours as volunteer docents at a local museum/exhibit.
• Assist in the coordination, development, and facilitation of training sessions for the Dinosaur Giants program, including recruitment and scheduling of students.
• Identify, recruit, and train part-time staff to serve as on-site coordinators that will implement the program at a local museum/exhibit.

Youth Development Programs and Science Leadership Opportunities:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement a minimum of four annual youth development events and programs for all students to participate in.

Coordinate and implement a summer internship program for two to three students at theUniversity of Chicago Fossil Lab.

Identify, develop, and coordinate science leadership opportunities for students to participate in throughout the year.

Provide on-going support regarding college/career pipeline.

Program Administration:

• Update and maintain student database and student contact information.
• Work with teachers and administrators from partner schools to recruit and retain students to all core youth programs.
• Track students' participation in annual programs and create attendance reports
• Develop, implement and analyze evaluation of student's participation

• Research and implement best youth development practices in all programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in education, social services, or science.
• At least three years experience working with youth in an urban setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organization skills.
• Strong facilitation skills and the ability to communicate information to youth and adults effectively and efficiently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Able to plan, prioritize, and coordinate divergent areas of work and juggle several tasks simultaneously.
• Certification in youth development practices preferred.
• Knowledge of the Chicago Public School system preferred.
• Experience in coordinating and facilitating overnight/in-the-field events for youth.
• Ability and desire to work in a team environment as well as work independently.
• A valid IL driver's license and access to a car is required
• Working occasional weekends and evenings and a willingness to travel out of town, overnight should be expected.

Salary: Competitive; excellent benefits and professional growth opportunities

Position begins: June 1, 2008.

Send cover letter, resume, references, and salary history to:

Director of Operations

Project Exploration

950 East 61^st Street

Chicago, IL 60637

773-834-7625 fax

jobs@projectexploration.org

No phone calls, please.

For more information about Project Exploration, visit www.projectexploration.org

Posted by Nancy Kreith at 11:39 PM |