Program Facilitator,

About the role

The Program Facilitator, FirstHand, will lead several of the University City Science Center’s (UCSC) FirstHand youth lab-based programs. This position is responsible for organizing, facilitating, and leading 4 - 6 programs a week for middle school and high school Philadelphia youth during normal business hours, with occasional exceptions. The role involves inspiring and managing youth, coordinating schedules, delivering high-quality STEM program facilitation, and maintaining relationships with partners. The Program Facilitator will collaborate with external partners and industry professionals to design new industry-aligned curricula and refine existing curricula. This position works closely with the Director and Program Manager to develop and maintain partnerships advancing the Science Center’s role in youth education and programming.

The Program Facilitator has regular contact with community members and is expected to professionally represent the Science Center, with access to sensitive UCSC information. This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, STEM Education Initiatives.

Responsibilities

• STEM Program Implementation and Coordination
  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate approximately 4-6 multi-week youth programs in the FirstHand Lab, including communicating with teachers and administration, coordinating transportation, and related duties.
  • Serve as a support role for FirstHand classes when not leading.
  • Act as point-of-contact for school chaperones from local youth-serving organizations to ensure student participation.
  • Recruit and maintain relationships with STEM mentors from Philadelphia’s startup and entrepreneurial community.
• STEM Curriculum Design
  • Refine and develop industry-relevant STEM curriculum in collaboration with the Senior Manager and FirstHand staff.
  • Document and revise curricular outlines, student activities, and mentor activities for internal and external use.
  • Engage with STEM mentors to create dynamic activities showcasing workplace skills and career pathways, including activity orientation, planning, and coaching.
• Supporting Organizational Systems
  • Attend relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
  • Participate in reporting and evaluation activities, including funder site visits, maintaining student attendance and mentor volunteer records, and ensuring grant compliance.
  • Support the Science Center’s marketing team by promoting FirstHand via social media and networking functions.
  • Complete special projects as needed for the department under the guidance of managers.
  • Actively participate in wider Science Center meetings, programs, and events.
  • Adhere to UCSC’s security guidelines and handle sensitive information with integrity.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations.

Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Confident and Passionate Educator
    • Ability to confidently manage middle and high school classrooms with agility and attention to student needs.
    • Ability to engage diverse learners in hands-on curricula.
    • In-depth knowledge and experience leading youth programs in formal or informal STEM settings.
    • Experience with culturally relevant pedagogy and project-based learning is a plus.
  • Problem Solver and Lifelong Learner
    • Enthusiastic about hands-on STEM learning and a general interest in gaining knowledge in STEM subjects.
    • Comfort with college-level biology content is a plus.
    • Hands-on attitude toward new technology and systems; willingness to learn required technology.
    • Ability to demonstrate self-initiative and work effectively independently.
  • Strong Communicator and Team Player
    • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.
    • Thrives on a small team that collaborates regularly.
    • Ability to communicate effectively about STEM initiatives with internal and external stakeholders.
    • Strong interpersonal skills and alignment with SC values: unity, open communication, integrity, equity & inclusion, impact, and innovation.
    • Ability to execute goals by setting priorities, meeting deadlines, delegating appropriately, and organizing tasks efficiently.
    • Strong professionalism, integrity, and stewardship of UCSC resources.
    • Adherence to all UCSC and departmental policies and procedures.
• Experience, Education, and Licensure
  • Minimum Experience: 2-3 years of experience working in direct service/education of middle and/or high school-aged youth. Teaching experience in informal science and STEM education program development is preferred. Experience working in Philadelphia middle or high schools is a plus. Fluency in an additional language is also a plus.
  • Minimum Education: BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in Education, STEM, or a related field of study (or equivalent).