Senior Educational Outreach Coordinator

Department

PME Academic Engagement & Strategy

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The PME Senior Educational Outreach Coordinator is responsible for supporting the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of supplemental education and training programs for research-related educational outreach and summer education programs. They work directly with the Senior Associate Dean and the Assistant Dean of Education and Outreach to develop program goals and to achieve the broader impacts that are sought in research grant applications. This is a role for someone who thrives at the nexus of strategy and execution, equally comfortable crafting a community engagement vision and making it happen on the ground.

They facilitate and coordinate outreach efforts and community relations strategies, including hosting and/or coordinating outreach events multiple times each month, managing the logistics and coordination of implementing summer programs and supporting the training of students to engage in outreach and summer program teaching and mentoring. They support the evaluation and assessment of outreach programming, as well as the implementation of the communication strategy for education and outreach, such as maintain PME website content, social media, written communications, and promotional materials. They support and maintain collaborative partnerships with the campus, local, state, and national organizations. They work in collaboration with the Senior Associate Dean and the Assistant Dean of Education and Outreach in implementing policy and procedures for PME Outreach.

Responsibilities

• Supports the implementation and coordination of K-12, teacher, and undergraduate outreach and summer education programs, including Junior Science Cafes, No Small Matter Molecular Engineering Fair, PME City Colleges of Chicago Program, REU, TeachQuantum, and more, ensuring each program runs smoothly and achieves its educational goals.
• Leads the scheduling and organization of program logistics for outreach events, educational training workshops, and summer programs with faculty, students, staff, and partners within and outside of the University.
• Partners in coordinating, implementing, and evaluating supplemental education programs for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, including science communications and mentor training programs.
• Builds and maintains productive partnerships with educational training and outreach teams across the University, contributing to the development of new programs, training initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
• Participates in the development and implementation of sustainable and evidence-based URM recruitment strategies. Actively engages and builds understanding on issues that impact underrepresented groups in STEM. Ensures that communications and outreach efforts promote an inclusive environment for all.
• Drives timely, clear communication about outreach opportunities, summer programs, events, and activities across all channels, including the PME website, newsletters, and email outreach.
• Works with PME and University communications teams to promote and highlight outreach and educational training programming.
• Develops and maintains active relationships with the Office of Civic Engagement, local K-12 schools, and education and outreach initiatives on campus, locally, regionally, and nationally, serving as a key connector between PME and the broader community. 
• Monitors budgets for outreach and summer programs.
• Evaluates and documents performance of programs, making or recommending improvements when appropriate.
• Prepares program communications, including creating and coordinating the dissemination of program materials.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in education and or a STEM-related field.
• Graduate degree, preferably in education and or a STEM-related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated strategic leadership skills along with at least 2-5 years of progressively increasing project management and educational outreach experience.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating outreach programming.
• Background working in or with Chicago Public Schools, the City Colleges of Chicago, and/or other institutions or organizations serving URM student populations.
• Collaborate and facilitate work within a broad network of colleagues across disciplines, departments, and community partners.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with STEM subject matter within the context of K-12 education and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with and/or a strong interest in advancing the scientific endeavor through education, engagement, and access.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to communicate effectively and cultivate positive working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the general public.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills and interest in building strong collaborations.
• Demonstrated commitment to an outreach educational mission focusing on equitable access to opportunities and broadening participation in STEM.
• Demonstrated ability to distill and communicate complex STEM concepts and information to a variety of audiences, including the general public.
• Proven ability to respond to and collaborate with diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to organize information in ways that promote accessibility and usability.
• Work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, towards mission-based goals.
• Manage several projects at the same time, anticipating challenges and using resources effectively, and with a vision for short- and long-term planning and implementation.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a focus on cultural responsiveness and social justice.
• Possess vision and creativity to develop and implement innovative ideas.
• Leverage collaborative teamwork and mutual support to achieve goals.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions, and works well in group problem-solving situations.
• Self-motivated and work independently and on a deadline.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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